C441's grounded
 

It is rumoured that CASA has just issued an instruction grounding all C441's that have 22,500 hours or more from 2400hours 24 Aug 07?

Conquest groundings
 

CASA 316/07 - Direction - Cessna 441 Conquest

On 24th August 2007, the Director of Aviation Safety signed a direction under regulation 11.245 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, directing that Cessna 441 aircraft (Conquest) may not be flown at any time or for any purpose while the direction is in force, unless the Director approves in writing (CASA 316/07). The instrument was lodged with the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments on 24 August 2007, was registered on 24 August and came into effect on 25 August 2007.



Does this affect many C441s operating in Aus? Does anyone know of any inflight failures or the like that may have pre-empted this move?

Just a curious first poster.

Grounded at 22,500 hrs TTIS as an ultimate airframe life.

Considering they must all be 20 plus years old, it would be reasonable to suspect it will affect the majority of Conquests in Australia.

Interesting - wonder if the Titan and/or Rheims 406 may be next?

Tail
 

Niether the 404 or the F406 are pressurized so they will probably run much longer. Apparently the wing spar thing is not an issue as they have a much softer landing gear.

This will have major implications for certain operators. Change is being forced upon.

SN. I was aware the Titan and 406 are both different Type Certification however the CASA Direction does not elaborate on any specific problem apart from the fact the manufacturer does not have a SID program beyond 22,500 hours TTIS.

I was wondering if Cessna intended to cease supporting the generic type (and perhaps other models) beyond 22,500 hrs TTIS? I would imagine this would do everything for their C208 sales!

Maybe the time has come for high time, older aircraft types?

Tail Wheel

Once the precedent is set, regardless of which airframe/variant it is, they have given themselves free rein to do the same to any airframe. Surely they must be obliged to provide industry with an explanation of the basis of this action? Especially given that the action taken can and will have such an immediate and dramatic effect upon so many businesses and individuals! Has there ever been a precedent for this sort of action in AUS? None that I know of in NZ -although without doubt CAA-NZ will be closely monitoring developments as a consequence of this action.

Interesting days ahead, methinks.

I know of a lot of 400 series Cessnas that have over 22,500 hours, not just C-441's! This is going to stuff a few operators around the country!:eek:

Rumour has it operators have known it was coming, but apparently it has been sprung at VERY short notice!:hmm:

B*gger it! I bought one last week! :{

Worth $750,000+ yesterday, scrap metal tomorrow!:eek:

I guess you could always sell it in Nigeria, but you would have to do it quickly before they catch on on...;)

VALE C441.:{:{:{

For one who regardless, reckons the Conquest will remain a legend in its own time, this is a sad but not unexpected day.:ok:

It is only a matter of time before all those types and yes including the B200 will have to go to the knackers. Funny but only last night I was reading Steve Swifts paper "Of Gnats and Camels" http://www.casa.gov.au/airworth/papers/gnats.pdf presented in 1999. I have zero sympathy with those "caught" with what are now mere kindergarten playground props.

Basically the manufacturers never imagined these types would go on forever, its not as if the owners weren't warned. There are more types to come.

It's time the hirers/users and operators of these types got in touch with the real world and started refiguring their FIFO/charter budgets. They have had a free ride for way too long and the operators who haven't been listening still have payment to make on equipment that will never again produce an income nor are worth a cracker.

The pass the parcel game is over.

I'm just glad that I had the pleasure of the girl for a while, while she was.......well a girl. :cool::ok:

A truly magnificent aircraft.

I have long dreamt of getting to fly one.

To those of you that have had the pleasure: I am extremely envious.

What licence do you have at the moment and where are you in your career aircraft? :)

Very unfortunate financially, but CASA has possibly saved the lives of people who will never know. Cessna washed their hands of these high cycle/hour airframes a number of years ago as they were designed as a rich man's commuter carrying a suitcase and a mistress on a business trip- not 10 rigpigs etc on a 30,000 hour airframe.
WELL DONE CASA.

one down, many to go.

the next 10 years are going to be very, very sad...:ugh:

Folks,
If you look at the latest edition of the C441 Maintenance Manual, Cessna have imposed a retirement life of 22500 hours on the pressure hull.
As they are the type certificate holder, Cessna (under our legislation) didn't leave CASA much option, except which legal mechanism to use to give effect to ensure compliance with the MM.
Very unfortunate, financially, loss of business as well as capital value, for those stuck with high hour Conquests, probably six or seven VH- over 22,500h.
Regards,

presumably a big affect on the skippers fleet?

Interestingly The Australian is reporting:
Then why the rush by Australian authorities? See more here...

Because the Australian authorities have long dreamt of achieving a perfect safety record by having nothing flying.

Folks,

To be fair to CASA (and I am not a noted CASA booster) all they have done is enforced compliance with the Cessna MM.

FAA don't have to do anything, the Cessna MM automatically applies to any Part 135 or up use of a C441, so the result is automatic. For a privately operated N registered aeroplane, the Cessna MM is not automatically mandatory (but do check with your insurer).

There is always the option of a major repair scheme, which would probably include rebuilding the whole pressure vessel. Economics will dictate that one.

Tootle pip!!

If a couple i have seen over west are any indication of the general fleet condition I would say good riddance, these 2 were (are) absolute heaps of sh*t.