Lifts Restrictions Imposed On Cessna Citation Jets Equipped With The Winglets

The FAA has approved a global Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC) lifting restrictions put in place by the Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued in May on Cessna Citation jets equipped with Tamarack Aerospace ATLAS Active Winglets.

The AMOC is an intermediate step meant to provide a way for the affected CitationJets to fly sooner than waiting for the final resolution of the AD, which will come later. Its provisions allow all US registered aircraft in compliance with Service Bulletin (SB)1480 to fly again without the AD’s restrictions.

• SB1480 requires all Textron Aviation jets fitted with Tamarack’s Active Winglet technology (models 525, 525A, 525B) incorporate all previously approved system improvements, including SB1467, issued in April 2018, and SB1475, issued in March, 2019.
• SB 1467 enhances reliability of the TACS Control Unit (TCU).
• SB1475 consists of ‘centering strips’ attached to the upper and lower trailing edge of the Tamarack Active Camber Surface (TACS). The centering strips, in the unlikely event of a system fault, aerodynamically force the TACS back to their faired position, reducing the impact of the fault.

This FAA action follows EASA’s July 5 acceptance of SB1480 as a resolution to flight restrictions imposed by its Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD). SB1480 requires all Textron Aviation models 525, 525A, and 525B fitted with Tamarack’s Active Winglet technology incorporate existing product improvements. 89 out of 91 of all aircraft equipped with the Tamarack’s system are already in compliance with the requirements of SB1480.

"This AMOC will allow our customers to resume normal flight operations as quickly as possible. I offer my sincere thanks to our loyal and supportive customers during this challenging time. They have been our staunchest advocates despite the inconvenience and hardship of having the use of their aircraft restricted,” said Tamarack founder and CEO, Nicholas Guida. “I am pleased to announce that we have booked three Active Winglet deposits during the FAA grounding, and we are scheduling new installations now. Tamarack is focused on the future and providing the most innovative and advanced winglet solutions in aviation.”

(Source: Tamarack Aerospace news release. Image from file)

FMI: www.tamarackaero.com