ATR Targets C Check Maintenance Interval Extension

TOULOUSE—ATR is devising a one- to two-year extension for C check maintenance intervals, which would take place every three or four years, increased from the current two-year interval, Daniel Cuchet, SVP of engineering said.

The improvement will come on top of previous extensions for heavy maintenance checks, such as the 12-year interval for the nose landing gear, up from nine years. The development is taking place against a backdrop of raising maintenance costs for operators, which face more expensive labor hours and spare components. The operators of the ATR 42 and ATR 72 regional turboprops have limited possibilities to increase airfares, as their customers cannot afford significant price hikes, Cuchet said.

ATR has been working on the idea for one year. The effort may involve the redesign of some parts, and the maintenance check may require more work every four years, but overall, it would reduce downtime and costs for carriers. The in-service ATR fleet stands at 1,300 aircraft, and their operators would welcome the move, Cuchet said.

Redesigns, if any, may be limited. “Some structural parts must be inspected every two years,” Cuchet said. “We are looking at modifying them so that their ability to withstand fatigue and corrosion is compatible with an inspection every four years.”

Moving to a three-year interval, in 2027-28, is the first step in ATR’s plan. The next step, to four years, will depend on the amount of redesign work needed on some parts, Cuchet said. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) may also agree to keep a design as-is. “The aircraft is designed for a life of 35-40 years, or 70,000 flight hr.,” Cuchet said. ATR engineers’ work may show some parts do not need an inspection every two years and may move to a three- or even four-year interval.