Aileron Trim System 'Sensitive' On CE-500 Type Aircraft

The FAA has issued its first Safety Alert For Operators (SAFO) for 2014, and the focus is the aileron trim system on Citation CE-500 business jets.

According to the FAA, in June 2007, a Cessna Citation CE-500 series airplane being operated by a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 135 air ambulance operator went down shortly after takeoff, fatally injuring the two pilots and four passengers. An NTSB investigation revealed that a misuse of aileron trim, which caused the pilot to lose control of the aircraft, was a contributing factor in the accident.

In July 2010, Cessna and the FAA conducted flight tests to evaluate the sensitivity of the aileron trim system. These tests found that the aileron trim system’s sensitivity is appropriate for its intended use. Due to the complexities of the aileron trim system, it is imperative that operators adhere to aircraft limitations and standard operating procedures (SOP). Pilots flying Citation CE-500 type aircraft should follow the manufacturer’s recommended procedures for the use of aileron trim including verifying that aileron trim is set properly prior to takeoff. When airborne, pilots should exercise caution when using aileron trim, avoiding excessive trim. Operators are recommended to verify that their CE-500 training programs are consistent with the manufacturer's recommended procedures for the use of the aileron trim system.

The SAFO recommends that Directors of Operations, Program Managers, Directors of Training, Training Center Managers, Check Pilots, Training Pilots, and flightcrews should be familiar with the content of the alert. They should address any deficiencies found in their manuals in regards to the manufacturer’s recommended procedures and work together to ensure that the content of this SAFO is incorporated into operational policy, provided to pilots during ground training, and reinforced in flight training and proficiency checks.

FMI: SAFO