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DOT Issues Safety Warning on Saircorp Consoles Used in GA Aircraft

Items like unsecured fire extinguishers could fly about the cabin in turbulence. Department of Transportation
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Key Takeaways:

  • The DOT issued SAFO 20016 warning operators about Saircorp center consoles installed in various Textron Aviation (Cessna) aircraft due to potential safety hazards.
  • These consoles may not be securely fastened, and items stored within them, such as fire extinguishers or oxygen bottles, can become unsecured hazards during flight.
  • Unsecured consoles and contents could obstruct critical flight controls and pose dangers during turbulence, hard landings, or emergencies, potentially violating FAR Part 23.
  • Operators are advised to ensure consoles are secure, minimize the number and weight of unsecured items, and properly secure heavier equipment to approved aircraft attachment points.
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In order to protect pilots and passengers from items that could come loose and fly around the cockpit of a variety of Textron Aviation aircraft, the DOT recently issued SAFO 20016 focused on operators that have installed a center console manufactured by Saircorp. These consoles are fitted between the front seats of Cessna aircraft models 172, 177, 182, 185, 205, 206, 210, 310, 320, 337 and 340, as well as other manufacturers’ aircraft. Of critical importance is that these consoles may not be securely fastened inside the cabin.

Rob Mark

Rob Mark is an award-winning journalist, business jet pilot, flight instructor, and blogger.

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