AD on Eclipse Fuel Adapters

The FAA adopted a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eclipse Aviation Corporation Model EA500 airplanes with the extended tip tanks (ETT). The AD requires inspection of the fuel filler adapters for primer and/or paint in the surround and, if present, the removal of the primer and/or paint.
The aircraft type certification requires compliance to 14 CFR 23.954, fuel system lightning protection. During the lightning protection testing of certain Eclipse Model EA500 airplanes, it was determined that the fuel filler surround required exposed bare metal to dissipate arc products when the fuel filler cap is struck by lightning. Eclipse notified FAA that, during a factory walk around, they observed that the fuel filler surround was primed instead of being bare metal. A lightning strike on the filler cap with insulating primer on the surround could result in the strike not dissipating to the surround. This could lead to arcing and ignition of fuel vapor inside the fuel tank.
This AD became effective on November 27, 2007.
FAA reviewed Eclipse Service Bulletin SB 500-57-007, Rev A, dated October 12, 2007, and Eclipse Service Bulletin SB 500-57-007, Rev B, dated October 23, 2007. The service information describes procedures for inspecting the fuel filler fitting surround for primer and/or paint and removing the primer and/or paint if found. The agency contacted Eclipse clubs and aircraft operators to get technical information and information on operational and economic impacts. However, it did not receive any information through these contacts.