2008-02-04: Pitot system

2008-02-04 Eclipse Aviation Corporation: Amendment 39-15334; Docket No. FAA-2007-29316; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-078-AD. Effective Date (a) This AD becomes effective on February 26, 2008. Affected ADs (b) This AD supersedes AD 2007-13-11, Amendment 39-15115. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Model EA500 airplanes, serial numbers 000001 through 000064, that are certificated in any category. Unsafe Condition (d) Reports of three instances of loss of primary airspeed indication due to freezing condensation within the pitot system prompted us to issue AD 2007-13-11. This AD results from Eclipse developing a design modification to the pitot/angle-of-attack (AOA) system that eliminates 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 000065. We are issuing this AD to prevent long- term reliance on special operating limitations when a design change exists that would eliminate the need for the operating limitations. Incorporating the modification would prevent loss of air pressure in the pitot system, which could cause erroneous AOA and airspeed information with consequent loss of control. Compliance (e) 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 copyof 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. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (f) The Manager, Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Al Wilson, Flight Test Pilot, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137-4298; telephone: (817) 222-5146; fax: (817) 222-5960. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. (g) AMOCs approved for AD 2007-13-11 are approved for this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (h) You must use Eclipse Aviation Alert Service Bulletin Number SB 500-34-005, Rev B, issued July 10, 2007, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Eclipse Aviation Corporation, 2503 Clark Carr Loop, SE., Albuquerque, NM 87105, fax: 505-241-8802; e-mail: customercare@eclipseaviation.com. (3) You may review copies at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202- 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html .