After extensive research Cessna has set a life limit of 22,500 flying hours for the Cessna 441 Conquest II.  A Supplemental Inspection Document has recommended a life limit for the aircraft and several aircraft have already been grounded.

The Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority issued the following media release summarizing the situation. 

“Operators of Cessna 441 Conquest aircraft have been directed to follow a new manufacturer's life limit on the aircraft type.

Cessna has announced there is an unconditional life limit of 22,500 flying hours on the Cessna Conquest. The manufacturer says it cannot assure the continued safety of the aircraft after the limit is reached.

CASA's direction means that all Australian Conquests that have reached 22,500 hours must be grounded.

Cessna Conquests with less than 22,500 flying hours may continue to operate normally.

Cessna imposed the life limit after reviewing its structural maintenance program for the aircraft and determining that structural problems are likely to develop if the aircraft continues to operate.

A structural maintenance program is in place to manage the safety of the aircraft up to the 22,500 life limit.

CASA's direction to ground the aircraft will be place for one year and during this time avenues will be explored that could extend the safe operation of the Conquest beyond the current life limit.

The direction to ground Conquests with more than 22,500 flying hours came into effect at midnight on 24 August 2007.”

As the general/business aviation fleet ages we will probably see more limits set on airframes.  Although bad news for owners and operators of aging aircraft it’s reassuring that manufacturers are taking the lead.