SPECIAL AIRWORTHINESS INFORMATION BULLETIN
Aircraft Certification Service
Washington, DC
U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration
CE-09-14

February 27, 2009

This is information only. Recommendations aren’t mandatory.

Introduction

This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) advises you, the owners and operators of Eclipse Model EA500 aircraft, of the current status of Eclipse Aviation Corporation and requests that owners and operators inform the FAA of any unsafe condition involving the EA500.

At this time, this airworthiness concern is not an unsafe condition that would warrant AD action under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR) part 39.

Background

Eclipse Aircraft Corporation filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November 25, 2008. The creditors for Eclipse Aviation have now petitioned the court to move from Chapter 11 to Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceedings. The hearing is set for March 4, 2009. All Eclipse operations (including certification, production, service centers, training centers and dealers) are closed.

Recommendations

In the interim the FAA requests that owners and operators report to the FAA all unsafe conditions that may exist on Eclipse EA500 Aircraft to the Airplane Certification Office in Fort Worth, TX. For other information regarding the EA500 please see attached frequently asked questions.

For Further Information Contact

Alma Ramirez, Program Manager, ASW-150; phone: (817) 222-5147; fax: (817) 222-5960; e-mail: alma.l.ramirez@faa.gov.