For those members who were unable to attend the Launceston Fly-In and general meeting, this is a quick review of what was covered during the technical talk.
We began with a review of recently issued FAA and CASA airworthiness directives (ADs) that may affect Cessna 200 series aircraft owners.
1. AD/CESS210/177 2023-02-17 – Carry Thru Spar Lower Cap Inspection Requirements
This AD applies only to Cessna 210N and 210R series aircraft. It mandates a visual inspection, Eddy current testing, and the application of a corrosion inhibiting compound (CIC) to the wing carry-through spar, in accordance with Textron Service Letter SEL-57-08 Revision 2. If you’ve already complied with some or all of the service letter (SL) requirements, the AD offers credit for those tasks. If full compliance has been met, only the reporting of results to the FAA is required. The AD became effective on 20 March 2023, with compliance required within 200 flight hours or one year — that is, by 20 March 2024. Note that a similar AD (AD/CESS210/177 2020-03-16) was issued on 9 March 2020 for earlier C210 models (G through M), referencing SEL-57-08 Revision 1. Compliance times for that AD have already passed.
2. AD/CON/2023-04-08 – Engine Counterweight Retaining Ring Inspection
This directive applies to Continental Aerospace Technologies (CAT) factory-assembled new or rebuilt engines and crankshaft assemblies sold as spare parts, as listed in Continental Mandatory SB MSB23-01 Revision A (dated 16 February 2023). If more than two years have passed since your engine or crankshaft left the factory, this AD does not apply. However, if you have a recently supplied factory engine or crankshaft, check whether your serial number is affected.
3. AD/2023-02-12 – Superior Airparts Cylinder Assembly & Intake Valve
Issued on 17 February 2023, this AD concerns inlet valves manufactured by Superior Airparts that may have been installed within the last 18 months in any Continental 470, 520, or 550 series engines. If your engine has had cylinder rectification work involving inlet valve replacement — or you’ve purchased new Superior Airparts cylinder kits — check with your maintenance organisation to verify compliance.
4. AD/CON&ELECT/2022-16-06 – S1200 Magneto Rotor Shaft Cam End Bearings
Referencing Continental CSB673C, this AD was issued on 15 August 2022. It applies to any factory-new or rebuilt S1200 series magnetos, as well as rotor shaft cam end bearings supplied between May and November 2021. If you have concerns or doubts, refer to CSB673 Revision 3 for details.
5. AD/CON/2022-04-04 – Oil Filter Adaptor Fibre Gasket Replacement
Issued on 19 March 2022, this directive only affects some Continental engines fitted with non-standard F&M or Stratus oil filter adaptors installed under STC. If you’re using a remote oil filter or a non-standard adaptor, I suggest you review the AD’s requirements in detail.
In addition to these updates, I spoke about the benefits of keeping engine RPM as low as possible during initial start-up — ideally around 600 RPM for the first 30 seconds to a minute — before increasing gradually in 100 RPM increments. This approach helps to stage-warm the engine, reducing premature wear and preventing cylinder choke damage.
I also reinforced the benefits of regular oil changes every 25 hours or at least every 4 months, and the use of Camguard oil additive to minimise internal corrosion — particularly on ferrous (bare steel) components.
Looking forward to catching up with you all at the October Fly-In at Orange.
Tony Brand
Director / Chief Engineer
Horsham Aviation Services