Aircraft
Certification Service Washington, DC U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration
AIR-20-10
May 29, 2020
This is information only. Recommendations
aren’t mandatory.
Introduction
This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) advises owners
and operators of four alternative methods of compliance (AMOCs)
associated with AD 2020-03-16. It also responds to frequently asked
questions (FAQ) related to the AD.
Background
AD 2020-03-16 requires visual and eddy current inspections of the
Textron Model 210 carry-thru spar lower cap, corrective action if
necessary, application of a protective coating and corrosion inhibiting
compound (CIC), and reporting the inspection results to the FAA. This
AD was prompted by the in-flight break-up of a Textron Model T210M
airplane in Australia due to fatigue cracking that initiated at a
corrosion pit, and subsequent reports of other Textron Model 210-series
airplanes with widespread and severe corrosion. Airplanes affected
include Textron Aviation Inc. Models 210G, T210G, 210H, T210H, 210J,
T210J, 210K, T210K, 210L, T210L, 210M, and T210M.
Since issuance of AD 2020-03-16, the type-certificate holder, Textron
Aviation Inc., has made available four AMOCs for those who must comply
with AD 2020-03-16. These AMOCs:
Allow zinc-chromate primer
in-lieu of epoxy primer, provide additional time to apply protective
coatings and CIC after completing the visual and eddy current
inspections, and identify qualifications equivalent to the NAS 410
Level 2 Eddy Current requirements identified in SEL-57-08R1.
Clarify the eddy current
inspection of the lower cap kick required in AD 2020-03-16; this
specifically applies to the lower surface of the carry-thru spar lower
cap.
Extend the compliance time
for AD 2020-03-16 to September 9, 2020 or within 20 hours
time-in-service (TIS) after March 9, 2020, whichever occurs first. This
extension was based on difficulty meeting the 60 day compliance time
due to factors associated with the COVID-19 virus.
Provide alternative conversion coating options due to lack of availability in some regions.
Recommendations
The FAA recommends you evaluate the actions of AD 2020-03-16 and the
AMOCs referenced in this SAIB. Prior to use, contact the Wichita ACO
Branch or Textron Aviation Inc. for a copy of the Global AMOCs.
The FAA does not issue SAIBs on the availability of every AMOC. We
review each AMOC individually and communicate the availability of an
AMOC through the issuance of an SAIB when we identify any that may be
of significant importance to the aviation public.
FAQ
Q: Why is AD 2020-03-16 only applicable to Textron Models
210G/T210G through 210M/T210M? Why are Textron Models 210N/P210N/T210N
and 210R/P210R/T210R not included in AD 2020-03-16?
A: The design of the “early model” 210 airplanes (210G/T210G through
210M/T210M) was different than the design of the “late model” 210
airplanes (210N/P210N/T210N and 210R/P210R/T210R). The upper surface of
the carry-thru spar on the early model 210 airplanes is exposed to the
environment. This allows a pathway for moisture intrusion. The spar on
late model airplanes is covered with fuselage skin and is not exposed
to the environment. Additionally, Textron Aviation Inc. applied zinc
chromate primer to all late model 210 airplanes. Zinc chromate primer
was only offered as an option on early model 210 airplanes. Note that
corrosion has been observed on airplanes with factory applied zinc
chromate primer.
Q: Will the FAA issue an AD on the Textron Models 210N/P210N/T210N and 210R/P210R/T210R and Textron Model 177 airplanes?
A: The FAA has not made a final determination on AD action for these models.
Q: My spar was inspected following the Textron Aviation Mandatory
Single Engine Service Letter SEL-57-06 (or SEL-57-06R1 or SEL-57-08).
Do I need to redo the inspections to meet the requirements of the AD?
A: AD 2020-03-16 paragraph (l) allows for credit for previous actions.
The additional actions required on a specific airplane depend upon the
actions previously completed.
Q: I would like to deviate from the requirements of the AD, such as
using a different inspection method, using a different corrosion
inhibiting compound, etc. Is this possible?
A: If you wish to deviate from the requirements identified in AD
2020-03-16 you must request an Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC).
See Advisory Circular 39-10 for guidance on applying for an AMOC. Note
that AMOC requests must be supported by substantiating data showing
that the proposed AMOC resolves the unsafe condition with an acceptable
level of safety.
Q: AD 2020-03-16 paragraph (m) states that special flight permits are prohibited. Is there any way to reposition my airplane?
A: You may possibly obtain an AMOC to allow you to reposition your
airplane. See Advisory Circular 39-10 for guidance on applying for an
AMOC. Note that AMOC requests must be supported by substantiating data
showing that the proposed AMOC resolves the unsafe condition with an
acceptable level of safety.
Q: I had to remove my carry-thru spar from service due to corrosion or damage. Are there any replacement spars available?
A: Replacement spars are not currently available from Textron Aviation
Inc. Textron Aviation Inc. no longer produces the current spar design,
but they are working to develop a new spar design. The FAA does not
have a date on when these parts may be available. The FAA does not know
of any third parties currently producing spars for these airplanes.
Replacement spars may be available from salvage. Please note the
installation prohibition in AD 2020-03-16 paragraph (j).
Q: My spar had corrosion and required blending beyond the limits
permitted in Table 1 of SEL-57-08R1. Do I have to scrap my spar?
A: It depends. The Textron Model 210 carry-thru spars were manufactured
with some variation in the thickness of the upper and lower spar caps.
Table 1 of SEL-57-08R1 identifies the blend limits that are allowed on
any Textron Model 210 carry-thru spar subject to AD 2020-03-16 without
further evaluation. Additional material removal may be allowed on some
spars beyond that presented in Table 1 of SEL-57-08R1. However,
material removal exceeding that identified in Table 1 of SEL-57-08R1
requires an evaluation based upon the specific damage and geometry of
an individual airplane.
Q: Why doesn’t AD 2020-03-16 include a recurring inspection?
A: AD 2020-03-16 is an interim AD with a reporting requirement. The FAA
will analyze the inspection results received to determine what final
action may be required.
For Further Information Contact
Bobbie Kroetch, Aerospace Engineer, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100,
Wichita, KS 67209, United States; phone: (316) 946-4155; fax: (316)
946-4107; e-mail: bobbie.kroetch@faa.gov.
For Related Service Information Contact