Aircraft Ownership
Eclipse supplier hit by AD
An airworthiness directive against faulty heaters in pitot/angle-of-attack indicators built by Connecticut-based Harco Labs takes effect Sept. 29.
An Eclipse spokeswoman said 20 percent of the fleet of 250 EA500s has been inspected. The problem was discovered after four EA500 aircraft experienced faulty airspeed readings in flight. Normal function returned after the aircraft descended to warmer temperatures, allowing ice in the indicators to melt.
Eclipse Aviation will pay expenses resulting from inspections and any repairs associated with the AD. Aircraft not inspected and tested by Sept. 29 will be restricted to day-VFR operations; owners will then have 90 days after that date to comply.
September 10, 2008
