wrote in message . ..
On Wed, 31 Mar 2004 00:02:34 GMT, john szpara

Thanks for the heads up. I've been browsing ads, and see that some say
"not affected by upcoming AD" or some such things, but it's looking
like all Cessna twins might go that route.


It's going to happen, it's going to be expensive, and no one knows for
sure where it is going to stop (in regards to applicability).

This is a critical issue for continued airworthiness of ALL twin GA
aircraft. Last time I checked, no one was manufacturing a new like
replacement for a medium recip twin (300- 400- series Cessnas, 31-
Pipers, etc.).

TC
As an owner of a C-310, I have been following this issue over the past
year. The current NPRM Compliance Requirements call for inspection of
certain 400 series wing spars at given flight hour thresholds:

401 series and 402, 402A, 402B = 6,500 hours
411 series = 5,500 hours
402C = 14,500 hours
414A through S/N 200 = 8,500 hours
414A S/N 201+ = 14,500 hours

If the AD is extended to the 300 series, then I am hopeful that they
also set a realistic flight hour threshold. At current rate, my 1966
C-310K has 2900 hours TT. If the threshold is set at 5,500 hours, and
at current useage rate, I have over 34 years until the inspection is
needed. The most critical aircraft are those that have been used
heavily for air taxi and with very high total time. Unfortunately,
this is also an opportune time for Cessna to wash their hands of the
laiability associated with supporting aging aircraft, which may be the
real end game.

As far as new replacements for the 400 series Cessnas, the options are
Adam Aircraft Carbonaero, a push-pull twin piston, or a P-Baron.
Piper still makes a Seminole, but it is a smaller twin originally
designed for training. The cost of producing a piston twin is
substantial enough to that the manufacturers have opted for turbine
aircraft. That means Malibu Meridian, TBM-700 and Pilatus PC-12
singles. Deeper pockets can consider the new light-light jets like
Eclipse, Citation Mustang, etc.

If you're looking for an older twin, the Cessna is a good performer,
albeit with this AD causing uncertainty in the market. Otherwise
older Barons, Aztecs or Aero Commanders are a consideration. Larger
twins that are candidates would be the Piper Navajo or Chieftain. If
you want speed, a Piper Aerostar or Beech Duke. All have their own
set of considerations for support and maintenance.

If I ever get the chance to upgrade from a piston twin to a more
capable (and costly) aircraft, I would consider the Piper Cheyenne.

Good luck and safe flying,
Brian