FAA Requires Eclipse Throttle Inspections

FAA on June 12 issued an emergency airworthiness directive requiring inspection of engine throttles on the Eclipse 500 Very Light Jet, acting on “urgent recommendations” of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The Safety Board recommendations followed the June 5 emergency landing of an Eclipse 500 at Chicago’s Midway Airport.
AD 2008-13-51, sent to owners and operators of some 200 delivered Eclipse 500s, requires pilot evaluation of the throttles and repair or replacement as necessary. Procedures for responding to dual engine control failure are to be added to the airplane flight manual.
Manufacturer Eclipse Aviation, Albuquerque, N.M., said the inspection can be completed “in less than 10 minutes.”