SAIB CE-12-13

FAA Aviation Safety

SPECIAL AIRWORTHINESS

INFORMATION BULLETIN SAIB: CE-12-13 SUBJ: Ailerons Date: January 24, 2012 This is information only. Recommendations aren’t mandatory.

Introduction

This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) informs registered owners/operators of all Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. EA500 model series aircraft (under Type Certificate Data Sheet A00002AC) of an airworthiness concern. Specifically, this SAIB provides guidance for inspection of the aileron joints and replacement with redesigned parts.

At this time, this airworthiness concern has not been determined to be an unsafe condition that would warrant airworthiness directive (AD) action under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 39.

Background

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) received reports of increased lateral stick force.

Investigation determined that possible corrosion of the aileron joint assembly bearing or shaft resulted in aileron friction being out of tolerance. Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. has developed Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 500-27-004, Revision B. This bulletin provides instructions for performing inspections within 50 flight hours, and thereafter at every 100 flight hour intervals. The bulletin also provides instructions for replacing certain parts in the aileron system. Replacement of the parts in accordance with the alert service bulletin terminates the need for the repeat inspections.

This SAIB is being issued because the FAA continues to receive service difficulty reports that indicate the issue is continuing to be found on aircraft and the agency wants to increase awareness and compliance with the Eclipse alert service bulletin.

Recommendations

The FAA recommends you inspect your Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. airp lane ailerons at the time intervals and using the inspection procedures directed in Eclipse Alert Service Bulletin 500-27-004, Revision B, dated September 8, 2008. Inspections should continue until part replacement in accordance with paragraph 3.D. of the alert service bulletin.

For Further Information Contact

Garry Sills, Aerospace Engineer, 2601 Meacham Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76137;

phone: (817) 222-5154; fax: (817) 222-5960; e-mail: garry.d.sills@faa.gov.

For Related Service Information Contact

Eclipse Aerospace, Inc., 26 East Palatine Road, Wheeling, IL 60090; phone: (877) 375-7978;

online: www.eclipse.aero 1