Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-15334 · Eclipse Aviation Corporation Model EA500 Airplanes
Eclipse Aviation Corporation Model EA500 Airplanes
This AD applies to Model EA500 airplanes, serial numbers 000001 through 000064, that are certificated in any category.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) that supersedes AD 2007-13-11, which applies to all Eclipse Aviation Corporation (Eclipse) Model EA500 airplanes. AD 2007-13-11 was prompted by reports of loss of primary airspeed indication due to freezing condensation within the pitot system. AD 2007-13-11 requires operational limitations consisting of operation only in day visual flight rules (VFR), allowing only a VFR flight plan, and maintaining operation with two pilots. Since we issued AD 2007-13-11, Eclipse developed a design modification to the pitot/angle-of-attack (AOA) system to eliminate the possibility of freezing condensation within the pitot/AOA system. Eclipse is incorporating this modification during production on Model EA500 airplanes starting with serial number (S/N) 000065. Consequently, this AD limits the applicability to airplanes under S/N 000065 and requires incorporating the modification. This AD also retains the operating limitations in AD 2007-13-11 until the modification is incorporated. We are issuing this AD to prevent long- term reliance on special operating limitations when a design change exists that will eliminate the need for the operating limitations. Incorporating the modification will prevent loss of air pressure in the pitot system, which could cause erroneous AOA and airspeed information with consequent loss of control.
To address this problem, you must do the following, unless already done:
| Actions | Compliance | Procedures |
|---|---|---|
| (1) Incorporate the following into the Limitations section of the airplane flight manual (AFM): (i) “Operate Only in Day Visual Flight Rules (VFR);” (ii) “File Only a VFR Flight Plan;” and (iii) “Operate with Two Pilots at All Times.” | Before further flight after June 27, 2007 (the effective date of AD 2007-13-11). | The owner/operator holding at least a private pilot certificate as authorized by section 43.7 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.7) may insert the information into the AFM as specified in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD. You may insert a copy of this AD into the Limitations section of the AFM to comply with this action. Make an entry into the aircraft records showing compliance with this portion of the AD in accordance with section 43.9 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.9). |
| (2) Incorporate the design modification to the pitot/AOA system. When incorporated, this design modification terminates the AFM operational limitations required in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD. | Within the next 60 days after February 26, 2008 (the effective date of this AD). | Following Eclipse Aviation Alert Service Bulletin Number SB 500-34-005, Rev B, issued July 10, 2007. |
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
Aircraft
