EASA SIB CE-10-39
American Champion (formerly Bellanca) - Possible Interference between the Front Seat Lap Belt and the Rear Rudder Pedals
Summary
The Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin SAIB: CE-10-39 is an FAA informational bulletin addressing a potential interference issue between the front seat lap belt and the rear rudder pedals on American Champion Aircraft Corporation models 7ECA, 7GCAA, 7GCBC, 7KCAB, 8KCAB, and 8GCBC. The bulletin highlights a concern discovered after an incident involving an 8KCAB Decathlon where the rear rudder pedal caught on the front seat aerobatic harness. This bulletin provides guidance but does not mandate regulatory action.
What Changed
SAIB CE-10-39 introduces awareness of a possible interference between the front seat Hooker dual lap belt aerobatic harness and the rear rudder pedals on specified American Champion aircraft models. It references American Champion Service Letter number 433, which recommends a flight manual supplement for pre-flight checks and a modification moving the front seat upper secondary lap belt anchor fitting to increase clearance and prevent interference.
Why It Matters
This information is important for operators, maintenance personnel, and compliance teams to prevent inadvertent rudder pedal restriction or unintended braking caused by lap belt interference. Addressing this issue helps maintain safe aircraft control during critical phases like landing and avoids potential runway excursions. Proactive incorporation of the service letter reduces risk without requiring mandatory regulatory action.
What To Do
Operators of affected American Champion models equipped with Hooker dual lap belt harnesses should incorporate American Champion Service Letter number 433. They should perform the recommended pre-start and pre-flight checks for proper lap belt tension and clearance, and if applicable, modify the lap belt anchor fitting as described to ensure adequate clearance from the rear rudder pedals. No specific compliance deadline is stated.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.