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2 Answers

INOP Flaps and FAA Regulations – C172

Asked by: 4639 views , ,
FAA Regulations, General Aviation, Private Pilot

The flaps on our Cessna 172N are not working but in the up position. There is no MEL for the aircraft. Is it legal by FAA regulations to fly VFR and IFR in this condition? If legal, what is required to placard and/or disable the flaps?

i do realize this is just the legal consideration. From a safety perspective what else should be considered beyond flight conditions, runway length, terrain, pilot proficiency, and adjusted stall speeds?

Thanks in advance for any feedback. 

 

Have decided not not to fly it until repairs have been made. Thanks for the response. 

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2 Answers



  1. ayavner on Nov 01, 2018

    So as you said, there is no MEL (91.213 from memory?)… and flaps aren’t listed on the day VFR list of required equipment (91.205) – the next thing to consider is whether they are part of the Type Certificate for the 172 (no idea there, but your IA/A&P should be able to get that) or required by any AD’s. Finally, if its necessary to fly it like that say to get repairs, you’d want a ferry permit.

    Beyond that I’m not sure i’d want to put myself in a position where I was in the air and missing an important tool. I am sure others more knowledgeable than myself will pipe up.

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  2. KDS on Nov 02, 2018

    Flaps are not required by regulation because there are many aircraft that are certificated without flaps.

    If you look at the Cessna 172 Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS) you’ll see flaps as part of the type certificate.

    http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/263a36336effbcd38625738a004bbe52/$FILE/3A12.pdf

    To be legally airworthy, an aircraft must meet its type certificate among other things.

    ayavner mentioned obtaining a ferry permit to take the aircraft to a location where it could be repaired. (The actual name is a “Special Flight Permit”, but it’s almost always called a ferry permit.) I would add that it is important to read and understand the limitations of the permit. It’s very common for someone to get one from the FAA and then takeoff as if it were a Get Out of Jail Free card.

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