Single Cessna Life Limits
Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2022 2:22 am
During some online research I came across an article I found “interesting” which discusses life-limits Cessna has placed on certain models.
This was interesting in a particular aspect because my ‘53 year model is registered (by FAA) as a 1952 model. While I question the validity of Cessna’s attempt to limit the lives retroactively of these airplanes, …. This (FAA thinking my ‘53 is a ‘52) might actually have some benefit if considered in terms of the following paragraph:
“ That’s why Cessna’s Special Inspection Documents now put a life limit on the Cessna 172 airframe (and a few other single-engine models, as well) of 30,000 hours. Cessna created a Supplemental Inspection Document aimed at tracking airframe fatigue, but it is valid only for aircraft that have fewer than 30,000 hours on the airframe. “Beyond this, continued airworthiness of the airplane can no longer be assured,” the Supplemental Inspection Document says. “Retirement of this airframe is recommended when 30,000 flight hours have been accumulated.” The document is listed on a portion of the Cessna Aircraft Web site that requires registration and a password. ] The limit applies to 100-series Cessna airplanes (1953-1968), 150-series (1969 through 1976), the 152 (1978-1985), the 172 (1969-1986), the 182 (1977-1986), the 180/185 (1981-1985), and 177 (1976-1981) models. The 1986 172 and earlier models are subject to it, as are the 1997 and newer models.”
Here’s the complete AOPA article:
https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all ... of-the-new
This was interesting in a particular aspect because my ‘53 year model is registered (by FAA) as a 1952 model. While I question the validity of Cessna’s attempt to limit the lives retroactively of these airplanes, …. This (FAA thinking my ‘53 is a ‘52) might actually have some benefit if considered in terms of the following paragraph:
“ That’s why Cessna’s Special Inspection Documents now put a life limit on the Cessna 172 airframe (and a few other single-engine models, as well) of 30,000 hours. Cessna created a Supplemental Inspection Document aimed at tracking airframe fatigue, but it is valid only for aircraft that have fewer than 30,000 hours on the airframe. “Beyond this, continued airworthiness of the airplane can no longer be assured,” the Supplemental Inspection Document says. “Retirement of this airframe is recommended when 30,000 flight hours have been accumulated.” The document is listed on a portion of the Cessna Aircraft Web site that requires registration and a password. ] The limit applies to 100-series Cessna airplanes (1953-1968), 150-series (1969 through 1976), the 152 (1978-1985), the 172 (1969-1986), the 182 (1977-1986), the 180/185 (1981-1985), and 177 (1976-1981) models. The 1986 172 and earlier models are subject to it, as are the 1997 and newer models.”
Here’s the complete AOPA article:
https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all ... of-the-new