Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company Models 172N, 172P, R172K, 172RG, F172N, F172P, FR172J, and FR172K Airplanes

This amendment supersedes Airworthiness Directive (AD) 80-04- 08, which requires inspecting (one-time) the fuel line and map light switch in the left hand forward door post for chafing or arcing on certain Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Model 172N, R172K, F172N, and FR172K airplanes and repairing any damage found. AD 80-04-08 also requires providing at least a 0.50-inch clearance between the map light switch and the fuel line; and installing a switch cover (insulator) over the map light switch. This AD requires you to extend the inspections and installation of the switch cover requirement to certain 172N, 172P, R172K, 172RG, F172N, F172P, FR172J, and FR172K series airplanes. This AD also requires replacement of the fuel line, if damaged; and makes the switch cover inspection and replacement repetitive. This AD is the result of FAA receiving several reports of incidents of electrical shorts on Cessna Model 172N airplanes. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and correct any chafing between the map light switch and the bordering fuel line, which could result in a fuel leak and an in-flight fire.