Cessna launches ageing airframe safety education initiative

Cessna has launched a safety initiative to educate 100- and 200-series single-engine piston aircraft owners about new supplemental aircraft inspection procedures that will be added to Cessna service manuals.

Aimed at Cessna 100- and 200-series owners worldwide, the supplemental inspections cover Cessna single-engine piston aircraft produced between 1946 and 1986 (nearly 145,000 aircraft) when Cessna suspended production of piston aircraft. The inspections are currently being incorporated into the service manuals for the 200-series aircraft, while the change for the 100-series aircraft will be made in April 2012.

Cessna’s principal engineer for airframe structures, Beth Gamble, says the supplemental inspection program is primarily a visual process aimed at supporting the continued airworthiness of ageing airframes.

The criteria for initial visual inspections will vary by model and aircraft age, or hours of operation, and focus primarily on signs of corrosion or structural fatigue damage. Cessna authorised service providers will have special training and access to specific equipment for the inspections and for repairs, if required.

“Through this education effort we hope to answer most questions before we release the revised service manuals,” Gamble explained. “We encourage owners to check in with their local Cessna service affiliate at the appropriate times to have the mandatory inspections completed.

“Corrosion and fatigue are inevitable, but with early detection and proper maintenance, severity and effects can be minimised. The new inspection requirements we’ve developed are very simple, and are based on visual inspection that can be done quickly by a trained inspector during an annual inspection.”

Cessna is planning a series of education opportunities on the new inspection procedures starting with its authorised parts and service facilities. In the mean time, the manufacturer has produced an interactive presentation by way of explanation, which is available in the customer access section of the Customer Service page on its website.

They’ve also produced a short video explaining the inspection process, which you can watch below.