7 July 2017


Over the years we have received many requests for information concerning what wings can or cannot be used as replacements. In working with our Engineering Department we have determined that there are five key guidelines that must be met on any wing that is being considered as a replacement. These guidelines are listed in their order of importance.

1. AIRFOIL: The replacement wing must have the same airfoil. This is a no exception, hard and fast rule. If the replacement wing has a different airfoil it cannot be used.
2. GROSS WEIGHT: The replacement wing must be from an aircraft with the same or higher gross weight. This rule is not hard and fast however and Cessna will consider such requests on an individual basis.
3. FUEL SYSTEM: The fuel system in the replacement wing must be the same or an approved option for the aircraft. Typical fuel system considerations are as follows:
a). Capacity: If the fuel capacity of the replacement wing is different than the original capacity the new capacity must have been an option on the aircraft and the quantity system must be changed to reflect the new capacity. Both wings must have the same fuel capacity.
b)Fuel Lines and Connections: Fuel line sizes and connection points have changed over the years as have fuel quantity transmitters. Many times the simplest way to over come these problems is to install the original tanks in the new wings.
4. FLAPS: Although the basic cable operated flap installation has remained almost unchanged , the flap actuation, flap travel and position indicating systems have seen several big changes. The simplest solution to this problem is the installation of the original flap actuating and indicating system in the replacement wing.
5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Wing mounted landing lights, navigation lights, strobes, or other installed equipment will have to be modified so that the replacement wing has the same components installed as the original.

Although this information is not “Approved Data” it does constitute Cessna’s recommendation concerning the installation of replacement wings on this aircraft.

I hope this information is helpful please call (316) 517-5800 if you have further questions.

Sincerely,
Geoff Kelley
Textron Aviation

Dean wrote: ...Both wings must have the same fuel capacity. ..

mtv wrote:I know of at least two Cessna 170B s with 175 wings, for the extra fuel. Wouldn’t be acceptable under the above guidance because of higher fuel capacity.

But a great mod for a 170.

MTV

Bagarre wrote:

mtv wrote:I know of at least two Cessna 170B s with 175 wings, for the extra fuel. Wouldn’t be acceptable under the above guidance because of higher fuel capacity.

But a great mod for a 170.

MTV

That's why this letter is so pointless.

Cessna pretty much says, "If the wings are identical to what you have now, we don't have a problem with it. This isnt approved data so our opinion doesn't really matter anyway but our lawyers wanted us to say something"

If anything, this letter makes it harder to get approval to swap wings because the FAA can simply point to it and say it doesn't meet Cessna's opinion paper.

johnhillmd wrote:Yes thank you all for the info. I am working with a mid 50's Cessna 180 that ended up on it's ear damaging one wing pretty badly and not much else and it would seem to me that Cessna, in their infinite complexity, has suggested that a Cessna 182 wing from a similar vintage would be an acceptable replacement which increases the wing supply considerably. This subject to further research to insure the conditions of the letter are met. Although it is correct to state that this cannot be considered approved data it is data that Transport Canada will consider in assessing compliance of the repair scheme.
i believe the applicable section from Transport is CARs 571.06 Repairs or Modifications where they allow the out of "without further approval by the Minister"

(a) All major modifications and major repairs shall be performed in accordance with either “approved” data or “specified” data. A statement of “No technical objection”, or similar wording, by the manufacturer does not constitute “approved”, “acceptable”, or “specified” data and shall not be used without further approval by the Minister.

A1Skinner wrote:

johnhillmd wrote:Yes thank you all for the info. I am working with a mid 50's Cessna 180 that ended up on it's ear damaging one wing pretty badly and not much else and it would seem to me that Cessna, in their infinite complexity, has suggested that a Cessna 182 wing from a similar vintage would be an acceptable replacement which increases the wing supply considerably. This subject to further research to insure the conditions of the letter are met. Although it is correct to state that this cannot be considered approved data it is data that Transport Canada will consider in assessing compliance of the repair scheme.
i believe the applicable section from Transport is CARs 571.06 Repairs or Modifications where they allow the out of "without further approval by the Minister"

(a) All major modifications and major repairs shall be performed in accordance with either “approved” data or “specified” data. A statement of “No technical objection”, or similar wording, by the manufacturer does not constitute “approved”, “acceptable”, or “specified” data and shall not be used without further approval by the Minister.

Not sure what you mean about that statement being an "out"? The way I read it is that it must be approved by the minister to be used since it is not specified, approved, or acceptable data.

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Mindoro77 wrote:Can metal wings from a 1952 Cessna 170B be placed on a 1948 Cessna 170? First time posting on this site and looking for some direction as I am looking at a project involving (2) 1948 Cessna 170's and two sets of wings with one set being metal.

Thanks for your assistance!