Moravan Aeroplanes has altered the load specifications for the Zlín Z 242L aerobatic trainer after the US Federal Aviation Administration reviewed the aircraft's airframe life. The Czech manufacturer has issued an airworthiness directive mandating the installation of an acceleration monitoring unit, to measure operational g-induced loads on the aircraft, which in turn will allow the airframe life to be extended from 4,500h to 5,500h. The FAA imposed the limit as the aircraft has been used for aerobatic displays, during which loads exceeded original Czech certification loads spectrum.
Source: Flight International
