AD 2004-12-13

Recurring final rule
Data completeness: 80%

Airworthiness Directives; Aerospatiale Model ATR42-500 and ATR72-212A Series Airplanes

AD Number
2004-12-13
Status
final_rule
Effective Date
Product Category
aircraft
Docket
Docket No. 2002-NM-301-AD
FR Citation
69 FR 33834

Applicability

TypeManufacturerModelDetails
aircraft Aerospatiale Model ATR42-500 and ATR72-212A Series Airworthiness Directives; Aerospatiale Model ATR42-500 and ATR72-212A Series Airplanes

Unsafe Condition

Cracking of the upper closing rib of the vertical fin could result in interference between the upper closing rib and the rudder, leading to a rudder jam and reduced controllability of the airplane.

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Required Actions

Perform a detailed inspection for cracking of the upper closing rib of the vertical fin within 500 flight hours after the effective date, and repeat the inspection every 500 flight hours. Measure the planarity of the upper closing rib and the gap between the rudder horn and the upper closing rib before further flight following the initial inspection. Repair any cracks or anomalies found, using an approved method.

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Compliance Time

Within 500 flight hours after the effective date

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Affected Aircraft

Aerospatiale Model ATR42-500 and ATR72-212A series airplanes, certificated in any category, on which Aerospatiale Modification 4440 has been accomplished, except specific serial numbers as noted in the AD.

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Source: Official FAA Source ↗

Retrieved: Apr 4, 2026

Rights: U.S. Government Public Domain

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