EASA AD 2025-0024
SUPERSEDED BY EASA AD 2025-0080
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2025-0024 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting ATR 42 and ATR 72 aeroplanes. It addresses a potential unsafe condition related to the aft cargo compartment fire extinguisher distribution piping, specifically a disconnected fire extinguishing tube found during final assembly inspections. The directive applies to various ATR 42 and ATR 72 models with specific modification and serial number applicability.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a mandatory one-time functional check of the aft cargo fire extinguishing system to detect any disconnections or discrepancies. It also requires corrective actions if any issues are found during the check, with instructions provided by ATR's Airworthiness Operators Message 2024/13. The directive updates the applicability of the check based on revised ATR guidance.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for ensuring the effectiveness of the cargo compartment fire extinguishing system, which is vital for flight safety. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent potential fire suppression failures that could compromise aircraft safety. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and adherence to European aviation safety regulations.
What To Do
Operators of affected ATR 42 and ATR 72 aeroplanes must perform a one-time functional check of the aft cargo fire extinguishing system within 750 flight hours or 6 months from 5 February 2025, whichever occurs first. If any discrepancies are found, corrective actions must be taken before the next flight following ATR's instructions or, if necessary, approved alternative instructions from ATR. Compliance with the latest issue of ATR AOM 2024/13 is required.