In February 2014, The FAA proposed a civil penalty of $ 204, 050 against Sierra for " allegedly operating nine Cessna 152 airplanes when they were not in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations . " The FAA alleged that Sierra did not properly inspect the seat locking pins.
42.
Unlike the other similar variable valve timing systems such as the Honda VTEC, the Toyota VVT-i and the Mitsubishi MIVEC which use rocker arm locking pins to change the valve timing, the CPS system uses direct-acting tappets with locking pins to change the valve timing and lift profile.
43.
To ensure this rotation was complete and the latches were in the proper position, the DC-10 cargo hatch design included a separate locking mechanism that consisted of small locking pins that slid behind flanges on the lock torque tube ( which transferred the actuator force to the latch hooks through a linkage ).
44.
The NTSB investigation found that it was possible to close the outside lever without the hooks being fully engaged, and there would be no outward signs that the locking mechanism was not engaged; the cargo door indicator in the cockpit would still register the door as being secured without hooks and locking pins being in the closed position.
