airframe life limits

[ipasgas1]

Is there a life limit on airframe hours for the 337 or for the wing spar, tail, etc? I saw an O2A that had 8600hrs and wondered if that affects the value or future use of the aircraft?

[Skymaster337B]

I asked Cessna this question, in writing, and they never replied to me. The truth is back in the 50's and 60's no one ever thought those planes would last 50 years +. They thought people would just keep buying new airplanes, and they would keep making them. Plus the certification process didn't require a service life. Compared to aircraft made today, many come with a service life, such as the Diamond.

[WebMaster]

Another thing that affects the "plastic" airplanes is the degradation of the materials over time. While aluminum can corrode, and get stress cracks, and all kinds of things like that, I suspect that the composite planes are prone to other things. I have seen boats that have become de-laminated.