NTSB Urges Expedited Air Traffic Control Services for ATR Aircraft in Icing Conditions

The National Transportation Safety Board, identified by reference number DCA95MA001, has issued a formal safety recommendation designated as A-94-183. This urgent directive calls upon the Federal Aviation Administration to take immediate action to enhance flight safety during adverse weather events. Specifically, the board advises issuing a general notice to air traffic control personnel. This notice would instruct controllers to provide expedited service to pilots operating ATR-42 and ATR-72 aircraft when they request deviations in route, altitude, or airspeed to avoid icing conditions. Furthermore, the recommendation urges the waiver of the one hundred seventy-five knot holding air speed restriction for these specific airplane models. This waiver is pending the acceptable outcome of a special certification effort currently underway. The board emphasizes the urgency of this matter to ensure that pilots can maneuver effectively to maintain safety margins when encountering hazardous atmospheric conditions.