One wonders at possible structural integrity degeneration in Australian registered Shrikes, due to the Australian only VFR and IFR maximum gross weights, which are 10% higher than the original FAA certified maximum gross weight? The FAA and manufacturer did not support the Australian increase in MTOW and the manufacturer is on record opposing any change in aircraft weights.
The increased Australian MTOW was obtained by H C Sleigh Aviation, many years ago, on new airframes, for coastal surveillance purposes.
Beginning in June 1991, senior engineers met with FAA officials to discuss concerns over the Aero Commander's main wing spar, which was believed to be susceptible to stress fatigue and subsequent cracking, and was believed to have resulted in a number of fatal crashes. From approximately 1961–1993, 24 aircraft crashed when spar failures caused the loss of the wing in flight. 35 more spars were found cracked during inspections.
And that was at US FAA certified MTOW - not Australian weights.
One must seriously wonder how, in the event of an engine failure, one 260 HP Lycoming is supposed to keep a 3,300 kg aircraft, airborne.
IT is totally ludicrous to suggest the AsA IFR flight plan charge is detrimental to safety!
