June 12, 2020 – The FAA has issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking revising an earlier proposal affecting certain Cessna 172, 182, 206, and 210 models. The SNPRM updates estimated costs of compliance with the proposed AD, repetitive inspection intervals, and credit allowed for previous actions. The comment period has been reopened and closes on July 10, 2020.
The NPRM was opened in February 2018 in response to a report of cracks found in the lower forward cabin doorpost bulkhead. The proposed AD would require repeated inspection of the area at the strut attach fitting for cracks followed by necessary repairs.
In the original proposal, the FAA recommended a 12-month inspection period. Based on comments received, this has been changed to 36 months or 1,000 TIS.
The AD would require installation of a service kit in the area of inspection in the event cracks are found. There were some questions regarding whether additional inspections would be necessary following installation of this kit and whether the kit should be removed for later inspections. The FAA clarified that owners may install the service kit prior to observing cracking but determined that there is insufficient evidence that the kit corrects the potentially unsafe condition enough to warrant discontinuing inspections. It also noted that once installed, the kit need not be removed during later inspections provided cracks have not developed beyond the modified parts.
