airframe total time

[andrew jahoda]

I am looking for an Aztec. As they have been out of production for some time it is not unusual to see some planes for sale with many hours on them. Assuming the engines, interior, avionics and such are all up to par, any thoughts on how many hours is too many hours? 8k? 10k? 15k? unlimited? I understand some airplanes have a defined lifespan, but couldn't find anything on the Aztec.

 

[GRG55]

There are no life limitations listed on the Type Certificate for the Aztec.

The cabin section is a steel tube frame as the load carrying structure, with aluminum skins attached. The entire airframe is zinc chromate primered from the factory. They are built like trucks. As long as the ADs are complied with and the specific airframe wasn't abused I don't see one needs to be too concerned about limit hours. The areas to be careful for corrosion on the tube structure are below the floorboards and under the left side emergency escape window.

Paging @Ted DuPuis for further comment.