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.