ATR 72 design meets EASA CS‑25 rules for bird‑strike protection

The ATR 72’s two large propellers are exposed to bird strikes and the aircraft is certified under EASA’s CS‑25 framework. CS 25.631 requires the aircraft to be designed for continued safe flight and landing after impact with a defined bird at specified speeds and altitudes, while CS 25.775 mandates cockpit windshield panes directly in front of pilots to withstand such impacts without penetration.

Certification treats bird impact as an aircraft‑level hazard, considering effects on structural components, control systems, essential equipment and other systems, and the ATR 72 relies on multiple layers of protection rather than a single feature. Continuing airworthiness requirements cover ATR 72 variants to ensure maintenance and risk response throughout service life, and FAA Part 33 addresses bird ingestion for turbofans.