Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16459 · Communications
Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. Model EA500 Airplanes
This AD applies to Model EA500 airplanes with the following serial numbers (SNs) that are certificated in any category:
(1) SNs 000105 through 000112, 000116 through 000119, 000121 through 000122, and 000125 through 000260;
(2) SNs 000039 through 000104, 000113 through 000115, 000120, and 000123 through 000124, that incorporate Avionics Upgrade to AVIO NG Configuration for ETT Configured Aircraft per any revision level of Eclipse SB 500-99-002; and
(3) SNs 000001 through 000038, that incorporate Performance Enhancement & Drag Reduction Modification per any revision level of Eclipse SB 500-99-001 and Avionics Upgrade to AVIO NG Configuration for ETT Configured Aircraft per any revision level of Eclipse SB 500-99-002.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD requires incorporating changes to the electronic flight information system and the airplane flight manuals. This AD was prompted by reports of uncommanded changes to the communications radio frequency, altitude preselect, and/or transponder codes. We are issuing this AD to correct faulty integration of hardware and software, which could result in unannunciated, uncommanded changes in communications radio frequency, transponder codes, and altitude preselect settings. These uncommanded changes could result in loss of communication with air traffic control due to improper communications frequency, autopilot level off at the incorrect altitude, or air traffic control loss of proper tracking of the aircraft.
To address this problem, you must do the following, unless already done:
| Actions (software updates and AFM revisions) | Compliance | Procedures |
|---|---|---|
| (1) Incorporate one of the following set of software upgrades and AFM revisions: (i) Electronic flight instrument system (EFIS) 1.3 software update and one of the following airplane flight manual revisions: (A) Temporary Revision (TR) 010, Airplane Flight Manual part number (P/N) 06-122204 Before 3-45, Revision 01 and TR 009, Quick Reference Handbook P/N 06-122205, Revision 01; or (B) TR 010A, Airplane Flight Manual P/N 06-122204 Before 3-51, Revision 02 and TR 009A, Quick Reference Handbook P/N 06-122205, Revision 02; or (C) Airplane Flight Manual P/N 06-122204 Revision 3, dated February 3, 2010, and Quick Reference Handbook P/N 06-122205, Revision 03. (ii) Avionics upgrade to AVIO NG + 1.5 Configuration and one of the following airplane flight manual revisions: (A) Aircraft Flight Manual, P/N 06-122204, Revision 2, dated November 7, 2008, or (B) AVIO NG + 1.5 configuration and Aircraft Flight Manual, P/N 06-122204, Revision 3, dated February 10, 2010. | Incorporate within the next 6 months after November 9, 2010 (the effective date of this AD). | Follow, as appropriate, Eclipse Aviation Required Service Bulletin SB 500-31-015, REV D, dated January 14, 2009; or Eclipse Aviation Recommended Service Bulletin SB 500-99-005, REV A, dated February 16, 2009; or Eclipse Aviation Recommended Service Bulletin SB 500-99-005, REV B, dated January 22, 2010. |
| (2) Send the completed service bulletin compliance record required by paragraph (f)(1)(i) of this AD or paragraph (f)(1)(ii) of this AD to the address identified in paragraph (g) of this AD. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved the information collection requirements contained in this regulation under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056. | Within 30 days after you incorporate the revisions required by paragraph (f)(1)(i) of this AD or paragraph (f)(1)(ii) of this AD or within 30 days after November 9, 2010 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs later. | Not Applicable. |
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.
