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
Aero Linx: Model Aeronautical Association of Australia MAAA clubs are about fun flying, camaraderie and community. For over 75 years, the MAAA has been Australia’s largest fl>[...]
Touchdown Zone Lighting Two rows of transverse light bars located symmetrically about the runway centerline normally at 100 foot intervals. The basic system extends 3,000 feet alon>[...]
“Discovery and innovation are central to our mission at Virgin Galactic. We’re excited to build on our successful record of facilitating scientific experiments in subor>[...]
How To Get A Story On Aero-TV News/Feature Programming How do I submit a story idea or lead to Aero-TV? If you would like to submit a story idea or lead, please contact Jim Campbel>[...]
Student Pilot Reported That During Rotation, “All Of A Sudden The Back Of The Plane Kicked To The Right..." Analysis: The student pilot reported that during rotation, “>[...]