# Proposed AD FAA-2007-29316: Eclipse Aviation Corporation Model EA500 Airplanes

- Type: Proposed airworthiness directive (not in force)
- Status: Became AD 2008-02-04
- Products: Eclipse
- Product type: Aircraft
- Action: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
- Published: October 19, 2007, 72 FR 59225
- Comments due: December 18, 2007
- Became: [AD 2008-02-04](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2008-02-04)
- Docket: FAA-2007-29316 (https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FAA-2007-29316, where comments are filed)
- Project: 2007-CE-078-AD
- FR document: E7-20630
- Official PDF: https://openairdocs.org/files/sha256/84/53/845360c8c5319fe0a0d4e9dd911e10909181bd34a87177347821ae2e6ae84011 (from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2007-10-19/pdf/E7-20630.pdf)
- Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2007/10/19/E7-20630/airworthiness-directives-eclipse-aviation-corporation-model-ea500-airplanes
- FAA DRS: https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/A783570249141A4486257379004BFA58.0001
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/proposed/FAA-2007-29316

## Summary

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (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 has 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 proposed AD would limit the applicability to airplanes under S/N 000065 and require incorporating the modification. This proposed AD would also retain the operating limitations in AD 2007-13-11 until the modification is incorporated. We are proposing 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 proposed modification would prevent loss of air pressure in the pitot system, which could cause erroneous AOA and airspeed information with consequent loss of control.

## Notices in this docket

- Oct 19, 2007: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). (first notice), FR document E7-20630, comments due Dec 18, 2007 (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2007/10/19/E7-20630/airworthiness-directives-eclipse-aviation-corporation-model-ea500-airplanes)

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