Meanwhile, Cessna twin drivers are also facing the prospect of a complicated, $70,000-per-aircraft Airworthiness Directive affecting their 400-series models. During a two-day meeting earlier this month with owners and industry reps, the FAA “made the case for potential structural problems with the twin Cessnas’ wing spars,” according to AOPA‘s Luis Gutierrez, “and justified the agency’s moving forward with developing the directives.” As proposed, the ADs would require an estimated 485 man-hours’ work costing up to $70,000 per aircraft. That could ground much of the fleet of nearly 1,500 Cessna 401, 401A, 401B, 402, 402A, 402B, 402C, 411, 411A, and 414A aircraft and cost more than many of these aircraft are worth, AOPA said.
…As Cessna Wing-Spar AD Appears Inevitable…
Key Takeaways:
- The FAA is developing a complex Airworthiness Directive (AD) for Cessna 400-series twin aircraft, including models like the 401, 402, 411, and 414A.
- The AD is being issued due to potential structural problems identified with the wing spars of these aircraft.
- Compliance with the proposed AD is estimated to cost up to $70,000 per aircraft and require 485 man-hours of work.
- This significant cost could lead to many of the nearly 1,500 affected aircraft being grounded, as the expense may exceed their market value.
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