Summary
The document proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 98-13-10, which currently requires repetitively inspecting all engine exhaust muffler end plates (four total) for cracks on all Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Model 182S airplanes, and replacing any muffler where an end plate is found cracked. AD 98-13-10 also requires fabricating and installing a placard that specifies immediately inspecting all engine exhaust muffler end plates any time the engine backfires upon start-up. The proposed AD is the result of Cessna developing an improved design exhaust system for the Model 182S airplanes. The proposed AD would retain the actions of AD 98-13-10 on all affected airplanes, and would require replacing the exhaust system with an improved design exhaust system within a certain period of time, as terminating action for those requirements retained from AD 98-13-10. The proposed AD would also limit the effectivity to not include those airplanes manufactured with the improved design exhaust system. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to detect and correct damage to the engine exhaust mufflers caused by cracking and the high stresses imposed on the attachment of the exhaust at the area of the firewall, which could result in exhaust gases entering the airplane cabin with consequent crew and passenger injury.