Club Homepage Forums Classified Ads Buy & Sell - Everything But Airplanes Poll: Rudder AD

Following the instructions on an AD related item such as the install instructions for the rudder stop kit, everyone needs to remember the following "NO Deviations or Substitutions Allowed".

If you and your mechanic remember that simple little phrase, it will go a long ways in keeping you out of trouble with the Feds. This is drilled into us at work, and is printed on the header of every page of any AD related paperwork.

If the instructions say to use an AN960-10L washer (1/32" thick steel washer, for 3/16" bolt or screw) don't even think about digging in the junk box and finding an using a AN960PD10L washer (aluminum version of the same washer). Same goes with any other piece of hardware. If a certain piece of hardware is called out, use that exact item, and nothing else. If it doesn't work as specified, its time to stop and call Cessna (or whoever the AD is against) and the responsible FAA office.

At work, our engineering department frequently puts in request for an AMOC (Alternate Method Of Compliance) for an AD either due to an airplane which was optioned or spec'ed out differently than the AD is written for, or the airplane has had a repair of some sort that makes compliance with the AD as written impossible. After several fiasco's and debacles, we have finally figured it out........ exactly as written, no exceptions.

In the case of this rudder stop AD, a real anal and enterprising mechanic might come up with a more accurate method of measuring the rudder travel. He might get it exactly 23° as called out, but if he didn't use the method specified in the maintenance manual, he did it wrong! Its easier to do it as specified than to try to lie your way out of it later on.

Charles

My thoughts, exactly! Very well stated, Charles!

Hi Bill,

I voted in your poll earlier indicating that it would not concern me were I contemplating buying an airplane in which the kit had not been installed. I would simply install the kit. But someone earlier posted a concern that placarding might indicate a lax maintenance philosophy that extends to other areas and that gave me pause. Hopefully a good mechanic could inspect the plane and logs and give me a good idea in that area.

No choice for Wilbur and me! I am about to order the kit (need to determine which one) and should have it installed by Clinton. I am completely unconcerned at the moment as the installation on Wilbur is correct (as opposed to both accident airplanes) and I show everyone who flies with me that there is no way the rudder will travel past and hook on the stop.

Bill K. and I did work for the FAA on this issue once the concern sheet was issued and advocated strongly against the AD.

Oh well!
Catherine

Thanks Caterine!

Bill
Grants pass, Oregon

I see that so far the general consensus is running close to two to one in favor of folks not being concerned about purchasing an aircraft without the rudder stop modification kit installed. I would be willing to wager that as folks get further educated about this, that gap is going to continue to widen.

Bill
Grants Pass, Oregon

Thanks for the pics, which were GREAT. Now at least I THINK I understand what is involved and why it might be a good idea to have it done.

Not going to rush right out and do it. But will eventually.

Amen.

ROGER THAT!!

Holy Necro post!!!!

That was 15 years ago!

The search box was utilized to good effect. Still a relevant topic.