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Cessna 210 Carry-Thru Spar Inspection (AD 2020-03-16 and 2023-02-17)

A visual and eddy current check of the carry-thru spar lower cap for corrosion and cracks.

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Cessna 210 Centurion

Cessna 210s from the 210G on are covered by one of two carry-thru spar ADs. Which one depends on your model.

On May 26, 2019, a T210M broke up in flight in Australia. The cause was a fatigue crack that started at a corrosion pit in the carry-thru spar lower cap. The FAA responded with two ADs:

  • AD 2020-03-16, effective March 9, 2020: 210G, 210H, 210J, 210K, 210L, 210M and the matching T210 models. About 1,520 U.S.-registered airplanes.
  • AD 2023-02-17, effective March 20, 2023: 210N, 210R, P210N, P210R, T210N, T210R, and the 177 series. About 3,421 U.S.-registered airplanes across all its models.

What the inspection involves

  • A visual inspection of the carry-thru spar lower cap with a 10X magnifier, looking for corrosion, cracks, and damage
  • An eddy current inspection of the cap's kick area and any spot where corrosion was removed
  • Corrosion removal within the AD's limits, then primer and a corrosion-inhibiting compound
  • Reporting the results to the FAA where the AD requires it

If your 210 hasn't complied yet

AD 2023-02-17 gave owners 200 hours or 12 months, whichever came first. That window has closed. Under 14 CFR 39.7, operating an airplane that doesn't meet an applicable AD is a violation. This matters most for airplanes coming out of storage, changing hands, or missing a clear logbook entry.

The FAA calls AD 2023-02-17 an interim action, so more rulemaking may follow.

What it costs

The FAA's estimates for AD 2023-02-17, at $85 an hour:

  • Access and visual inspection: about 20 hours, $1,700
  • Eddy current inspection: about $600, as a contracted service
  • Total: about $2,300
  • New carry-thru spar, if one is needed: about $33,600 to $35,000 for a 210 or T210, and about $38,700 for a P210

Who does the work

Your A&P handles access and the visual inspection. The eddy current step is specialized NDT work that most shops contract out, which is how the FAA priced it. We connect you with an eddy current inspector who covers your airport.

Related inspections

Cessna 177 Cardinal Carry-Thru Spar InspectionWing Spar Eddy Current InspectionWing Spar Corrosion Repair

This page summarizes AD 2020-03-16 and AD 2023-02-17. Always work from the current AD text and your mechanic's judgment.

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