EASA AD 2020-0097R1
SUPERSEDED BY EASA AD 2025-0205
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0097R1 is an updated directive addressing inspection and potential repair or replacement of passenger seat tracks on ATR 42 and ATR 72 aeroplanes. It applies to specific seat track part numbers manufactured between 2012 and 2017 and targets certain serial number ranges of ATR 42 and ATR 72 aircraft. The directive aims to ensure the structural integrity of seat tracks to prevent failure during emergency landings.
What Changed
This revision of EASA AD 2020-0097 reduces the applicability by excluding early production ATR 42 aeroplanes with serial numbers 001 to 362, which were found not to be affected by the unsafe condition. It updates the inspection requirements and clarifies the affected aircraft groups and parts to be inspected or repaired.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a potential structural deficiency in seat tracks that could compromise occupant safety during emergency landings. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent injury risks and ensure continued airworthiness of affected ATR 42 and ATR 72 aircraft. Compliance helps maintain regulatory adherence and supports safe evacuation procedures.
What To Do
Operators of affected ATR 42 and ATR 72 aeroplanes must perform a one-time detailed visual inspection of the specified seat tracks within 26 months after 18 May 2020. If defects are found, corrective actions must be completed within specified timeframes depending on the defect location. Installation of affected seat tracks is only allowed if the part has passed inspection or is otherwise serviceable.
Your fleet's weekly compliance brief
AI-summarized regulatory changes, compliance deadlines, and action items — filtered to your aircraft, every Monday.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.