Cessna 210 AD 2020-03-16 Effective date March 9, 2020
With the number of calls and emails we are receiving about the AD just released on some of the 210s, we felt that this might give you some of the answers to your questions. Please email us from our Contact Us tab if you have other questions that would be of benefit for other owners. The link to the AD is 2020-03-16
or you can copy and paste the following in a new window: https://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgad.nsf/0/4701f3c31ae2f4f186258515005e34da/$FILE/2020-03-16.pdf
This is the link for information about Alternative Methods of Compliance: AMOC
Will my insurance cover this? Some may. You would need to contact your insurance provider directly to be sure.
What is the cost? The compliance labor time will be anywhere from eight to twenty-four man hours, depending on the extent of the corrosion damage found, plus the cost of the eddy current.
Can you do the Eddy Current test? We would use a subcontractor for the eddy current NDT at the moment.
Where do I find a replacement spar if mine is deemed unairworthy? Aircraft salvage yards are the only source for replacements at the moment. Be aware that the replacement must pass the same inspection prior to installation. It will be VERY important to know the total in service time of any spar installed.
Will you find a replacement spar for my plane? The serviceable inventory has been virtually depleted. We do not know of any more available.
What is the cost to replace the spar if needed? Carry through replacement labor, using a used serviceable carry through, takes about 160 man hours but also has some variations.
How soon can you do the inspection on my spar? Our calendar is fully packed months in advance. We are working to make space to perform these very urgent inspections and will schedule as we’re able. Our scheduling priority will have to remain our current 210 customers.
What is the timeframe for Textron to make replacement spars? We have been assured that Textron has designed and is working to certify a replacement part. Our understanding is the replacement will be machined from 7075 aluminum instead of the original forging.
Is Textron making spars for all the 210 models involved or just some? Textron has not detailed their intentions on the replacements. Only that they are working towards production.
How much is Textron going to charge for the replacement spars? Textron has not mentioned any sort of target price point. My guess is that production cost spread out over the number of expected sales will have some impact.
I heard there’s someone out there making replacement spars-do you know anything about that? We have heard the same rumor but nothing more. While producing a replacement is a relatively simple process, getting it FAA approved is quite another. We don’t see this as a likely probability.
Do I have to reinstall the foam on the headliner after removing it for the inspection? The foam does not have to be reinstalled. However, it would be good to install some sort of FAA approved padding to protect passengers’ heads.
I had my spar inspected recently. Do I have to do all of this again? It depends on the extent of your previous inspection. AD 2020-03-16 paragraph (l) explains how to apply credit for previous action.
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What criteria has to be met in order for insurance to pick up inspection and repair costs for this AD?
Is the CPA, AOPA, other organizations in contact with Cessna to produce new “Carry Through Boxes” in an expeditious manner (60-90 days)? I can see here another case of price gouging by Cessna. They really want the c-210 to go away, thus reducing any chance of incurring further liability on their product.
We don’t have any connections with the insurance companies to be able to give any information about if/when/how they might cover this inspection and possible repairs. That would have to be directed to your insurance company. We are not aware of organizations such as CPA and AOPA contacting Cessna. Our conversation with Cessna is that they are working toward production on replacement spars, but our opinion is that we probably will not be seeing them ready to buy within the next 60 days.
Hi Paul,
I am a 210 owner based in Lusaka Zambia and my spar is going through the AD as we speak.
Some time back I seem to remember an article that you wrote where you assisted the FAA in mechanically bench testing one of these spars to failure, and if I remember correctly it took some doing.
I have searched the web for the article but cant find it – any chance you are able to dig it up and share it with me.
Many thanks in advance
Kind regards
Mark
Hi Paul,
I fly a 210 out of Lusaka, Zambia that is going though the AD as we speak.
I seem to recall an article you wrote some time ago about assisting the FAA with attempting to fail a 210 spar on a test bench but can’t find the article online. In light of the AD we are going through I wonder if you would consider publishing it again to put owners minds at ease. Irrespective of republication, please could I ask you for a copy of the article.
Kind regards
Mark
Do you have any updates on Textron’s development and production of new C-210 Spar Boxes for C-210 L aircraft?
Hi Ron, we do not have any new information from Textron on a timeframe for the replacement spar carry thru. We had optimistic hopes before Covid-19 for possibly by the end of the year, but now we are not hearing anything from them.
Hi, Are there any people chasing a 2nd serviceable carry through?
If so what are the replacement units going for?
We have not heard of any definite projects in the works outside of Textron for new replacement carry throughs. The most recent serviceable units seem to be selling in the $15K range, although we don’t know of any available.
Our 210 failed the inspection due to a spot of corrosion. The spar with tax is approx. $23,000 in California. The only place that we found that will replace the spar charges $30,000 to replace. Plus the cost to truck it to Northern California. No ferry permits issued. Does anyone know of a place in Southern California or anywhere that will do it at a reasonable price? We are based in Santa Maria, CA. Thank you for any info.