SAFO 14001

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Distributed by: AFS-200 OPR: AFS-250 SAFOSafety Alert for Operators U.S. Department SAFO 14001 of Transportation DATE: 2/4/14 Federal Aviation Administration Flight Standards Service Washington, DC http://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/safo A SAFO contains important safety information and may include recommended action. SAFO content should be especially valuable to air carriers in meeting their statutory duty to provide service with the highest possible degree of safety in the public interest. Besides the specific action recommended in a SAFO, an alternative action may be as effective in addressing the safety issue named in the SAFO. Subject: Cessna Citation CE-500 Type Aircraft Aileron Trim Systems Purpose: This SAFO serves to inform Cessna Citation CE-500 operators of sensitive aileron trim controls. Background: In June 2007, a Cessna Citation CE-500 series airplane being operated by a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 135 air ambulance operator crashed shortly after takeoff, killing the two pilots and four passengers. A National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation revealed that a misuse of aileron trim, which caused the pilot to lose control of the aircraft, was a contributing factor in the accident. Discussion: In July 2010, Cessna and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) conducted flight tests to evaluate the sensitivity of the aileron trim system. These tests found that the aileron trim system’s sensitivity is appropriate for its intended use. Due to the complexities of the aileron trim system, it is imperative that operators adhere to aircraft limitations and standard operating procedures (SOP). Pilots flying Citation CE-500 type aircraft should follow the manufacturer’s recommended procedures for the use of aileron trim including verifying that aileron trim is set properly prior to takeoff. When airborne, pilots should exercise caution when using aileron trim, avoiding excessive trim. Operators are recommended to verify that their CE-500 training programs are consistent with the manufacturer's recommended procedures for the use of the aileron trim system. Recommended Action: Directors of Operations, Program Managers, Directors of Training, Training Center Managers, Check Pilots, Training Pilots, and flightcrews should be familiar with the content of this SAFO. They should address any deficiencies found in their manuals in regards to the manufacturer’s recommended procedures and work together to ensure that the content of this SAFO is incorporated into operational policy, provided to pilots during ground training, and reinforced in flight training and proficiency checks. Contact: Questions or comments regarding this SAFO should be directed to the Part 135 Air Carrier Operations branch, AFS-250, at 202-267-8166.