FAA Proposes AD for Cessna 525 A/C Compressor

A proposed airworthiness directive for certain Cessna 525 air conditioning (A/C) compressor motors was prompted by reports of smoke and/or fire in the tailcone. The AD requires inspection of the number of hours on the A/C compressor hour meter, inspection of the logbook and replacement of the brushes or deactivation of the system until replacement of the brushes. When the brush wears down, the rivet in the brush contacts the commutator, causing sparks and excessive heat build-up within the motor assembly. This occurs in the tailcone, where flammable fluids are present and there is no fire detection or fire extinguishing equipment.