In an unusual move, the FAA recently issued a suspected unapproved parts (SUP) notice warning that some Cessna-built and -supplied aileron cables for the Citation 560XLS might not meet type design. The SUP notice is the first in years that directly involves a business aircraft manufacturer.

The agency typically issues between five and 15 notices a year, covering everything from improperly maintained or imported parts to components produced without production approval. Some notices involve primary suppliers. Two of the eight notices issued last year involved GE-built parts that were manufactured without production approval, including first-stage engine hangers for the CT7 engine and two experimental aircraft engine controls. However, few if any of the notices over the past decade covered an issue stemming directly from the aircraft manufacturer.

In Cessna’s case, the FAA said the SUP notice involves a manufacturing issue.

Released in late December, the SUP notice warns that certain Cessna-supplied aileron cables for the 560XLS might not meet type design requirements and should be “quarantined” until the parts can be verified.

The SUP notice covers aileron cables marked with work order number 2344905 and have the part number 6660002-14. 

Cessna confirmed that it built the part, but the FAA said even if it was supplied through a contractor, “as the production approval holder Cessna is responsible for the cable no matter where it is manufactured.”

The SUP notice states that an FAA investigation revealed that Cessna sold the parts without ensuring the cables met the approved type design.

Cessna Addresses Issue

The agency began investigating after receiving a tip about a nonconforming part through the SUP hotline. The approved design calls for the cable to have a double shanked ball end, but the suspect cables have only a single shank end, the agency said, clarifying that a manufacturing issue–not a paperwork problem–prompted the SUP notice.

Cessna said that the problem is limited to a “small number of aileron cables [that] were distributed by the company with an incorrect single shank swaged end, rather than the approved double shank swaged end.”

The company has taken action to address the issue, saying it is working closely with its customers and with maintenance facilities on the appropriate replacement part. “A service letter has been distributed notifying customers and maintenance facilities to inspect the part for the proper terminal end and replace the part as necessary during the aircraft’s next regularly scheduled maintenance event,” said Cessna.

The FAA, which also encouraged operators, repair stations and other organizations to check their inventories for the affected parts, said it is satisfied that Cessna has addressed its concerns.

The agency acknowledged that this is notice is unusual in that it involves the aircraft manufacturer:  “To the best of our knowledge this is not a common occurrence,” an FAA spokesman said.