{"id":"F2008L01357","name":"AD/CESSNA 185/49 - Alternate Static Air Source Valve","slug":"ad-cessna-185-49-alternate-static-air-source-valve","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":73612,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2008L01357-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-02","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"Cessna 185 Series Aeroplanes","sectionType":"division","heading":"Cessna 185 Series Aeroplanes","content":"### Cessna 185 Series Aeroplanes\n\n| AD/CESSNA 185/49 | Alternate Static Air Source Valve | 7/2008 TX |\n| ---------------- | --------------------------------- | --------- |\n\n```html\n

Applicability:

Aeroplanes models listed in Table 1 that have an alternate static air source selector valve, part number (P/N) 2013142-18, installed after 19 November 2007.

Table 1 - Applicability for Aeroplanes that Could Have Had the Affected
Part Installed as a Replacement Part or From Parts Held as Spares

Model

Serial Numbers (S/N)

185

All S/Ns

Note 1: P/N 2013142-18 replaced P/Ns 2013142-9, -13 and -17.

Requirement:

1. For aeroplanes listed in Table 1 - Either:

a. Inspect the alternate static air source selector valve in accordance with Requirement 3, or

b. Inspect the aeroplane’s maintenance records to determine if the alternate static air source selector valve has been replaced since 19 November 2007 with P/N 2013142-18, if the valve has not been replaced no further action is necessary.

Note 2: The Requirement 1.b. inspection and determination may be accomplished and certified for by the aeroplane operator, provided that they hold at least a private pilot’s licence.

2. If the Requirement 1.b. determination indicates that a P/N 2013142-18 alternate static air source selector valve has been installed inspect the valve in accordance with Requirement 3.

3. Inspect the alternate static air source selector valve to assure that the part number identification placard is not obstructing the port as follows:

a. Adjust the pilot and copilot seats as far aft as possible.

\n```\n\n| | b. Use a flashlight and mirror to inspect the alternate static air source selector valve to assure the port on the forward end of the valve is clearly visible and not covered by the part number identification placard. |\n| ----------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| | 4. If, during any Requirement 3 inspection, the alternate static air source selector valve port is found obstructed by the part number identification placard, remove the placard from the valve body, discard the placard and assure that the port is open and unobstructed. |\n| | 5. Static air source selector valves P/N 2013142-18 installed as modification or replacement parts on or after the effective date of this Directive must be inspected in accordance with Requirement 3 prior to installation. |\n| | Note 3: FAA AD 2008-10-02 Amdt 39-15508, which becomes effective on 12 May 2008, refers. |\n| Compliance: | For Requirements 1, 2 and 3 - Before further flight after the effective date of this Directive. |\n| | For Requirement 4 - Before further flight after the Requirement 1 inspection. |\n| | For Requirement 5 - As of the effective date of this Directive. |\n| | This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 13 May 2008. |\n| Background: | The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has received reports of improper installation of the part number identification placard on alternate static air source selector valves of certain Cessna 172, 175, 180, 182, 185, 206, 207, 208, 210 and 303 series aeroplanes. The part number identification placard refers to alternative air source selector valves, part number 2013142-18, that were manufactured between 20 November 2007 and 18 February 2008. The part number identification placard was installed on the valve body in a location that covers the port, which is the inlet for static air reference into the valve. The problem was discovered during a quality control check. |\n| | The FAA has advised that all parts held in stock at Cessna have been corrected and that Cessna has no way of verifying how many of these assemblies were manufactured and sent to the field with the part number identification placard installed over the alternate static air source selector valve port. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has no way of determining which aeroplanes have the remaining problem alternate static air source selector valve assemblies installed without having all of the affected aeroplanes and spares stock inspected. |\n| | This condition, if not corrected, could result in the altimeter, airspeed, and vertical speed indicators displaying erroneous indications. This could cause the pilot to react to incorrect flight information and possibly result in loss of control. |\n\n| | CASA has varied the inspection requirements to allow the aeroplane operator to determine if a P/N 2013142-18 selector valve has been installed since 19 November 2007. |\n| --- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n\n![](image.001.png) \nJames Coyne \nDelegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority\n\n6 May 2008","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"AD/CESSNA 185/49","sectionType":"part","heading":"AD/CESSNA 185/49","content":"## AD/CESSNA 185/49","sortOrder":1},{"sectionNumber":"Alternate Static Air Source Valve","sectionType":"part","heading":"Alternate Static Air Source Valve","content":"## Alternate Static Air Source Valve","sortOrder":2},{"sectionNumber":"7/2008 TX","sectionType":"part","heading":"7/2008 TX","content":"## 7/2008 TX","sortOrder":3}],"analysis":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The directive retains the original, narrow safety purpose: ensure the P/N 2013142-18 alternate static air source selector valve port is not blocked by its identification placard. CASA's only substantive operational change is a limited procedural variation allowing the aeroplane operator (if holding at least a private pilot licence) to inspect maintenance records and certify that determination (Requirement 1.b and Note 2). That variation reduces compliance cost for some operators but does not widen the directive's safety scope or add new substantive obligations beyond inspection and corrective removal of an obstructing placard."},"complexity_factors":["Short directive (single-page operational AD)","Very limited number of defined conditions (one part number P/N 2013142-18, installation date threshold 19 Nov 2007)","Simple conditional logic (Option A: inspect physically; Option B: inspect records; if records show valve installed then inspect physically)","Four operative steps (Requirements 1–5) with clear timing (\"before further flight\")","One minor delegation/variation allowing an operator with at least a private pilot licence to certify the records check (Note 2)","Single cross-reference to FAA AD 2008-10-02 (Note 3)"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this directive does (mechanics)\n\n- Applies to: Cessna 185 aeroplanes of all serial numbers that have an alternate static air source selector valve part number (P/N) 2013142-18 installed after 19 November 2007 (see \"Applicability\" / Table 1).\n\n- Two-step identification: an operator must either (1) inspect the physical selector valve (Requirement 1.a and Requirement 3), or (2) inspect the aeroplane's maintenance records to confirm whether P/N 2013142-18 was installed after 19 November 2007 (Requirement 1.b). If records show the part was installed, the valve must then be physically inspected (Requirement 2).\n\n- The physical inspection (Requirement 3) is narrow and specific: move pilot and copilot seats fully aft (Req 3.a), then use a flashlight and mirror to confirm the forward end port of the selector valve is clearly visible and not covered by the part-number identification placard (Req 3.b).\n\n- If the placard is found to be obstructing the port, remove and discard the placard and make sure the port is open and unobstructed before further flight (Requirement 4).\n\n- Any P/N 2013142-18 selector valves installed as modification or replacement parts on or after the directive's effective date must be inspected (Requirement 5) before installation.\n\n- Timing: For Requirements 1–3, the inspection or records check must be completed \"before further flight\" after the directive's effective date; removal of a blocking placard (Req 4) must be done before further flight after the inspection; the pre-install inspection requirement (Req 5) applies immediately as of the effective date.\n\n- Notes and delegations: The directive records that CASA varied the inspection requirement slightly to allow the aeroplane operator to determine from records whether the affected part was installed. Note 2 allows the operator who performs the Requirement 1.b records check to certify that determination if they hold at least a private pilot licence.\n\nWhy it matters (stated safety risk and consequence)\n\n- The FAA reported that some selector valves (P/N 2013142-18, manufactured between 20 Nov 2007 and 18 Feb 2008) were shipped with the part-number placard fitted over the valve's static-air inlet port. If that inlet is blocked, the altimeter, airspeed indicator and vertical speed indicator can show incorrect indications. The directive's stated safety purpose is to ensure the inlet port is not obstructed so flight instruments receive correct static air reference.\n\nWho this affects and who pays\n\n- Primary parties affected: owners/operators of Cessna 185 aeroplanes that may have P/N 2013142-18 installed, and maintenance providers who carry out the physical inspection and any corrective work.\n\n- Who pays: aircraft owners/operators bear the cost (time) of the records check or physical inspection and any small maintenance action (removal/disposal of placard). If a licensed maintenance organisation is engaged to perform the inspection or corrective work, the operator pays their labour/fees.\n\nDecision rights and behaviour changes required\n\n- The aeroplane operator decides whether to do the quick records check or the physical inspection first (Requirement 1.b vs 1.a). If records show the valve was installed (Requirement 1.b), the operator must then arrange the physical inspection (Requirement 2).\n\n- Behaviour change: aircraft must not be flown further until the required check/inspection is done (timing: \"before further flight\") and any obstruction corrected. New or replacement valves of the affected part number must be inspected prior to installation.\n\nTesting the stated purpose against costs, incentives and implementation issues\n\n- Stated benefit: reduce the risk of incorrect static-air instrument indications by ensuring the valve inlet is unobstructed (Background).\n\n- Direct costs: low — the directive requires a short visual inspection with a mirror/flashlight and possibly removal/disposal of a small placard. Time costs are likely a small fraction of a maintenance visit; operators may perform the records check themselves (Note 2 allows a private pilot to certify the records check).\n\n- Incentives and compliance: because the aircraft cannot be flown until the check is done, operators are incentivised to perform the inspection quickly. The ability to certify the records check (if the operator is a private pilot) reduces immediate compliance cost for owner-operators who can legitimately verify records themselves.\n\n- Implementation risk: modest — the required check is simple to perform; the only potential operational friction is locating applicable maintenance records or accessing the valve sufficiently to inspect the forward port (seat position and mirror/flashlight are specified to address access).\n\n- Opportunity costs and trade-offs: minimal — no ongoing inspections or recurring costs are imposed beyond the one-off check and any repairs. The only operational constraint is temporary grounding until compliance.\n\n- Effects on private choice and competition: none material — the directive temporarily restricts flight until compliance but does not change ownership rights, operating rules beyond the temporary requirement, or impose recurring certification obligations.\n\n- Bureaucratic discretion and cross-jurisdictional notes: CASA incorporated the FAA's finding and added a limited variation allowing operator records checks and operator certification (Note 2). The directive cross-references FAA AD 2008-10-02 (Note 3).\n\nNet practical effect\n\n- Mechanically simple, one-off safety inspection targeted at a specific part number and manufacturing run. The likely cost is time and possibly minor maintenance labour; the stated safety benefit is prevention of incorrect instrument readings caused by a placard obstructing the static-air inlet (see Requirements 3–5 and Background).**"},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"Unauthenticated. Configure AI_GATEWAY_API_KEY or use a provider module. Learn more: https://ai-sdk.dev/unauthenticated-ai-gateway","source":"analysis-cron"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This AD remains tightly scoped to its original safety purpose: addressing a specific manufacturing defect in a single valve part number installed in Cessna 185 aircraft. The variation allowing pilot-performed records checks is a pragmatic relaxation of inspection burden, not an expansion of scope."},"complexity_factors":["Single-issue directive with clear applicability table (1 model, all serial numbers)","Straightforward decision tree: records check OR physical inspection","Only 1 defined part number (P/N 2013142-18) and 1 date threshold (19 November 2007) to track","Simple conditional logic (if installed then inspect; if blocked then remove)","Cross-reference to FAA AD 2008-10-02 but no dependency on it for compliance","Limited compliance deadlines (before further flight, or as of effective date)","No nested exceptions or sub-delegations"],"plain_english_summary":"This CASA Airworthiness Directive mandates owners/operators of certain Cessna 185 aeroplanes to inspect or verify replacement valve P/N 2013142-18 (installed after 19 Nov 2007). Some valves had a part-number label stuck over the air intake, which can block static pressure sensing and cause altimeter, airspeed and VSI errors. You may either inspect the valve or check maintenance records; if the label blocks the port or the suspect valve was fitted, remove the label before flight."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/ad-cessna-185-49-alternate-static-air-source-valve","history":"/api/acts/ad-cessna-185-49-alternate-static-air-source-valve/history","analysis":"/api/acts/ad-cessna-185-49-alternate-static-air-source-valve/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/ad-cessna-185-49-alternate-static-air-source-valve/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/ad-cessna-185-49-alternate-static-air-source-valve/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/ad-cessna-185-49-alternate-static-air-source-valve/documents"}}