The FAA on January 29 issued a notice of proposed special conditions for the Eclipse 500, which, if implemented, would require the twin-engine super-light jet to include an engine-fire extinguishing system in its design. The special conditions are needed, said the FAA, because “the applicable airworthiness regulations [FAR Part 23] do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature, because aft-mounted turbine engine installations were never envisioned in the development of Part 23.” Two aft-mounted Williams EJ22 turbofan engines will power the Eclipse.
However, this notice was issued by mistake, the FAA told AIN. According to an FAA spokesman, the error occurred due to a change in personnel at the agency’s Small Airplane Directorate (ACE-111) in Kansas City, Mo., and the use of documents relating to the company’s original type certificate application instead of revised documents, which addressed the engine-fire extinguishing requirement with a detection system and fuel shut-off valves. An amended notice of special conditions for the Eclipse was expected to be issued before the end of last month, the spokesman said.
More In Aircraft
