After the recall, inspectors found problems with cables and bolts, a stall-warning sensor that hadn’t been hooked up, two cases of foreign objects in the aircraft and a rudder-trim chain off the sprocket. According to The Wichita Eagle, the company issued a statement on Monday saying it wants to meet informally with FAA officials “to reach a mutual understanding of the facts and of the final amount of the fine, if any, which is appropriate under the circumstances.” The statement did not elaborate on just how 12 airplanes could leave the factory with control-rigging deficiencies. Cessna spokeswoman Bree Cox yesterday told AVweb the company was surprised the FAA issued a news release before it had met with the company to discuss the proposed sanction. She declined to comment further until after the issue of sanctions is resolved with the FAA. The FAA says it’s already giving Cessna a break on the fine. Each of the 42 instances of uncertainty arising from the quality-control problems is subject to a $25,000 civil penalty ($1,050,000 in total) but the agency says it “would be willing to accept $840,000 in settlement of this matter.” If the two sides don’t cut a deal in the forthcoming meeting, the issue could go before an administrative law judge.
