FAA proposes new inspection rules for certain Textron Model 408 airplanes
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This proposal would require owners and operators of certain Textron Aviation Model 408 airplanes to update their maintenance program so it includes new detailed inspections of the horizontal and vertical stabilizer spars. The FAA says the change is meant to catch cracks that could weaken the aircraft or reduce control, with a possible loss of control if ignored. The rule applies to Model 408 airplanes with serial numbers -0012 through -0051. Operators would need to revise the aircraft maintenance manual or continued airworthiness instructions and the approved inspection program within 150 hours time-in-service or 12 months, whichever comes first. The FAA estimates the cost at $85 per airplane, or about $2,380 for all affected U.S. aircraft.
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Key Changes
- Requires a maintenance-program update to add detailed inspections for the horizontal stabilizer spar and the vertical stabilizer spar.
- Applies only to Textron Aviation Model 408 airplanes with serial numbers -0012 through -0051.
- Sets a deadline of 150 hours time-in-service or 12 months after the rule takes effect, whichever comes first.
Obligations
What this law requires
Owners and operators of Textron Aviation Inc. Model 408 airplanes with serial numbers -0012 through -0051 must revise the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of the existing Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) or Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA), as applicable, and the existing approved maintenance or inspection program to incorporate the new inspection tasks for the horizontal and vertical stabilizer spars.
Affected operators must add the Horizontal Stabilizer Spar Detailed Inspection task (Task No. 55-10-00-221) to the maintenance program for Model 408 airplanes with serial numbers -0012 through -0040, with a 1600 flight-hour interval and the specified inspection references/zones.
Affected operators must add the Vertical Stabilizer Spar Detailed Inspection task (Task No. 55-30-00-221) to the maintenance program for Model 408 airplanes with serial numbers -0012 through -0051, with a 1600 flight-hour interval and the specified inspection references/zones.
After completing the required ALS revision, operators may not use alternative actions, thresholds, or intervals for the affected inspection tasks unless the FAA approves an Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC).
Before using any approved AMOC, operators must notify their principal inspector or, if none exists, the manager of the local Flight Standards District Office/certificate holding district office.