AD 85-03-51

85-03-51 CESSNA: Amendment 39-5022. Applies to Cessna Model 552 series airplanes, serial numbers 552-0001, 552-0003 through 552-0006 and 552-0008; and Model 650 series airplanes, serial numbers 650-0001 through 650-0072; certificated in all categories. Compliance required as indicated unless previously accomplished.

To prevent short-to-ground of the nickel cadmium battery which could result in an electrical fire, accomplish the following:

A. Prior to further flight, inspect the aircraft battery to determine if a SAFT type 40976, P/N 18585, is installed:

1. If SAFT type 40976 battery, P/N 18585, is not installed, no other action is necessary.

2. If SAFT type 40976 battery, P/N 18585, is installed: for Model 650 airplanes, modify the battery in accordance with Cessna Service Letter SL650-24-03, dated January 21, 1985, and SAFT Service Bulletin 0005, dated January 17, 1985, referenced therein; for Model 552 airplanes, modify in accordance with SAFT Service Bulletin 0005, dated January 17, 1985.

a. Thereafter, reinspect the insulators installed on the SAFT type 40976 batteries every 100 flight hours.

b. These inspections may be terminated upon installation of an approved Marathon battery, Cessna P/N 9914058-2, or SAFT battery, Cessna P/N 9914058-5, on the Model 650 airplanes; or SAFT battery, Cessna P/N 9914058-5, on the Model 552 airplanes.

B. Alternate means of compliance with this AD which provide an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Central Region.

All persons affected by this directive who have not already received these documents from the manufacturer may obtain copies upon request to the Cessna Marketing Division, Cessna Aircraft Company, P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, Kansas 67277, or may be examined either at the FAA, Central Region, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas, or at FAA, Northwest Mountain Region, 17900 Pacific Highway South, Seattle, Washington.

This Amendment becomes effective April 11, 1985. It was effective earlier to all recipients of Telegraphic AD T85-03-51, dated February 6, 1985.