Textron Aviation Inc. (Cessna) Single Engine Aeroplanes - Right-Hand Control Wheel Removal for Skydiving Operations
- Published
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of Cessna single-engine aircraft used for skydiving should inspect their aircraft to verify that when the right-hand control wheel is removed, the associated control tube is also removed. This modification should be performed by appropriately certificated and qualified personnel with experience on Cessna single-engine aircraft. No specific compliance deadline is stated, but immediate action is recommended to ensure safety.
Summary
The Safety Alert for Operators SAFO 20013 issued by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration addresses the removal of the right-hand control wheel on Textron Aviation Inc. (Cessna) single-engine aeroplanes used in skydiving operations. It warns against leaving the associated right-side control tube protruding from the instrument panel after removing the control wheel, as this poses a serious safety hazard. The affected aircraft specifically include Cessna single-engine, dual-control models such as the Cessna P206A.
What changed
SAFO 20013 introduces a safety warning that removing only the right-hand control wheel without also removing the associated control tube is an improper alteration. It highlights that leaving the control tube in place can cause injury to skydivers and may limit pilot control. The document recommends complete removal of both the control wheel and control tube for safe skydiving operations.
Why it matters
This alert is critical for aviation professionals involved in skydiving operations as improper removal of control components can lead to fatal accidents and compromise aircraft airworthiness. Operators and maintenance personnel must ensure compliance to prevent hazards to skydivers and maintain full aircraft controllability. Failure to adhere to these guidelines could result in unairworthy aircraft conditions and increased risk during flight.
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