ATR 72
Last updated: 2026-04-21
The ATR 72 is a 70-seat twin-turboprop and Europe's most common regional turboprop, operated by over 30 European carriers and the primary turboprop stepping stone for frozen-ATPL pilots targeting airline careers. It is a workhorse of European EASA general-aviation training fleets, used at both DTO and ATO operators for hour-building and rating progression. Its twin-turboprop configuration is common in advanced CPL and IR multi-engine training programs.
What is the ATR 72 used for in flight training?
The ATR 72 type rating is the dominant regional turboprop qualification in Europe. Carriers including Loganair, Aegean, Air Nostrum, and Norra operate large ATR fleets and recruit at relatively modest total hours. The ATR 72-600 variant introduces a new digital cockpit that prepares pilots for modern avionics beyond the older analogue -500 series. Turbine hours on the ATR convert efficiently into jet-transition programmes because the handling philosophy and crew discipline match commercial airline standards. Most European airline cadet programmes target ATR 72 as the preferred first turboprop type.