Citation Spring 2003

• High-Speed Data
• RVSM Lead Time
• “M” Series Phase Inspections
• Electrical Disconnect Tool
• Trivia Question

High-Speed Data

— Clark Gordon

If you have Collins or Honeywell Satcom systems currently installed in your aircraft, you can upgrade to high-speed data.

Please contact Clark Gordon for more information on high-speed data options at 800.525.2376.

RVSM Lead Time

— Dennis DeCook

Lead times for Citation 525 and 650 RVSM Service Bulletins (SBs) now range from four to twelve months, and it is reasonable to expect that these lead times will lengthen as the RVSM mandate (29Jan05) nears. A major lead time contributor is the production time of the new Air Data Computers (ADCs) the SB requires. A lack of orders has lead the equipment OEM to reduce production.

We encourage operators to contact a service provider to plan now for their RVSM SB. Proper planning will allow this SB to be performed while the aircraft is down for a major maintenance or refurbishment event. Any delay may result in difficulty obtaining equipment and installation manpower.

For more information, please contact Clark Gordon at 800.525.2376, or Ron Hall at 800.228.4277.

“M” Series Phase Inspections

— Joe Austin

Cessna has revised some of the inspection program that is important in keeping the paperwork of your plane in an “airworthy” condition. For the 525, 525A, 560, 560XL, 650 and 750, “M” series phase inspections have been added to Chapter 5. This will require you check required Chapter 4 items–the Airworthiness Limitation chapter. Chapter 4 is the only chapter that is FAA approved. The other chapters are FAA accepted for maintaining your plane in an airworthy condition. Make sure that your maintenance facility is looking at these phase inspections when reviewing your logbooks.

PLEASE NOTE: The “M” series phase inspections do not have a grace period, the inspection must be done on or before the flight hour or calendar limit as stated on the first page of the phase inspection guideline. For more information, contact Ed Johnson at 800.228.4277 or Joe Austin at 800.525.2376.

Electrical Disconnect Tool

— Joe Austin

On all of the models of Citations there are AMP black rectangular electrical disconnect plugs that have two studs on each end that are used to secure the connector together. These connectors are usually in a difficult location and we frequently find them broken. The location usually prevents a straight slot screwdriver or a ¼-inch socket on the screw shaft to disconnect them. A tool is available at the local automotive part store that works great at disconnecting the AMP connector. The tool is made by Lisle and is a Carburetor Adjustment Tool. The tool comes packaged with different size ends and you install the ¼-inch size on the end, and it’s ready to use. The tool is very flexible. It is about $15 and is a great addition to your tool box. Once you use it, you’ll wonder how you got along without it.

Trivia Question

— Joe Austin

We are starting a monthly trivia question and the first 15 people to call in to Joe Austin at 800.525.2376 with the correct answer will have a choice between a various selection of small prizes.

This month’s question is: During the engine start (except a Citation Ten) why do most all of the lights in the cockpit dim except the start button?

Call me with your correct answer and get your free gift!

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