EASA SIB CE-09-28
Float Equipped Air Tractor AT-802 and AT-802A Airplanes - Periodic Inspection and Repair for Aft Fuselage Diagonal Tubes
Summary
The Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) CE-09-28 is an FAA informational bulletin addressing periodic inspection and repair for aft fuselage diagonal tubes on float equipped Air Tractor AT-802 and AT-802A airplanes. It highlights the potential cracking of the aft fuselage diagonal tube, part number 11029-10, on airplanes prior to serial number -0259 when equipped with floats. The bulletin provides guidance on inspections and replacement procedures but does not mandate regulatory action.
What Changed
SAIB CE-09-28 introduces recommendations for initial and recurring inspections of the aft fuselage diagonal tube on float equipped Air Tractor AT-802 and AT-802A airplanes before serial number -0259. It also advises replacing the original thinner tube with a stronger thicker tube to prevent cracking. This bulletin supplements previous Air Tractor Service Letter #266 by emphasizing the issue's isolation to float equipped airplanes and providing FAA's position on the matter.
Why It Matters
This bulletin is important for aviation professionals because cracking of the aft fuselage diagonal tube can reduce structural safety margins, potentially affecting the airworthiness of float equipped AT-802 and AT-802A airplanes. Operators and maintenance organizations need to be aware of the inspection intervals and replacement recommendations to maintain aircraft safety and avoid unexpected structural failures. Compliance teams benefit from understanding that this is an informational bulletin without mandatory regulatory requirements but with strong FAA recommendations.
What To Do
Operators of float equipped Air Tractor AT-802 and AT-802A airplanes prior to serial number -0259 should inspect the aft fuselage diagonal tube within the next 25 flight hours following Snow Engineering Co. Service Letter #266. They should continue inspections every 100 flight hours and during annual inspections until the stronger replacement tube is installed. Any cracked tubes must be replaced before further flight, and it is recommended to replace the original thinner tube by the next major maintenance interval to prevent cracking.
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