EASA AD 2025-0205R3
Fuselage — Passenger Seat Tracks — Inspection / Replacement
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2025-0205R3 is an updated regulatory requirement addressing inspection and replacement of passenger seat tracks on ATR 42 and ATR 72 aeroplanes. It applies to multiple ATR 42 and ATR 72 models and mandates detailed visual inspections and corrective actions for specific seat track part numbers to ensure structural integrity. The directive aims to prevent potential seat track failures during emergency landings that could cause occupant injury or hinder evacuation.
What Changed
This revision expands the list of affected seat track part numbers and adds more manufacturer serial numbers requiring inspection. It also introduces additional acceptable methods of compliance for certain seat configurations and updates the service bulletin references. The directive supersedes the previous AD 2025-0205R2 and incorporates new inspection instructions and compliance conditions.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for operators and maintenance organizations to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of ATR 42 and ATR 72 aircraft by identifying and rectifying potentially defective seat tracks. Compliance reduces the risk of structural failure of seat track attachments during emergency landings, thereby protecting passengers and crew. It also affects parts installation policies and maintenance planning, requiring close attention from compliance teams.
What To Do
Operators of affected ATR 42 and ATR 72 aeroplanes must perform a one-time detailed visual inspection of specified seat tracks within 26 months from 6 October 2025. Any defects found must be corrected according to the applicable service bulletin instructions within specified timeframes. Installation of affected seat tracks is only permitted if the parts are serviceable, and certain aircraft configurations may qualify for alternative compliance methods. Maintenance records should reflect compliance with this directive.