Thu, Oct 14, 2010
With the 2010 rendition of NBAA's annual convention literally
days away, a recent trip to KABQ necessitated a run over to Eclipse
to see what they might have in store for this year's event in
Atlanta, GA.
We covered a number of topics... though Eclipse Honcho Mason
Holland refused to divulge any of the announcements planned for
Atlanta... but did offer up a status report on all things Eclipse
and Total Eclipse.
Recently, ANN reported on the completion of an enhanced
windshield application for the dissipation of precipitation static
on windshields, and aircraft design changes for operation up to
41,000 feet -- in accordance with promises they made to Eclipse
aircraft owners after EAI acquired the assets of the previous
company.
The new FAA certified windshield application uses a thin carbon
strip that is adhered directly to existing Eclipse twin-engine jet
windshields. This maintenance-free strip is bonded across the
windshield and to the aircraft structure creating a conductive
path, which acts as a diverter to dissipate potential precipitation
static under certain flight conditions.
In addition to the improved windshield application, EAI also
announces the successful completion of the engineering requirements
addressing the existing FAA Airworthiness Directive, restricting
flight to 37,000 feet. Eclipse is actively testing these
modifications and has completed the final design.
Final certification of the aircraft modifications are expected
prior to the end of the year. After installation in the aircraft,
these modifications will permit the EA500 to return to a service
ceiling of 41,000 feet.
Mason also noted that the Total Eclipse refurbishment programs
seems to be holding its own despite the vagaries of a tough economy
and our inspection of a recent TE completion showed off some pretty
nice work... especially on the interior. So far... so good!
More News
Say Altitude Used by ATC to ascertain an aircraft's specific altitude/flight level. When the aircraft is climbing or descending, the pilot should state the indicated altitude round>[...]
Aero Linx: European Air Law Association (EALA) EALA was established in 1988 with the aim to promote the study of European air law and to provide an open forum for those with an int>[...]
From 2023 (YouTube Version): The Life, Death, Life, Death, and Life of a Glorious Warbird In 1981, business-owner Jim Tobul and his father purchased a Chance-Vought F4U Corsair. Mo>[...]
Also: USCG Retires MH-65 Dolphins, Irish Aviation Authority, NATCA Warns FAA, Diamond DA42 AD This summer, history enthusiasts will have a unique opportunity to experience World Wa>[...]
Also: WACO Kitchen Bails, French SportPlane Mfr to FL, Dynon-Advance Flight Systems, Innovation Preview Bobby Bailey, a bit of a fixture in sport aviation circles for his work with>[...]
ANN's Daily Aero-Term (05.01.24): Say Altitude
See All