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Cessna Airworthiness Directive issued by FAA 150s & 152s

The FAA has issued an airworthiness directive (AD) for all Cessna 150 and 152s.  This AD  affects some 17,000 Cessnas and was first proposed in 2007.  The AD requires owners and operators to either install a placard in the aircraft which prohibits spins ansd other aerobatic maneuvers, or to replace some of the rudder parts.  These alterations to the airplane costs owners and operators about $500.00.

AOPA opposes this AD.  The aircraft owners association recommended that the FAA issue a special information bulletin for a one-time inspection of the rudder of the affected airplanes. 

The AD stems from two separate fatal crashes in a Cessna 150 and a Cessna 152  in which pilots were practicing spins and were unable to recover control of the aircraft. 

AOPA claimed that the aircraft in one of the fatal crashes was not airworthy and should have not been flying.  It was alleged that the second fatal crash was caused by improper installation of the Cessna's rudder bumpers. AOPA's president said that they were working with the FAA to try to mitigate the impact of the AD and has contacted the FAA's small airplane directorate to see why such a sweeping action was deemed necessary.  The Cessna Pilots Association (CPA) has voiced concerns over the AD being issued.

The FAA reasoned the AD was necessary because Cessna Inc. demonstrated that there could be contact between the rudder and elevator even when the aircraft met type design and Cessna felt the kit installation resolved that issue.   Cessna owners and operators must comply with the AD within 100 hours of operation of the affected aircraft after a June 17, 2009 deadline, or within 12 months of the date - which ever is first.  

If a family member or other loved one has been the victim of an aviation disaster you need an experienced aviation attorney.  Please call or click to speak directly with B. Keith Williams.    

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