AD 2023-20-07 Prompted By A Report That During A Production Ground Test, The Flap Position Switches Were Not Properly Rigged

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Epic Aircraft, LLC Model E1000 airplanes.

This AD was prompted by improperly rigged flap position switches. This AD requires installing a secondary full position limit switch to the flap system, installing a switch ramp on the flap actuator, and modifying the take-off position switch rigging. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective November 22, 2023.

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Epic Aircraft, LLC Model E1000 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on July 21, 2023 (88 FR 47084). The NPRM was prompted by a report that during a production ground test, the flap position switches were not properly rigged and allowed the actuator to travel beyond the commanded flaps' full (fully extended) position. The flap actuator could overrun the flaps' fully extended position if the full position microswitch is either missing or not rigged properly, resulting in an uncertified flap configuration. This condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of control of the airplane.

In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require installing a secondary full position limit switch to the flap system, installing a switch ramp on the flap actuator, and modifying the take-off position switch rigging.

The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

FMI: www.regulations.gov