Extended Tip Tank Configuration

ONE Aviation announced today, at EAA AirVenture 2017, FAA approval of an unrestricted increase in the structural life limit of the Eclipse 550 and the Eclipse 500 in the extended tip tank configuration to 20,000 flight hours or 20,000 cycles, whichever occurs first. Previously the life limit had been 10,000 cycles, 10,000 hours, or 10 years, without enrollment in a life extension maintenance and inspection program. Completion of long term fatigue and damage tolerance testing of the aircraft structure and materials resulted in this change.

When maintained in accordance with the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM), the completion of the full-scale aircraft level testing, and the large scale material coupon testing, demonstrated the aircraft structure has fatigue and damage tolerance life, in excess of 20,000 cycles.

The increase in the life limit is automatic to existing and future Eclipse Jet owners, with no additional action necessary beyond continuing to perform the AMM required structural inspections.

“The FAA approved changes to the aircraft life limits greatly simplifies the ability of Eclipse Jet owners and operators to benefit from the extensive investment made by ONE Aviation in structural life testing,” said Brent Christner, Senior Director of Engineering at Eclipse Aerospace.

Currently these life limit changes are applicable to United States “N” registered aircraft. Eclipse is working to get the new life limits accepted by other civil aviation authorities.

(Source: ONE Aviation news release. Image from file)

FMI: www.ONEaviation.aero