EASA AD 2025-0011
Ice and Rain Protection — De-icing System / Pressure Regulator and Shut-Off Valve — Functional Checks
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2025-0011 is an airworthiness directive addressing the Ice and Rain Protection system, specifically the De-icing System Pressure Regulator and Shut-Off Valve (PRSOV) functional checks on ATR 42 and ATR 72 aeroplanes. This directive applies to all manufacturer serial numbers of ATR 42-200 through ATR 42-500 and ATR 72-101 through ATR 72-212A models. It mandates repetitive functional checks of the PRSOV to ensure continued airworthiness and safety.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces reduced intervals for the functional checks of the PRSOV due to identified risks of dormant failures that could lead to loss of control in icing conditions. It requires operators to perform these checks before exceeding 750 flight hours or 6 months after the effective date and then at specified intervals depending on the aircraft group. Corrective actions must be taken immediately if discrepancies are found during the checks.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a safety risk related to the PRSOV that could compromise aircraft control in icing conditions. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply with the updated inspection intervals to prevent potential failures. Ensuring timely functional checks and corrective actions helps maintain aircraft safety and regulatory compliance, reducing the risk of incidents caused by dormant component failures.
What To Do
Operators of ATR 42 and ATR 72 aeroplanes must perform the PRSOV functional check within 750 flight hours or 6 months from 24 January 2025, whichever occurs first, and continue at intervals defined by the aircraft group (650, 700, or 1050 flight hours). If any discrepancies are detected during these checks, corrective actions must be completed before the next flight following the ATR Airworthiness Operators Message instructions or with ATR-approved procedures. Previous checks and corrective actions performed according to earlier AOM issues are acceptable for compliance.