Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-15668 · Harco Labs, Inc. Pitot/AOA Probes (Part Numbers 100435-39, 100435-39-001, 100435-40, and 100435-40-001)
Harco Labs, Inc. Pitot/AOA Probes (Part Numbers 100435-39, 100435-39-001, 100435-40, and 100435-40-001)
This AD applies to Harco Labs, Inc. pitot/angle of attack (AOA) probe part numbers (P/Ns) 100435-39, 100435-39-001, 100435-40, and 100435-40-001; serial numbers 740000 through 799999; that are installed on, but not limited to Eclipse Aviation Company Model EA500 airplanes, certificated in any category, with:
(1) A serial number in the range of 000001 through 000189 where the affected probe was installed at manufacture; or
(2) Any serial number where an affected probe was installed in the field.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Harco Labs, Inc. part numbers 100435-39, 100435-39-001, 100435- 40, and 100435-40-001 pitot/angle of attack (AOA) probes installed on, but not limited to Eclipse Aviation Inc. Model EA500 airplanes. This AD requires you to incorporate information into the Limitations section of the airplane flight manual (AFM) that will allow operation only under day visual flight rules (VFR) and allow only a VFR flight plan. This AD also requires you to test the pitot/AOA probes for heater performance and replace the pitot/AOA probe if it fails the heater performance test. This AD results from several reports of airspeed disagree caution indication due to blockage from freezing condensation within the pitot/ AOA system. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct improperly performing pitot/AOA probe heaters, which could result in blockage within the pitot/AOA system from condensation freezing with consequent incorrect indication of impact air pressure (airspeed/AOA). This blockage could lead to the stall warning becoming unreliable and the stick pusher, overspeed warning, autopilot, and yaw damper to malfunction.
To address this problem, you must do the following, unless already done:
| Actions | Compliance | Procedures |
|---|---|---|
| (1) Do a logbook check of the maintenance records to determine if any pitot/AOA probe (P/Ns 100435-39, 100435-39-001, 100435-40, or 100435-40-001) with any affected serial number is installed. If, as a result of this check, you positively identify that all (P/Ns 100435-39, 100435-39-001, 100435-40, or 100435-40-001) pitot/AOA probes installed do not have a serial number affected by this AD, then no further action is required. | Before further flight after September 29, 2008 (the effective date of this AD). | 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 do the logbook check. Make an entry into the aircraft logbook showing compliance with this portion of the AD in accordance with section 43.9 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.9). |
| (2) If you find, as a result of the check required by paragraph (e)(1) of this AD any pitot/AOA probe with an affected serial number is installed or you cannot positively identify the serial number of any pitot/AOA probe installed, incorporate the following text into the Limitations section of the airplane flight manual (AFM): (i) “Operate Only under Day Visual Flight Rules (VFR)”; and (ii) “File Only a VFR Flight Plan.” | Before further flight after September 29, 2008 (the effective date of this AD). | 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)(2) 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 logbook showing compliance with this portion of the AD in accordance with section 43.9 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.9). |
| (3) If you find any pitot/AOA probe with an affected serial number is installed or you cannot positively identify the serial number of any pitot/AOA probe installed, test the pitot/AOA probe heater performance. Completion of the test with all pitot/AOA probes passing terminates the AFM operational limitations required in paragraph (e)(2) of this AD. | Within the next 90 days after September 29, 2008 (the effective date of this AD). | (i) For all probes installed in Eclipse Model EA500 airplanes, use Eclipse Aviation Alert Service Bulletin SB 500-34-019, Rev C, dated August 20, 2008; and (ii) For all probes, use Harco Labs, Inc. Service Bulletin SB-34-10-10-001, Revision F, dated August 19, 2008, and Harco Pitot AOA Probe Internal Tubing Heater Verification Test Procedure No. P1149, Rev: E, also referenced in 8. Appendix A of Harco Labs, Inc. Service Bulletin SB-34-10-10-001 Revision F, dated August 19, 2008. |
| (4) If any pitot/AOA probe fails the test procedure specified in paragraph (e)(3) of this AD, replace it with a pitot/AOA probe under the following situations: (i) the replacement pitot/AOA probe serial number is not affected by this AD; (ii) the replacement pitot/AOA probe successfully passes the test procedure in paragraph (e)(3) of this AD; or (iii) the replacement pitot/AOA probe fails the test or is not tested and you: (A) comply with paragraph (e)(2) of this AD; and (B) within the next 90 days after September 29, 2008, install a pitot/AOA probe that meets the criteria of paragraph (e)(4)(i) or (e)(4)(ii) of this AD. | Within the next 90 days after September 29, 2008 (the effective date of this AD). | Replace following Eclipse Aviation Alert Service Bulletin SB 500-34-019, Rev C, dated August 20, 2008, or following an FAA-approved repair procedure (e.g. the FAA-approved aircraft maintenance manual), as applicable. |
| (5) Do not install any P/N 100435-39, 100435-39-001, 100435-40, or 100435-40-001 pitot/AOA probe unless the criteria of paragraph (e)(4)(i), (e)(4)(ii), or (e)(4)(iii) of this AD are met. | As of September 29, 2008 (the effective date of this AD). | Not applicable. |
| (6) Remove the operating limitations specified in paragraph (e)(2) of this AD from the Limitations section of the AFM. | Before further flight after completion of the test in paragraph (e)(3) of this AD with all pitot/AOA probes passing or replacement of all failed pitot/AOA probes with: (i) pitot/AOA probes having serial numbers not affected by this AD; or (ii) pitot/AOA probes successfully passing the test following paragraph (e)(3) of this AD. | Not applicable. |
(f) If you are required to accomplish paragraph (e)(3) of this AD, previously tested the pitot/AOA probe using Harco Labs, Inc. Service Bulletin SB-34-10-10-001, Revision E or earlier, and have a copy of the Pitot AOA Probe Internal Tubing Heater Verification Test Procedure Data Sheet for the probe being tested, you may use that data to accomplish procedure 3.1 Lines 1 through 14 or procedure 3.2 Lines 1 though 14, of Harco Pitot AOA Probe Internal Tubing Heater Verification Test Procedure No. P1149, Rev: E, also referenced in 8. Appendix A of Harco Labs, Inc. Service Bulletin SB-34-10-10-001 Revision F, dated August 20, 2008.
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
Appliances and equipment
