Cessna Maintenance

[down north]

Good Day,

I am looking at picking up a Cessna 150 and have a few questions in regards to life limit items.

Is a fixed pitch propeller TBO mandatory? The prop on this aircraft is past the 10 year manufacturer recommended TBO, but not passed the hour limit. I am wondering if the overhaul is required in order to pass the annual inspection?

Secondly what other items (besides the engine) need to be inspected at set time intervals? I know the ELT needs to be re-certified once per year, compass swing needs to be done annually, etc. If I remember correctly the Tach & Altimeter needs to be re-calibrated/checked but am not sure how often. I believe the First Aid Kit also needs to be signed off?

Cessna also sets recommendations such as the restraint system needs to be replaced every 10 years, Vacuum Filter every 500 hrs, Vacuum System hoses every 10 years, Pitot and Static Hoses every 10 years, and Engine hoses every 10 years. Are these items mandatory to keep the aircraft airworthy?

This particular aircraft was manufactured in 1975, but the airframe technical logs goes back to about 1980. Is this a huge cause for concern?

Lastly if someone can provide me with contact info for good Cessna Parts dealer this would be much appreciated.

Thank You.

[iflyforpie]

Private light aircraft fall under CAR 625 Appendix B and C. This doesn't eliminate manufacturer's checklists, but does modify or replace them in some cases.

Appendix B

Appendix C

I suggest you read each of those thoroughly, since you as the owner of an aircraft are responsible for its airworthiness.

For a fixed pitch propeller, a corrosion and dimensional check is required every 5 yrs. This is not an overhaul.


Cessna does have a lot of new items that came in around five years ago which can become quite expensive (like pitot-static line replacement, vacuum hose replacement, seat belt replacement). The first commercial operator of light Cessnas I worked for had to replace everything. At the current one I work for, we got a different maintenance schedule approved that put all of those items 'on-condition'. I would not bother replacing any of these items that don't look like they need replacing.

For the other items. Vacuum and gyro filters cost like $3 and $30 respectively, while vacuum pumps and gyros tend to cost $600 and $1000 respectively. I'd replace them every five years regardless of hours. Each item should be weighed likewise with regards to cost-benefit and airworthiness.

[azimuthaviation]

Pitot/Static line replacement every 5 years? Why on earth? It doesnt even match up with the bi-annual altimetry test schedule.

Edit: just read again, even at ten years seems a bit much

[iflyforpie]

Pitot/Static line replacement every 5 years? Why on earth? It doesnt even match up with the bi-annual altimetry test schedule.

Edit: just read again, even at ten years seems a bit much

It is a bit of overkill, but I've seen those plastic lines turn into the consistency of macaroni when more than 20 years old.

[down north]

Pitot/Static line replacement every 5 years? Why on earth? It doesnt even match up with the bi-annual altimetry test schedule.

You know that is what I thought too, until I spoke to a Maintenance person at my TC Office.
I was refereed to this chart:



So here are the time limit items I have come up with:

ELT - Rectify Annually
Altimeter - Calibrate Bi-Annually
Compass Swing - Annually
Pitot Static System Check - Bi-Annually?
Propeller Dimension & Corrosion Check - Every 5 Years
Propeller Balance - Every 5 Years
Transponder Check - Every 2 Years
Inspect First Aid Kit - Every Year
Inspect Fire Extinguisher - Every Year
100 hr inspection - Annually or at 100 Hrs
Engine Overhaul - At TBO (Not Mandatory)
Prop Overhaul - At TBO or 10 Years (Mandatory)

Am I missing or incorrect in any of these items?
Are all these items mandatory?
I appreciate the feedback as I have been constantly getting conflicting answers. For example the Prop manufacturer told me the TBO is only a manufacturer recommendation and not mandatory, but the person at TC told me it must be done at TBO or 10 Years...

[who me ?]

I think you missed the trim tab actuator 3 years or 1000 hours which ever comes first. ( overhaul )

[culver10]

100 hr inspection - Annually or at 100 Hrs

A Private aircraft maintained under CAR's 625 requires ONE 100HR/Annual inspection per year, period. It does not matter if you only fly 5 hours, or 500 hours per year. An owner would be CRAZY to fly 500/inspection, but it would be legal.

[CBAME]

This one is often overlooked From CAr 625 Appendix C

8. Tachometers

The accuracy of mechanical drag cup type tachometers, for fixed wing propeller driven aircraft, shall be checked on site annually, and be accurate to within the tolerances established by the aircraft manufacturer or, where no tolerance has been specified by the aircraft manufacturer, to within +\- 4% of engine RPM at mid-point of the cruise range.
(amended 2000/12/01; previous

I would also include an Oil change every 6 months or 50 hours.

[Hornblower]

Pitot/Static line replacement every 5 years? Why on earth? It doesnt even match up with the bi-annual altimetry test schedule.

You know that is what I thought too, until I spoke to a Maintenance person at my TC Office.
I was refereed to this chart:



So here are the time limit items I have come up with:

ELT - Rectify Annually
Altimeter - Calibrate Bi-Annually
Compass Swing - Annually
Pitot Static System Check - Bi-Annually?
Propeller Dimension & Corrosion Check - Every 5 Years
Propeller Balance - Every 5 Years
Transponder Check - Every 2 Years
Inspect First Aid Kit - Every Year
Inspect Fire Extinguisher - Every Year
100 hr inspection - Annually or at 100 Hrs
Engine Overhaul - At TBO (Not Mandatory)
Prop Overhaul - At TBO or 10 Years (Mandatory)

Am I missing or incorrect in any of these items?
Are all these items mandatory?
I appreciate the feedback as I have been constantly getting conflicting answers. For example the Prop manufacturer told me the TBO is only a manufacturer recommendation and not mandatory, but the person at TC told me it must be done at TBO or 10 Years...

Your TC buddy is wrong (no surprise there). What he showed you was a page out of the Cessna manual, which is only recommended replacement by Cessna for liability reasons. Cessna does not make the rules, the Government does (The Governor in Council to be exact). What you are required to do, is what is in the CARs, specifically what CAR 605.86 requires, which will lead you (eventually) to CAR standard 625 appendix B, and some of what’s in appendix C as applicable. THERE ARE NO LIFE LIMITED ITEMS ON A CESSNA 150.

Your list is partially right:

ELT - Rectify Annually performace test IAW CAR std 571 appendix G

Altimeter - Calibrate Bi-Annually … if operated IFR or in class B or C airspace or other txponder airspace

Compass Swing – Annually - ya

Pitot Static System Check - Bi-Annually? Not really, but since you take the altimeter out bi-annually you have to check the static system for leaks after it has been opened … essentially

Propeller Dimension & Corrosion Check - Every 5 Years yes … but a simple check that can be carried out by an AME with a tape measure and a pair of glasses … no need to send to a prop shop.

Propeller Balance - Every 5 Years – I don’t know where this comes from, and in any case is not required.

Transponder Check - Every 2 Years – performance check IAW CAR std 571 appendix F … regardless of type of airspace operated in.

Inspect First Aid Kit - Every Year - I don’t know where this comes from, and in any case is not required. … but maybe a good idea if you are in doubt … not a maintenance task, you can do it yourself any time you want to - no log entry required.

Inspect Fire Extinguisher - Every Year - I don’t know where this comes from, and in any case is not required. … but maybe a good idea if you are in doubt … not a maintenance task, you can do it yourself any time you want to - no log entry required..

100 hr inspection - Annually or at 100 Hrs – annually only if private 100 hrs does not apply but may be a good idea . If you were going to fly 120 -130 hrs a year I would only do an annual inspection and maybe a few oil changes; if it were mine that's what I'd do.

Engine/prop Overhaul - At TBO (Not Mandatory) not require for private

[hz2p]

Inspect First Aid Kit - Every Year - I don’t know where this comes from

TP 12862

in any case is not required

In the case of an FTU, it certainly is. Transport says:

The first aid kit shall be inspected on a annual basis, dated and signed by the person how conducted the inspection.

Pitot Static System Check - Bi-Annually? Not really

Yes, really. See CAR 625 App C(13) which refers you to 571 App B which details the leakdown tests which must be performed.

Standard 571 Appendix B - Altimeter System Test and Inspection
Canadian Aviation Regulations 2010-2

The standards of airworthiness applicable to the performance of an altimeter or altimeter system test and inspection are:

(a) For static pressure systems:

(4) the leakage rate of the system shall not exceed the following tolerances:

[iflyforpie]

For example the Prop manufacturer told me the TBO is only a manufacturer recommendation and not mandatory, but the person at TC told me it must be done at TBO or 10 Years...

The person at TC thinks your 150 has a constant speed prop. It's 5 yr corrosion and dimensional check only. I don't believe there is a TBO on most fixed pitch props. There isn't anything to 'overhaul' anyways.

[Hornblower]

Inspect First Aid Kit - Every Year - I don’t know where this comes from

TP 12862

in any case is not required

In the case of an FTU, it certainly is. Transport says:

The first aid kit shall be inspected on a annual basis, dated and signed by the person how conducted the inspection.

Never believe anything you read in a TP doc ... alot of BS for the most part. If they ain't quotin' a reg, it ain't required. And an FTU doesn't need to do it anymore than a private pilot ... although sometimes it's not worth the hassel to disagree with TC ... ask Cat Driver

Pitot Static System Check - Bi-Annually? Not really

Yes, really. See CAR 625 App C(13) which refers you to 571 App B which details the leakdown tests which must be performed.

Standard 571 Appendix B - Altimeter System Test and Inspection
Canadian Aviation Regulations 2010-2

The standards of airworthiness applicable to the performance of an altimeter or altimeter system test and inspection are:

(a) For static pressure systems:

(4) the leakage rate of the system shall not exceed the following tolerances:

Yes but you see it's really not a stand alone task, as it is not referenced as a task in appendix C, only as a requirement when you open/close a static system. So by default you will have to do it when you remove and reinstall the altimeter, but otherwise no. In any case it doesn't really matter whether it's an OOP task or not, it will need to be done with the altimeter calibration

[ruddersup?]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I think if you open the pitot stat system anywhere, for guage replacement or ? you only have to do a static test if you think you might have a leak where you disturbed it.

[Cranium]

No - you have to do a pitot-static leak check anytime the system is disturbed in any way.

http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/civilaviation/r ... 1-1998.htm
(i) Opening &Closing Pressure Systems (positive or negative pressure), other than opening by means of
- a quick-disconnect,
- a self-sealing drain valve;
- an oil or fuel fill/servicing cap
(i) The pressure system is tested, inspected, and found to be properly connected and within leakage tolerances specified in the regulations, standards, or the aeronautical product manufacturer’s specifications, as applicable; and,

(ii) Where the work is performed on an altimeter or pitot-static system, the leak check outlined in Appendix B shall be complied with in conformity with section 571.10 of the CARs.
Information Note:

In the case of the pitot-static system, only a leak check is required at this time. The full calibration cycle tabled in Appendix B is only required at the 2 year interval tabled in the Aircraft Equipment and Maintenance Standards (625).

[Wonderdog]

Wonderful bunch of engineers on this a/c purchase ?

if you are private owner, i would read the regs and worry about packing your bags light, so as to include a fishiing rod.
good form folks.

tc is there when u require solid answers, but this is canada.
be well with a tool in the back.
Engineer@ large.
SMcL.

[RFlyer]

In the lists above, just checking. When you say "bi-annually" in the lists above you mean every 2 years, not twice a year, right? Asking because in the same list the transponder check is listed as "every 2 years" which is also bi-annually.

[photofly]

Every two years is actually biennially.

[ozone]

If you don't have a transponder installed you don't have to worry about the altimeter pitot static test at all.

[cgartly]

Hi Guys,

I just downloaded the Cessna Revision Status Checklist and ordered the appropriate TR's to ensure that I had an up to date maintenance manual and then I stumbled across this thread quoting various time limits referred to in Temporary Revision 2.

In the Revision Status Checklist in lists the following TR's for D2065-3-13

D2065-3TR4-13
D2065-3TR5
D2065-3TR6

There is no temporary revision 1 or 2 listed on Cessna's revision status checklist. Does that mean that TR 1 & 2 are no longer in effect or is this an error on Cessna's part?

Anyone know where I can find a copy of TR1 & TR2 without waiting another two weeks to order from Cessna?

Thanks!

[trey kule]

I apologize for the thread drift here , but
does anyone know if three is a similar requirement by the FAA in the US?

you have to do a pitot-static leak check anytime the system is disturbed in any way

.

[GyvAir]

does anyone know if three is a similar requirement by the FAA in the US?

you have to do a pitot-static leak check anytime the system is disturbed in any way

.

See: 91.411(a)(2)

Similar requirement. I haven't researched it through and through though.