Eclipse Aviation in late June 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, scheduled for delivery 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. All aircraft up to and including S/N 265 will need rain-repellent 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.
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