EASA AD 2026-0038 — Air Conditioning — Integrated Air System Control — Modification
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2026-0038 is issued for ATR42-500 and ATR72-212A aeroplanes to address issues with the Integrated Air System Control (IASC) software. The directive mandates modification of the air conditioning system software to an improved version to prevent abnormal cabin pressure increases during take-off. This AD applies to all manufacturer serial numbers of the specified ATR models.
What Changed
This new Airworthiness Directive introduces a requirement to replace the affected IASC software versions 3.1 and 4.0 with the improved software version 5.0. It prohibits the installation or re-installation of the affected software on any aeroplane and requires compliance within 750 flight hours or 6 months for certain groups of aircraft. The AD also allows for alternative compliance if later approved software versions are installed.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for maintaining safe cabin pressure levels and preventing rapid cabin altitude changes that could adversely affect passengers and crew. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to avoid potential physiological risks and regulatory non-compliance. The update also ensures continued airworthiness and operational safety of ATR42-500 and ATR72-212A aircraft fleets.
What To Do
Operators of ATR42-500 and ATR72-212A aeroplanes must install the improved IASC software version 5.0 within 750 flight hours or 6 months after 12 March 2026, whichever occurs first. They must also refrain from installing any affected software versions on any aircraft from the effective date of the AD. Alternative compliance is permitted if later approved software versions are installed according to ATR instructions.