Gus Mevers

September 17, 2012 Comment to FAA regarding a proposed Airworthiness Directive Docket No. FAA-2012-0962 Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-033-AD The proposed AD regarding the landing gear’s hydraulic power pack system used in Cessna aircraft gives me a concern as a result of the following published statements. In an AOPA bulletin the language used in quoting the FAA was, “the fire APPEARED to originate from the area of the landing gear’s hydraulic power pack system”. However, in FLYING magazine it was more definite. It indicated the FAA claimed the fire started in the 172’s landing gear hydraulic power pack system due to improper installation of certain wiring components. Then, the Federal Register was more definite the location of the fire, but not clear on the cause of the fire. The comment was, “the fire originated from the area of the landing gear’s hydraulic power pack system and resulted in a complete hull loss with reported injuries”. Also, I could not find any information about the maintenance history of the 172RG involved in the fire. Had the “improper” installation of the wiring occurred when the aircraft was being built at the factory? Had the hydraulic power pack been serviced or replaced in recent years where an improper installation might have occurred? Or could the fire have resulted from an age problem with wiring or fittings? The reason for my concern is, since the exact cause of the fire is seemingly not known only a reasonable estimate as to the cause for the fire, will the AD, if issued, call for a one-time inspection or will it have to be performed at every future annual for the aircraft? Sincerely, G. E. Mevers Owner of N4657S Serial No. R18201369