AD/Cessna 400/119 Airframe Life Limitation (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.001(1) of CASR 1998.  The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

Cessna 400 Series Aeroplanes

AD/CESSNA 400/119 Airframe Life Limitation 2/2013

Applicability:

Cessna 441 Models, all serial numbers.

Requirement:

1.    Retire Airframe from service before exceeding 22,500 hours time in service; or

2.    Adopt a CASA Approved inspection program to allow operation beyond 22,500 hours time in service.

Note 1:  Substantial modification to the airframe may be required before an appropriate inspection program is approved by the Authority.

Note 2:  In developing an inspection program consideration must be given to the principles of damage tolerance.  A damage tolerant analysis of critical sites is required such that inspections include probable locations of damage due to fatigue, corrosion or accidental damage per FAR 23.573(b).  For guidance on this aspect refer to FAA Advisory Circular 23-13A “Fatigue, Failsafe and Damage Tolerance Evaluation of Metallic Structure for Normal, Utility, Aerobatic and Commuter Category Airplanes”.

Compliance:

Forthwith.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 30 January 2013.

Background:

Cessna have published a limit of validity to Supplemental Inspections. Operation beyond the limit of validity requires fatigue life justification.

Rick Leeds
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

22 January 2013