Corrosion Control for Aircraft (Part 1 of 2)

Corrosion Protection and Control Program

SB12-57-01 Skycatcher Spar Improvement

                 Cessna published Service Bulletin SB12-57-01 Wing Strut Attach Modification for the 162 Skycatcher, as a result of finding cracks in the wing spar web on the fatigue test article at fasteners common in the spar web, and the wing strut attach fitting. The test article endured 11,041 flight/landing cycles in over 8000 hours of testing. During compliance with this service bulletin cracks have been identified in field aircraft.

                     Cessna issued Safety Alert SA162-57-01R1 in response to the cracks found. This Safety Alert requires a visual inspection of the wing spar prior to further flight on any 162 with 300 or more operating hours and a repetitive 25 hour visual inspection on all 162s until SB12-57-01 has been accomplished.

The spar improvement requires removal and replacement of a section of the leading edge skin. An eddy current inspection of the spar web is carried out to assure no cracks are present. Two nested angles at the top and bottom of the spar and an additional leading edge rib forward of the strut attach fitting are installed. The leading edge skin section is replaced with a new part containing additional inspection access panels.

Compliance is mandatory and shall be accomplished at the next 100 hour or at the next annual condition inspection. Cessna will cover the cost of this modification when it is accomplished at an Authorized Service Facility within 12 months of the bulletin publication date. Copies of these publications are available online at www.cessna.com.

CAL-53-01 Fuselage MLG Fitting Attachment Inspection

CAL-53-01 Fuselage MLG Fitting Attachment Inspection Caravan

 Cessna  Caravan Service Letter CAL-53-01 to verify that all of the bolts are installed correctly in the lower gear attach fittings.         The service letter is to be accomplished during the next 400 hour or annual inspection. The bolts can be seen using a mirror and flashlight once the upper main gear fairings have been pulled away from the fuselage as shown below.

Labor cost will be reimbursed to inspect aircraft that are still within their warranty period per the guidelines in CAL-53-01.

If bolts are found to be missing, the access panels in the floor sheet will need to be removed to allow for installation of the missing bolts. The full text of the bulletin is available at Cessna.com under the support tab, through the customer access link.