EASA AD 2025-0215
Stabilizers — Vertical Stabilizer to Rudder Junction Ribs and Lugs —Inspection / Replacement (Wrong Material)
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2025-0215 is an airworthiness directive addressing the inspection and replacement of vertical stabilizer to rudder junction ribs and lugs on ATR 42-500 and ATR 72-212A aeroplanes. The directive targets specific affected parts manufactured with incorrect materials that may compromise structural integrity. It applies to all manufacturer serial numbers listed in the directive's appendix and requires inspections and potential replacement of affected components.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory inspections and corrective actions for vertical stabilizer to rudder junction ribs and lugs found to be made from non-conforming materials. It establishes inspection intervals, defines affected aircraft groups, and mandates replacement of parts exceeding flight cycle limits or showing material deviations. The directive also requires reporting inspection results to ATR and provides interim measures pending further AD actions.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for maintaining the structural integrity of ATR 42-500 and ATR 72-212A aircraft by identifying and mitigating risks associated with incorrect material use in key stabilizer components. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must ensure timely inspections and repairs to prevent premature part failure, which could impact flight safety. Compliance with this AD ensures continued airworthiness and regulatory conformity.
What To Do
Operators of affected ATR 42-500 and ATR 72-212A aeroplanes must perform a special detailed inspection within 26 months of the AD's effective date for Group 1 aircraft and detailed visual inspections within 24 months after SRAS approval for Group 2 aircraft, repeating every 24 months thereafter. Any deviations or damage found must be repaired following ATR-approved instructions before further flight. Replacement of affected parts with serviceable ones is required before exceeding 36,000 flight cycles, with reporting of inspection results to ATR within 30 days after inspection completion.