Eclipse jets mandated to fly at lower altitudes
March 21, 2011, 08:35 pm
The Federal Aviation Administration has administered a mandatory safety directive, requiring that Eclipse Aerospace EA500 jets reduce their maximum flight altitude from 37,000 feet to 30,000 feet, according to AVweb.
The ruling has come in reference to reported engine troubles with the aircraft.
The aircraft was originally designed to fly as high as 41,000 feet. However, the maximum altitude was reduced to 37,000 feet in 2008 by the FAA. The ruling was made due to carbon buildup within the engines, according to the Wall Street Journal.
However, the FAA's directive stated that five or more engine surge events have occured at or below the 37,000 foot altitude threshold since the 2008 ruling, and more restrictive measures are necessary to maintain safety.
The Eclipse chairman reportedly told WSJ that the company disagrees with the FAA's directive, offering the alternative of a 90-minute limit to high-altitude cruise which he argues "would eliminate the safety hazard without placing 'an undue burden on our pilots'."
Though this measure may potentially burden Eclipse owners and pilots, it is essential to ensure pilot safety and manage the potential engine problems before a fatal accident occurs as a result. Major mechanical aircraft weaknesses sometimes go undiscovered until it is too late, which is why pilot life insurance is important coverage for aviators to have.
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