Flight into Known Icing OK for Eclipse 500

By Chad Trautvetter

June 26, 2008
Aircraft

Eclipse Aviation yesterday received flight into known icing (FIKI) approval for the Eclipse 500, though in-service and undelivered aircraft up to S/N 265 will require modifications to fly in such conditions. Company vice president of sales and marketing Mike McConnell told AIN that S/N 266, which is expected to be delivered in late summer, will be the first Eclipse 500 off the production line with FIKI capability, as well as the dual Garmin GPS 400W avionics configuration that will provide GPS WAAS functionality.

Meanwhile, the Albuquerque, N.M.-based company is finishing for pre-S/N 266 Eclipse 500s a FIKI service bulletin that will require early serial numbers to be fitted with new de-icing boots, as well as the previously announced aerodynamic modifications. All aircraft up to and including S/N 265 will need rain-repellant coating on the windshield and static ports, engine ground bonding straps, additional static wicks, a new autopilot pitch servo and a rudder-centering spring to meet FIKI requirements.

McConnell said FIKI modifications on in-service aircraft should start in about 30 days, and the goal is to have a large percentage of the fleet FIKI approved before the onset of winter in the northern hemisphere.

Back

G250 launch expected soon September 01, 2008 It now appears that the launch of another new Gulfstream–the G250, a successor to the super-midsize G200–is nearing and could possibly come at... [more]
Columbus Wind-tunnel Tests Complete September 01, 2008 Cessna on August 13 said it completed a series of wind-tunnel tests for its large-cabin Citation Columbus. Results from the tests in low- and... [more]
Piperjet prototype FeelS the wind in its sails September 01, 2008 Piper Aircraft’s single-engine PiperJet prototype has logged 12 flights since its maiden jaunt from Vero Beach (Fla.) Airport on July 30.... [more]
Second Phenom 300 Makes Show Debut September 01, 2008 Embraer’s second Phenom 300 joined the flight-test program just a few days before making its first public show appearance at LABACE. The... [more]
Brazilian Race Driver Picks Mustang September 01, 2008 Brazilian race driver Nelson Piquet, one of few ever to win three world championships, hasn’t slowed down. At LABACE he confirmed the purchase... [more]