EASA SIB CE-09-20: Interference between the Seat Back upholstery and the Control Stick

What to do

Operators of the affected ACAC airplane models should perform the interference check and corrective actions as outlined in American Champion service letter number 432. This check should be completed within the next 30 flight hours and repeated annually or every 100 flight hours, whichever occurs first. Regular inspection of the seat back stop cable condition is advised to prevent interference issues over time.

Summary

The Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin SAIB: CE-09-20 is an FAA informational bulletin addressing a potential interference issue between the seat back upholstery and the control stick on American Champion Aircraft Corporation (ACAC) models 7AC, 7ACA, S7AC, 7BCM, 7CCM, S7CCM, 7DC, S7DC, 7EC, S7EC, 7ECA, 7FC, 7GC, 7GCA, 7GCAA, 7GCB, 7GCBC, 7HC, 7JC, 7KC, 7KCAB, 8KCAB, and 8GCBC airplanes. This bulletin informs operators about the possibility of interference when the rear folding seat back is down and the rear control stick is fully aft. The bulletin is advisory and does not mandate regulatory action under 14 CFR part 39.

What changed

This bulletin introduces awareness of a potential interference issue caused by improper or degraded seat back stop cables that may allow the rear seat back upholstery to contact the control stick in certain ACAC airplane models. It recommends compliance with American Champion service letter number 432 to inspect and address this interference. No new regulatory mandates or airworthiness directives are issued at this time.

Why it matters

Understanding this interference concern is important for aviation professionals to maintain safe control operation and prevent possible damage or control restriction. Operators and maintenance personnel need to monitor the condition of seat back stop cables to avoid degradation that could lead to interference. Proactive inspections help ensure continued airworthiness and operational safety without triggering mandatory corrective actions.