Points Out Alternatives For AD Compliance

Following a recent AD to address seat tracks on a wide range of Cessna GA airplanes, the company released three alternative methods of compliance (AMOCs) to correct the issue. The FAA has now issued an SAIB advising owners and operators of the airplanes about those AMOCs.

AD 2011-10-09 currently requires repetitive inspections of the seat track areas with replacement of damaged parts on Cessna 150, 152, 170, 172, 175, 177, 180, 182, 185, 188, 190, 195, 206, 207, 210, T303, 336, and 337 series airplanes. Since issuance of AD 2011-10-09, the type-certificate holder (Cessna Aircraft Company) has made available three AMOCs for those who must comply with AD 2011-10-09.

Briefly, these AMOCs can be described as:

• Repair procedures for steel seat foot / roller housings for Cessna Series 150 and 152 airplanes;
• Relief for some operators from the required 100 hour repetitive seat track inspections; and
• Roller housing inspections for the various Cessna Models listed in AD 2011-10-09.
• Recommendations

The FAA recommends evaluation of the actions of AD 2011-10-09 and the AMOCs referenced in this SAIB to determine what is best for individual operators.

The FAA does not issue SAIBs on the availability of every AMOC. The agency looks at each AMOC individually and communicate the availability of an AMOC through the issuance of an SAIB when we identify any that would be of significant importance to the aviation public. Because we identified these AMOCs as having a potential efficient and cost effective impact on safety while addressing the unsafe condition of AD 2011-10-09, we have made this information available through this SAIB.

FMI: AMOC Letters