Schedule Now for SB237 Inspection
Members of Twin Commander's authorized Service Center network report brisk activity in scheduling the inspection required by Airworthiness Directive 2009-25-02. That's good news because available inspection slots at service centers will become increasingly scarce as the January 8, 2011 compliance date looms. That's important for owners to know because failure to meet the compliance deadline could result in a grounded airplane.
The A.D. is based on Twin Commander Service Bulletin 237, which calls for inspection of upper wing skins for corrosion on Twin Commander models 690, 690A, and 690B.
The inspection is time-consuming and complex, so much so that the service bulletin, and by extension the A.D., requires that at least one technician doing the work have completed specific SB237 training by FlightSafety International. Formal training is required because lack of familiarity with the inspection process could result in expensive problems.
For example, if care is not taken when cutting a section of wing skin subject to inspection, a doubler beneath the skin and even the spar beneath the doubler could be damaged. A trained technician knows to insert a shim beneath the wing skin to protect the hidden doubler and spar. Training also addresses proper procedures for removing and reinstalling fasteners in the affected areas. FlightSafety offers SB237 training at its Houston campus. On-site training at service center locations also can be arranged.
Don�t wait until the last minute to schedule your inspection. Twin Commander Aircraft has been advised of a new FAA policy regarding requests for extension of the compliance deadline. Before any request can be granted, the aircraft must be physically inspected by the local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). Failure to have the airplane inspected�or failing the inspection�results in grounding.
Why risk an unnecessary FAA inspection of your airplane? If you haven't scheduled your SB237 inspection with an authorized service center, do so now.
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