Misplaced Pages

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116-488: The PiperJet was announced in October 2006, as a competitor to the twin-engined Eclipse 500 and Cessna Citation Mustang . The aircraft's fuselage was the same cross section as the propeller-driven Piper PA-46 series, with a 4 feet (1.2 m) increase in length. It was to be capable of carrying up to 7 passengers and cruise at 360 knots (666.7 km/h), at a maximum altitude of 35,000 feet (10,668.0 m). Maximum range

232-490: A COD basis. Notably, only a few vendors will sell parts directly to customers because of previous exclusive supply contracts with Eclipse." In January 2009 all Eclipse factory support facilities were closed. One group of ex-employees set up a maintenance and support facility to assist the owners of the aircraft already delivered by that point. In March 2011 the FAA issued an Airworthiness Directive restricting operation of

348-417: A "prior experience" bid, where anyone with an FAA Control Tower Operator certificate (CTO) and 52 weeks of experience could apply. This was a revolving bid, every month the applicants on this bid were sorted out, and eligible applicants were hired and sent directly to facilities, bypassing the FAA academy entirely. In the process of promoting diversity, the FAA revised its hiring process. The FAA later issued

464-608: A 1,000-aircraft order, a week before the roll-out. Shortly after the August 2002 first flight, Eclipse decided not to proceed with the Williams EJ22 turbofan, as it was too susceptible to bird strikes and the thrust was insufficient, to replace it with heavier 250 lb (110 kg) engines up from 80 lb (36 kg), cutting range from 1,300 to 1,000 nmi (2,400 to 1,900 km) and inflating operating costs from 56 to 75 cents per mile. By May 2007, Eclipse claimed

580-536: A CTI certificate allowed a prospective controller to skip the Air Traffic Basics part of the academy, about a 30- to 45-day course, and go right into Initial Qualification Training (IQT). All prospective controllers, CTI or not, have had to pass the FAA Academy in order to be hired as a controller. Failure at the academy means FAA employment is terminated. In January 2015 they launched another pipeline,

696-636: A Special Agent with the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Transportation and with FAA Security, is one of the most outspoken critics of FAA. Rather than commend the agency for proposing a $ 10.2 million fine against Southwest Airlines for its failure to conduct mandatory inspections in 2008, he was quoted as saying the following in an Associated Press story: "Penalties against airlines that violate FAA directives should be stiffer. At $ 25,000 per violation, Gutheinz said, airlines can justify rolling

812-483: A backlog of nearly 2,700 orders. In May 2008, Eclipse announced that the price of the Eclipse 500 would increase to $ 2,150,000 due to a lower than projected production volume which resulted in expected efficiencies not being realized and higher production costs. Eclipse offered its Jet Complete program to guarantee a maintenance cost of $ 209 per flight hour for owners flying 300 to 3,000 hours over three years, while

928-427: A claimed order book of about 2500 aircraft DayJet represented 58% of all Eclipses that had been ordered. On September 19, 2008, DayJet suspended all passenger operations due to its inability to raise operating funds, and stating: The company’s operations have also suffered as a result of Eclipse Aviation’s failure to install missing equipment or functionality or repair agreed technical discrepancies in accordance with

1044-519: A college that offered a CTI program. Before the change, candidates who had completed coursework at participating colleges and universities could be "fast-tracked" for consideration. However, the CTI program had no guarantee of a job offer, nor was the goal of the program to teach people to work actual traffic. The goal of the program was to prepare people for the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, OK. Having

1160-636: A double engine failure. This action is considered an interim solution while the engine certification authority, Transport Canada and Pratt & Whitney Canada devise a more permanent solution. In July 2011, the situation was resolved with a new combustion liner design from Pratt & Whitney Canada that, once implemented, will raise the aircraft's ceiling back up to 41,000 ft (12,497 m). [REDACTED]   United States [REDACTED]   United Kingdom On 6 May 2008, air taxi operator DayJet announced that it had scaled back its operations, laying off 100–160 employees in all segments of

1276-421: A few government facilities", and that humanity would never get to Mars under those rules. A Designated Engineering Representative (DER) is an engineer who is appointed under 14 CFR section 183.29 to act on behalf of a company or as an independent consultant (IC). The DER system enables the FAA to delegate certain involvement in airworthiness exams, tests, and inspections to qualified technical people outside of

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1392-483: A flight instructor (Gold Seal certification), a 50-year aviator (Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award), a 50-year mechanic (Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award) or as a proficient pilot. The latter, the FAA " WINGS Program ", provides a lifetime series of grouped proficiency activities at three levels (Basic, Advanced, and Master) for pilots who have undergone several hours of ground and flight training since their last WINGS award, or "Phase". The FAA encourages volunteerism in

1508-429: A four-year degree or five years of full-time work experience to apply, rather than the closed college program or Veterans Recruitment Appointment bids, something that had last been done in 2008. Thousands were hired, including veterans, Collegiate Training Initiative graduates, and people who are true "off the street" hires. The move was made to open the job up to more people who might make good controllers but did not go to

1624-450: A hump in the cabin floor that accommodated the wing spar in the old design. The Altaire had been designed for single-pilot operation allowing one passenger to occupy the co-pilot's seat. Combined with 4 passenger seats in the cabin behind the flight deck, the jet would typically have seated 5 passengers. The cabin would have been specially configured to add an additional seat such that a total of 6 passengers can be accommodated in addition to

1740-669: A larger circular-section fuselage known as the Piper PiperJet Altaire . The 160 customers who had placed orders for the PiperJet retained their delivery positions with the new aircraft and at the same $ 2.2 million price. Based on the PA-47 PiperJet prototype, the Altaire featured a slightly larger fuselage with a rounded cross-section , and included a conventional control yoke for flight control, as opposed to

1856-425: A new airport aid program and certain added responsibilities for airport safety. During the 1960s and 1970s, the FAA also started to regulate high altitude (over 500 feet) kite and balloon flying. By the mid-1970s, the agency had achieved a semi-automated air traffic control system using both radar and computer technology. This system required enhancement to keep pace with air traffic growth, however, especially after

1972-706: A new independent agency, the Civil Aeronautics Authority . The legislation also expanded the government's role by giving the CAA the authority and the power to regulate airline fares and to determine the routes that air carriers would serve. President Franklin D. Roosevelt split the authority into two agencies in 1940: the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) and the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB). CAA

2088-484: A new two-tone paint scheme. The SE upgrade package includes a three-year factory warranty and maintenance program, at a price of US$ 2.2M, including the provided base airframe to be upgraded. Eclipse founder and former CEO Vern Raburn was one of the first business executives at Microsoft . Consequently, Bill Gates became a major stake-holder in the Albuquerque, New Mexico -based Eclipse project. Eclipse believed

2204-538: A parallel investigation to the FAA panel. The House Aviation Subcommittee heard testimony from the inspector general for the Transportation Department, Calvin Scovel, on 17 September 2008. He testified that FAA employees were instructed by FAA management and that a target date was set for the Eclipse 500's certification, regardless of the test flying results. "It was a calendar-driven process... with

2320-405: A plane without a bathroom, at least they are not going to do it more than once" . Air taxi service company DayJet , the Eclipse 500 major customer, conducted surveys that showed that having a toilet is not a concern for most of their passengers. Its CEO stated that if it needed larger planes, they wouldn't need a toilet. The Eclipse concept was to bring a new economy to small jet aircraft and both

2436-465: A predetermined outcome," Scovel said. Scovel testified that FAA Administrator Robert Sturgell recently stated that the FAA is also reviewing the production certificate that was awarded to Eclipse. US Representative Robin Hayes , ( Republican , North Carolina ) asked Scovel if the Eclipse jet is a safe airplane to fly. Scovel stated, "My office has no evidence that it is unsafe." Scovel added later in

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2552-425: A report that the "bio-data" was not a reliable test for future performance. However, the "Bio-Q" was not the determining factor for hiring, it was merely a screening tool to determine who would take a revised Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSAT). Due to cost and time, it was not practical to give all 30,000 some applicants the revised ATSAT, which has since been validated. In 2015 Fox News levied criticism that

2668-627: A root cause analysis" of the owner-reported problems with the aircraft's trim, trim actuator and fire-extinguisher systems. Further report recommendations addressed internal FAA processes that were not optimally handled. Acting FAA Administrator Robert Sturgell responded to the review report saying: "This review tells us that while we made the right call in certifying this aircraft, the process we used could and should have been better coordinated. These recommendations will be invaluable as we continue certifying these new types of aircraft." The US House of Representatives Aviation Subcommittee carried out

2784-670: A series of midair collisions—most notably the 1956 Grand Canyon mid-air collision ) prompted passage of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 . This legislation passed the CAA's functions to a new independent body, the Federal Aviation Agency. The act also transferred air safety regulation from the CAB to the FAA, and gave it sole responsibility for a joint civil-military system of air navigation and air traffic control. The FAA's first administrator, Elwood R. Quesada ,

2900-503: A share of the aircraft. In October 2008, production was halted at serial number 267 as Eclipse was awaiting funding and was unable to refund customer deposits while numerous lawsuits were filed by customers. No further Eclipse 500s were produced. On November 25, 2008, Eclipse Aviation entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy . By then, 259 airplanes had been delivered, as creditors claimed $ 702.6 million and Eclipse estimated total liabilities at over $ 1 billion. S/N 260 had been paid in full before

3016-545: A statement suspending the Eclipse 500's type certificate, saying, "the current Holder of the EASA Type Certificate EASA.IM.A.171 has been notified on 10 June 2009, of the Agency’s decision to suspend the EASA Type Certificate EASA.IM.A.171 with effect from 12 June 2009." No reason for the suspension was announced at that time. On 28 October 2009, EASA changed the name of the holder of the type certificate for

3132-528: A template. The new owners of Piper, Imprimis, found fault with this design prompting a revision without direct reference to the Meridian. According to Piper CEO Geoffrey Berger, "We wanted to give our jet customers an even roomier light jet that incorporates a scalable design, paving the way for a future family of competitive business jets,". The new fuselage design provided an additional 4 inches of headroom and nine more inches of elbow room and does away with

3248-445: A testbed and demonstrator for their new FJX-2 turbofan engine. The aircraft and engine debuted at the 1997 Oshkosh Airshow . The V-Jet II had an all-composite structure with a forward-swept wing, a V-tail, each fin of which was mounted on the nacelle of one of the two engines. Williams had not intended to produce the aircraft, but it attracted a lot of attention, and Eclipse Aviation was founded in 1998 to further develop and produce

3364-536: Is a very light jet (VLJ) originally produced by Eclipse Aviation of Albuquerque, New Mexico , United States. The company was founded in 1998 to develop the 1997 Williams V-Jet II demonstrator. The prototype first flew with Williams EJ22 turbofans on August 26, 2002. The engines were replaced by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW610Fs in 2004 and Eclipse Aviation won the Collier Trophy in February 2006 for

3480-630: Is a set of programs to implement a suite of incremental changes to the National Airspace System (NAS). More precise Performance Based Navigation can reduce fuel burn, emissions, and noise exposure for a majority of communities, but the concentration of flight tracks also can increase noise exposure for people who live directly under those flight paths. A feature of the NextGen program is GPS-based waypoints, which result in consolidated flight paths for planes. The result of this change

3596-637: Is appointed for a five-year term. On March 19, 2019, President Donald Trump announced he would nominate Stephen Dickson, a former executive and pilot at Delta Air Lines , to be the next FAA Administrator. On July 24, 2019, the Senate confirmed Dickson by a vote of 52–40. He was sworn in as Administrator by Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao on August 12, 2019. On February 16, 2022, Dickson announced his resignation as FAA Administrator, effective March 31, 2022. In September 2023, President Joe Biden announced that he would be nominating Mike Whitaker to lead

Piper PA-47 PiperJet - Misplaced Pages Continue

3712-569: Is increased as a result of mounting the engine relatively high up in the tail. Piper estimated that this engine would get the Altaire up to a 35,000 feet (11,000 m) maximum cruise altitude and a 320 knot cruise speed. Maximum cruise speed was projected to be 360 knots. The aircraft was expected to have a 1,200-to-1,300-nautical-mile (2,200 to 2,400 km) non-stop range. The aircraft was expected to retail for around US$ 2.6 million, 'standard' equipped. Piper estimates variable operating cost at about US$ 730 per hour. This compares with about US$ 870 for

3828-409: Is mounted in a jig, and the skin is riveted onto the outside of it. For the Eclipse 500, lessons were taken from composite airframe manufacturing, and the aluminum skin is first laid in a mold, and then the structure is built onto it. The result is much more precise control of the aircraft's final shape, resulting in a cabin that is more robust and can be pressurized to a higher differential. In addition,

3944-615: Is that many localities experience huge increases in air traffic over previously quiet areas. Complaints have risen with the added traffic and multiple municipalities have filed suit. As a result of the March 10, 2019 Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crash and the Lion Air Flight 610 crash five months earlier, most airlines and countries began grounding the Boeing 737 MAX 8 (and in many cases all MAX variants) due to safety concerns, but

4060-648: Is the cornerstone of the U.S. federal government 's regulation of civil aviation. This landmark legislation was passed at the urging of the aviation industry, whose leaders believed the airplane could not reach its full commercial potential without federal action to improve and maintain safety standards. The Act charged the Secretary of Commerce with fostering air commerce, issuing and enforcing air traffic rules, licensing pilots , certifying aircraft, establishing airways, and operating and maintaining aids to air navigation. The newly created Aeronautics Branch, operating under

4176-482: The Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 phased out the CAB's economic regulation of the airlines. A nationwide strike by the air traffic controllers union in 1981 forced temporary flight restrictions but failed to shut down the airspace system. During the following year, the agency unveiled a new plan for further automating its air traffic control facilities, but progress proved disappointing. In 1994,

4292-622: The Avio NG system in place of the original Avio. The new avionics package was certified in December 2007 and it was intended at that time that the older Avio-equipped aircraft would be retrofitted to the same standard by the end of 2008. The Eclipse 500 does not feature a lavatory. Raburn explained that the majority of users would be flying 300 to 500 miles in 40 to 80 minutes, alleviating the need for one. Adam Aircraft Industries (now defunct) CEO Rick Adam stated "people are not going to get on

4408-601: The Dassault Falcon 900 . A selling price of US$ 2.199 million in 2006 dollars was initially set and as of February 19, 2007, Piper announced that it had received 180 pre-orders. An entry-into-service date of early 2010 was initially anticipated, later changed to 2011-12. In October 2009 the company indicated that it had delayed the delivery of the first customer aircraft to mid-2013 and had informed depositors. The PiperJet did not enter production and in October 2010 Piper announced it would instead develop an aircraft with

4524-621: The Department of Commerce assumed primary responsibility for aviation oversight. In fulfilling its civil aviation responsibilities, the U.S. Department of Commerce initially concentrated on such functions as safety regulations and the certification of pilots and aircraft. It took over the building and operation of the nation's system of lighted airways, a task initiated by the Post Office Department . The Department of Commerce improved aeronautical radio communications—before

4640-473: The Eclipse 550 update to be delivered from 2013. In April 2015, Eclipse Aerospace was merged with Kestrel Aircraft to form One Aviation . A Chapter 11 reorganization process started in October 2018 but failed. In February 2021, One Aviation entered Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation, and AML Global Eclipse maintains support for all Eclipse aircraft under the name Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. On June 12, 2008,

4756-579: The Federal Aviation Administration issued Emergency Airworthiness Directive AD 2008-13-51 grounding all Eclipse 500s, following an incident at Chicago's Midway Airport . According to the National Transportation Safety Board investigation, "the airplane was trying to land at Midway when the crew encountered a sudden shift in headwinds, which the pilot sought to counter by increasing power,

Piper PA-47 PiperJet - Misplaced Pages Continue

4872-472: The Jet Complete Business was aimed at operators flying 250 to 1,500 hours annually. In late November 2006, Raburn anticipated delivering 10 aircraft before the end of the year. The first airplane to be delivered was certified by the FAA on December 31, 2006, and its keys were handed on January 4, 2007 to shared jet ownership company Jet-Alliance and David Crowe, an owner-pilot who purchased

4988-469: The United States , Eclipse and other VLJ manufacturers hoped that this would create an air taxi role for their aircraft. In February 2006, Eclipse won the Collier Trophy as it was ”applying innovations created in the technology industry to drive down cost, increase performance, improve safety, and spur a new type of air travel — the air taxi ” . Aviation media website, AvWeb noticed the aircraft

5104-648: The fuselage of an aircraft , but was prevented by supervisors he said were friendly with the airline. This was validated by a report by the Department of Transportation which found FAA managers had allowed Southwest Airlines to fly 46 airplanes in 2006 and 2007 that were overdue for safety inspections, ignoring concerns raised by inspectors. Audits of other airlines resulted in two airlines grounding hundreds of planes, causing thousands of flight cancellations. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held hearings in April 2008. Jim Oberstar , former chairman of

5220-411: The 1960s had already brought the agency into the field of civil aviation security. In response to the hijackings on September 11, 2001, this responsibility is now primarily taken by the Department of Homeland Security . The FAA became more involved with the environmental aspects of aviation in 1968 when it received the power to set aircraft noise standards. Legislation in 1970 gave the agency management of

5336-407: The 500 was in "complete and total conformity" and that he considered the complaint an internal FAA issue between workers and managers. The concerns expressed by the union representing the certification engineers included: On 11 August 2008, The FAA started a 30-day special review of its certification of Eclipse 500. The certification review team was composed of personnel who were not involved in

5452-525: The AD being issued. The company indicated that the final solution to this problem was a software change to increase the throttle range and prevent an out-of-range condition. In June 2008 the United States Congress tasked the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Transportation with the investigation of claims by FAA employees who have indicated that the certification process of

5568-787: The EA500 to Eclipse Aerospace . In early December 2006 and in March 2007, Eclipse announced in letters to customers a number of changes to the initial specifications, including new fairings for the landing gear, wheel covers, and tail; control surface hinge covers; extended rudder and elevator, to eliminate Gurney flaps ; improved lower engine nacelle panel aerodynamics; extended wingtip fuel tanks (adding 12 U.S. gallons (45 L; 10.0 imp gal) on each side); changes to engine FADEC software to increase cruise thrust above 25000 ft altitude; overall weight increase of 79 lb (36 kg) with no change to full fuel payload or max useful load. Together, these measures were expected to increase

5684-531: The Eclipse 500 was flawed. Members of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association , which represents FAA Aircraft Certification Engineers, have filed a grievance alleging that the type certificate was improperly issued by FAA managers over a weekend and that the aircraft had outstanding safety issues at that time. The FAA stated that it stands behind its certification of the jet. Then Eclipse CEO, Vern Raburn, stated

5800-549: The Eclipse 500 with the PW610 engines occurred on December 31, 2004. Eclipse claims that its aircraft is "the quietest jet aircraft" and that it is "quieter than virtually all multi engine turboprop and piston aircraft". The Eclipse 500 received provisional type certification from the FAA on 27 July 2006, shortly after the aircraft's PW610F engine was certified by Transport Canada . FAA Administrator Marion Blakey presented Raburn with

5916-623: The Eclipse Aerospace division of One Aviation discontinued the Total Eclipse refurbishment program and started a new program, designating it the Eclipse Special Edition (SE). The SE upgrades the production model Eclipse 500 to near- Eclipse 550 standards. Installed are dual Avio integrated flight management systems, anti-skid braking system, standby display unit, PPG glass windshields, improved interior and

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6032-574: The Eclipse Aviation assets, and announced the Eclipse 550 update in October 2011. Eclipse Aerospace was merged into One Aviation in April 2015, which entered Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation in February 2021. AML Global Eclipse maintains support for all Eclipse aircraft. The Eclipse 500 is based on the Williams V-Jet II , which was designed and built by Burt Rutan 's Scaled Composites in 1997 for Williams International as

6148-419: The FAA and Boeing had colluded on recertification test flights, attempted to cover up important information and that the FAA had retaliated against whistleblowers. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk criticized the FAA as moving too slowly, after a 2020 launch of a Starship prototype rocket violated the company's license. Musk said the agency's regulations are tailored for "a handful of expendable launches per year from

6264-474: The FAA announced it will allow airlines to expand the passengers use of portable electronic devices during all phases of flight, but mobile phone calls would still be prohibited (and use of cellular networks during any point when aircraft doors are closed remains prohibited to-date). Implementation initially varied among airlines. The FAA expected many carriers to show that their planes allow passengers to safely use their devices in airplane mode , gate-to-gate, by

6380-834: The FAA called the Air Traffic Organization , (ATO) was set up by presidential executive order. This became the air navigation service provider for the airspace of the United States and for the New York (Atlantic) and Oakland (Pacific) oceanic areas. It is a full member of the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation . The FAA issues a number of awards to holders of its certificates. Among these are demonstrated proficiencies as an aviation mechanic (the AMT Awards),

6496-483: The FAA declined to ground MAX 8 aircraft operating in the U.S. On March 12, the FAA said that its ongoing review showed "no systemic performance issues and provides no basis to order grounding the aircraft." Some U.S. Senators called for the FAA to ground the aircraft until an investigation into the cause of the Ethiopian Airlines crash was complete. U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao said that "If

6612-441: The FAA discriminated against qualified candidates. In December 2015, a reverse discrimination lawsuit was filed against the FAA seeking class-action status for the thousands of men and women who spent up to $ 40,000 getting trained under FAA rules before they were abruptly changed. The prospects of the lawsuit are unknown, as the FAA is a self-governing entity and therefore can alter and experiment with its hiring practices, and there

6728-514: The FAA identifies an issue that affects safety, the department will take immediate and appropriate action." The FAA resisted grounding the aircraft until March 13, 2019, when it received evidence of similarities in the two accidents. By then, 51 other regulators had already grounded the plane, and by March 18, 2019, all 387 aircraft in service were grounded. Three major U.S. airlines-- Southwest , United , and American Airlines —were affected by this decision. Further investigations also revealed that

6844-432: The FAA proposed to fine Southwest $ 10.2 million for failing to inspect older planes for cracks, and in 2009 Southwest and the FAA agreed that Southwest would pay a $ 7.5 million penalty and would adopt new safety procedures, with the fine doubling if Southwest failed to follow through. In 2014, the FAA modified its approach to air traffic control hiring. It launched more "off the street bids", allowing anyone with either

6960-431: The FAA shifted to a more step-by-step approach that has provided controllers with advanced equipment. In 1979, Congress authorized the FAA to work with major commercial airports to define noise pollution contours and investigate the feasibility of noise mitigation by residential retrofit programs. Throughout the 1980s, these charters were implemented. In the 1990s, satellite technology received increased emphasis in

7076-450: The FAA when acting under the authority of a DER appointment; a DER has no federal protection for work done or the decisions made as a DER. Neither does the FAA provide any indemnification for a DER from general tort law . "The FAA cannot shelter or protect DERs from the consequences of their findings." A DAR is an individual appointed in accordance with 14 CFR 183.33 who may perform examination, inspection, and testing services necessary to

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7192-532: The FAA's development programs as a means to improvements in communications, navigation, and airspace management. In 1995, the agency assumed responsibility for safety oversight of commercial space transportation, a function begun eleven years before by an office within DOT headquarters. The agency was responsible for the decision to ground flights after the September 11 attacks . In December 2000, an organization within

7308-458: The FAA. Qualifications and policies for appointment of Designated Airworthiness Representatives are established in FAA Order 8100.8 , Designee Management Handbook . Working procedures for DERs are prescribed in FAA Order 8110.37 , Designated Engineering Representative (DER) Handbook . Neither type of DER is an employee of either the FAA or the United States government. While a DER represents

7424-446: The FAA. Whitaker previously served as deputy administrator of the FAA under President Barack Obama . The FAA has been cited as an example of regulatory capture , "in which the airline industry openly dictates to its regulators its governing rules, arranging for not only beneficial regulation, but placing key people to head these regulators." Retired NASA Office of Inspector General Senior Special Agent Joseph Gutheinz , who used to be

7540-733: The Federal Aviation Administration as it became one of several agencies (e.g., Federal Highway Administration, Federal Railroad Administration, the Coast Guard, and the Saint Lawrence Seaway Commission) within DOT. The FAA administrator no longer reported directly to the president, but instead to the Secretary of Transportation. New programs and budget requests would have to be approved by DOT, which would then include these requests in

7656-475: The International Community (commonly abbreviated as CANIC) is a notification from the FAA to civil airworthiness authorities of foreign countries of pending significant safety actions. The FAA Airworthiness Directives Manual, states the following: 8. Continued Airworthiness Notification to the International Community (CANIC). The FAA issued a CANIC to state the continued airworthiness of

7772-592: The V-Jet II was an ideal design to refine and market because it had been designed around one of the primary VLJ engines, as the VLJ concept has been pursued by other manufacturers. The airframe was redesigned as an all-metal structure with a T-tail and straight wings . The main cabin shape is essentially all that was retained from the V-Jet II. It was recognized that for an aluminum structure to be cost effective, new manufacturing techniques would have to be developed. One of

7888-579: The aftermath of the Southwest Airlines inspection scandal, a bill was unanimously approved in the House to tighten regulations concerning airplane maintenance procedures, including the establishment of a whistleblower office and a two-year "cooling off" period that FAA inspectors or supervisors of inspectors must wait before they can work for those they regulated. The bill also required rotation of principal maintenance inspectors and stipulated that

8004-528: The aircraft, the former manufacturer of the EA500 [Eclipse Aviation Corporation] delivered to owners an aircraft that was only about 85 percent complete. These aircraft were great performers, but still lacked several important features. We now have completed the design and engineering of the EA500." The used airframes now feature GPS-coupled autopilots and the Flight Into Known Icing equipment package and retail for US$ 2.25M. In June 2015,

8120-654: The aircraft. The prototype and sole V-Jet II aircraft in existence was obtained by Eclipse Aviation , along with the program. The prototype was donated to the Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin in 2001. Originally Eclipse selected a pair of Williams International EJ-22 engines (a production variant of the FJ22/FJX-2) for the Eclipse 500, but as the aircraft's weight increased, performance

8236-645: The airways. In 1936, the Bureau itself took over the centers and began to expand the ATC system. The pioneer air traffic controllers used maps, blackboards, and mental calculations to ensure the safe separation of aircraft traveling along designated routes between cities. In 1938, the Civil Aeronautics Act transferred the federal civil aviation responsibilities from the Commerce Department to

8352-475: The bankruptcy filing, on the morning, but an Eclipse noteholder forbade the delivery, while a judge ordered Eclipse to maintain and insure the airplane. In the 23 January 2009 judgement, the aircraft was ordered to be released. The aircraft was delivered on 20 March 2009. The company then entered Chapter 7 liquidation on 24 February 2009. On 20 August 2009, Eclipse Aviation assets were sold to Eclipse Aerospace . In October 2011, Eclipse Aerospace announced

8468-781: The better." On 24 October 2011, despite the Altaire's development being "on schedule and on budget", the program was indefinitely suspended by Piper due to economic issues, with the company laying off a number of workers who had been assigned to the project. It was stated the company would entertain offers for the PiperJet/Altaire project. In 2012, the prototype was located at the Florida Air Museum . Data from Piper Aircraft General characteristics Performance Avionics Related development Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era Eclipse 500 The Eclipse 500 (model EA500)

8584-426: The committee, said its investigation uncovered a pattern of regulatory abuse and widespread regulatory lapses, allowing 117 aircraft to be operated commercially although not in compliance with FAA safety rules . Oberstar said there was a "culture of coziness" between senior FAA officials and the airlines and "a systematic breakdown" in the FAA's culture that resulted in "malfeasance, bordering on corruption". In 2008

8700-515: The company and selling or leasing out 16 of its fleet of 28 Eclipse 500s. DayJet founder and CEO Ed Iacobucci indicated at that time that the company needed US$ 40M to reach profitability, but the company couldn't raise that amount. Iacobucci stated that the company proved that the operational concept is sound, but that the DayJet fleet of 28 Eclipse 500s needed to be quickly expanded to 50 aircraft to attain profitability. With 1400 500s on order out of

8816-517: The comparable model Cessna Mustang. On 17 October 2011 the company announced that the PiperJet Altaire program was "under review". Piper's new interim CEO, appointed that same day, Simon Caldecott said, "This is being undertaken to ensure the company is properly aligning business goals and light-jet market forecasts with investment strategies and economic forecasts." The next day, on 18 October 2011, AVweb editor-in-chief Russ Niles called for

8932-472: The cost of acquisition and ongoing operational costs were considered in the design of the plane. Eclipse marketed the aircraft to general aviation aircraft owners who had not previously owned a jet, placing it directly in competition with high-end piston and turboprop aircraft. Eclipse's marketing efforts focused on the aircraft's projected low service costs and comprehensive maintenance and support program for customers. Being able to land at over 10,000 airports in

9048-412: The cruise speed from 360 to 370 kn TAS and increase NBAA IFR range from 1,055 to 1,125 nmi (1,954 to 2,084 km). All aircraft, including the already delivered initial deliveries, were to be upgraded to this new standard. In March 2010, Eclipse Aerospace began offering refurbished EA500s under the brand name Total Eclipse . Company president Mason Holland explained: "In their rush to deliver

9164-581: The design. A provisional FAA type certification was received on 27 July 2006 and the first delivery occurred on 31 December 2006. The six-seat aircraft has an all-metal airframe with a T-tail and straight wings . It is powered by two turbofan engines in aft fuselage-mounted nacelles . Production of the Eclipse 500 was halted in October 2008 due to lack of funding, after 260 aircraft had been delivered. On November 25, 2008, Eclipse Aviation entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy , then Chapter 7 liquidation on 24 February 2009. In August 2009, Eclipse Aerospace bought

9280-564: The dice and taking the chance on getting caught. He also said the FAA is often too quick to bend to pressure from airlines and pilots." Other experts have been critical of the constraints and expectations under which the FAA is expected to operate. The dual role of encouraging aerospace travel and regulating aerospace travel are contradictory. For example, to levy a heavy penalty upon an airline for violating an FAA regulation which would impact their ability to continue operating would not be considered encouraging aerospace travel. On July 22, 2008, in

9396-571: The downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 , the FAA suspended flights by U.S. airlines to Ben Gurion Airport during the 2014 Israel–Gaza conflict for 24 hours. The ban was extended for a further 24 hours but was lifted about six hours later. The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 gives the FAA one year to establish minimum pitch, width and length for airplane seats, to ensure they are safe for passengers. The first FAA licensed orbital human space flight took place on November 15, 2020 , carried out by SpaceX on behalf of NASA. The administrator

9512-449: The end of 2013. Devices must be held or put in the seat-back pocket during the actual takeoff and landing. Mobile phones must be in airplane mode or with mobile service disabled, with no signal bars displayed, and cannot be used for voice communications due to Federal Communications Commission regulations that prohibit any airborne calls using mobile phones. From a technological standpoint, cellular service would not work in-flight because of

9628-507: The entire fleet of EA500s to 30,000 ft (9,144 m) from its previous limit of 37,000 ft (11,278 m) and before that 41,000 ft (12,497 m). The AD was required because a build-up of hard carbon deposits on the engine static vanes caused at least six reported engine surge incidents, requiring pilots to decrease power on the affected engine. The FAA was concerned that this problem "could result in flight and landing under single-engine conditions" or if it affected both engines,

9744-543: The founding of the Federal Communications Commission in 1934, which handles most such matters today—and introduced radio beacons as an effective aid to air navigation. The Aeronautics Branch was renamed the Bureau of Air Commerce in 1934 to reflect its enhanced status within the Department. As commercial flying increased, the Bureau encouraged a group of airlines to establish the first three centers for providing air traffic control (ATC) along

9860-538: The issuance of certificates. There are two types of DARs: manufacturing, and maintenance. Specialized Experience – Amateur-Built and Light-Sport Aircraft DARs Both Manufacturing DARs and Maintenance DARs may be authorized to perform airworthiness certification of light-sport aircraft. DAR qualification criteria and selection procedures for amateur-built and light-sport aircraft airworthiness functions are provided in Order 8100.8. A Continued Airworthiness Notification to

9976-676: The launch or re-entry of commercial space vehicles. Powers over neighboring international waters were delegated to the FAA by authority of the International Civil Aviation Organization . The FAA was created in August ;1958  ( 1958-08 ) as the Federal Aviation Agency, replacing the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA). In 1967, the FAA became part of the newly formed U.S. Department of Transportation and

10092-457: The manufacturing techniques are designed so that one crew can assemble an airframe in a single shift. The complete interior is designed to be installed on a moving assembly line in 45 minutes. The Eclipse 500 cockpit has glass cockpit technology and an integrated avionics package. Problems with the original configuration have involved a re-design of the system. The first aircraft have the original system called Avio installed. Later aircraft have

10208-563: The original PiperJet's side-stick . Piper had been tooling up its facilities in Vero Beach, Florida (USA) to build four Altaire prototypes to be used for FAA (safety & performance) certification of the aircraft through 2013. First delivery of aircraft to customers was scheduled for 2014. The first flight was expected in 2012. The fuselage of the original Piperjet was designed using the Piper Meridian single-engine turboprop as

10324-410: The original certification effort, and was headed by Jerry Mack, a former Boeing safety executive. The team was mandated to examine aircraft safety, certification of aircraft trim, flaps, display screen blanking and stall speed issues. In response to the FAA review, Eclipse Aviation CEO Roel Pieper stated: "Without a doubt, this special review will uncover what we already know – that the Eclipse 500 marks

10440-569: The overall budget and submit it to the president. At the same time, a new National Transportation Safety Board took over the Civil Aeronautics Board's (CAB) role of investigating and determining the causes of transportation accidents and making recommendations to the secretary of transportation. CAB was merged into DOT with its responsibilities limited to the regulation of commercial airline routes and fares. The FAA gradually assumed additional functions. The hijacking epidemic of

10556-500: The pilot. There was 20 cubic feet (570 L) of baggage space behind the passenger seats and another 20 cu ft (570 L). of heated but unpressurized space in the nose of the aircraft. The Altaire would have been powered by the Williams International FJ44-3AP . This model of engine employs a "passive vectored thrust" design that helps compensate for nose-down pitch of the aircraft when power

10672-423: The primary processes used was friction stir welding , in which the skin and underlying aluminum structure are welded together rather than riveted, as traditional for aluminum aircraft. Anti-corrosion bonding techniques were also developed. Besides materials processes, the general process of building the airframe was redesigned, with techniques taken from the automotive industry. Traditionally, an aircraft structure

10788-399: The proceedings that given the information that the FAA had on September 30, 2006, when the type certificate was awarded, "a reasonable decision would have been to defer the granting of the type certificate." The house aviation committee also heard on 17 September 2008 from a panel of current and former FAA employees. They stated that there was consistent pressure from FAA management to meet

10904-531: The production certificate being granted, and these aircraft were subject to individual FAA inspection. Serial numbers 12 and higher were built under production certificate No. 500. The aircraft received its certification for flight into "known icing conditions" on 25 June 2008. The Eclipse 500 was given an initial airframe life of 10,000 hours, 10,000 cycles or 10 years, whichever came first. By carrying out additional fatigue testing, in June 2013 Eclipse Aerospace

11020-401: The project to be ended, calling it "unrealistic" to pursue the design in the face of Federal Aviation Administration opposition to certifying a single engined jet to 35,000 ft (10,668 m) and the lack of economic reasoning as the aircraft would cost the same as most twin-engined jets. Niles called on Piper saying, "the sooner it ends its "review" of the project and puts a bullet in it

11136-588: The promotion of aviation safety. The FAA Safety Team, or FAASTeam, works with Volunteers at several levels and promotes safety education and outreach nationwide. On March 18, 2008, the FAA ordered its inspectors to reconfirm that airlines are complying with federal rules after revelations that Southwest Airlines flew dozens of aircraft without certain mandatory inspections. The FAA exercises surprise Red Team drills on national airports annually. On October 31, 2013, after outcry from media outlets, including heavy criticism from Nick Bilton of The New York Times ,

11252-412: The provisional certificate in a special ceremony at the 2006 Oshkosh Airshow. Full certification was not granted at that time because the composite wing tip fuel tanks did not meet FAA lightning strike criteria. As a result, Eclipse started testing an improved wingtip fuel tank made from aluminum . Eclipse also started production of the 500, so aircraft could be released to customers once full certification

11368-409: The rapid speed of the airborne aircraft: mobile phones cannot switch fast enough between cellular towers at an aircraft's high speed. However, the ban is due to potential radio interference with aircraft avionics. If an air carrier provides Wi-Fi service during flight, passengers may use it. Short-range Bluetooth accessories, like wireless keyboards , can also be used. In July 2014, in the wake of

11484-409: The safest new airplane introduction into service in 20 years, customer safety has always been a priority at Eclipse, and we look forward to this investigation dispelling any inaccuracies about the certification of this airplane for once and for all." On 12 September 2008, the certification review indicated that the certification process was valid, but that the FAA and Eclipse Aviation "should conduct

11600-515: The same committee sent before a meeting to discuss air traffic control privatization noted a 35-year legacy of failed air traffic control modernization management, including NextGen. The letter said the FAA initially described NextGen as fundamentally transforming how air traffic would be managed. In 2015, however, the National Research Council noted that NextGen, as currently executed, was not broadly transformational and that it

11716-424: The standard method. But when the pilot tried to cut power a few seconds later, as the airplane touched down, the engines began accelerating to maximum power." The pilots overshot, gained altitude and shut down one engine, eventually landing without injury or damage except blown out tires. Reports published on June 16, 2008 indicated that all 500s were compliant with the AD and cleared to fly again within one day of

11832-718: The stated timeline for the Eclipse 500 certification to be completed. They were told not to look more than "an inch deep" during the certification process. In the same hearings FAA managers defended their certification practices and denied many of the employees' allegations. On 20 November 2008, Eclipse announced a reduction in company hours for maintenance scheduling, technical services and customer care. Aviation Week & Space Technology noted that "regardless of technical support, several critical spare parts are no longer in inventory because many vendors have stopped shipping spares to Eclipse until they receive payment for past due bills. And they won't ship more spares to Eclipse except on

11948-448: The terms of DayJet’s aircraft purchase contract. In October 2008, Eclipse Aviation put for sale the entire DayJet fleet of 28 aircraft. Canadian light aircraft fractional aircraft company OurPlane bid on the entire DayJet fleet of aircraft, offering more than "$ 500,000 each but less than $ 1.5 million" each. OurPlane operated a fleet of mostly Cirrus SR22 aircraft up until its entry into bankruptcy in October 2010. The transaction

12064-409: The war. The application of radar to ATC helped controllers in their drive to keep abreast of the postwar boom in commercial air transportation. In 1946, meanwhile, Congress gave CAA the added task of administering the federal-aid airport program, the first peacetime program of financial assistance aimed exclusively at development of the nation's civil airports. The approaching era of jet travel (and

12180-479: The word "customer" properly applies to the flying public, not those entities regulated by the FAA. The bill died in a Senate committee that year. In September 2009, the FAA administrator issued a directive mandating that the agency use the term "customers" to refer to only the flying public. In 2007, two FAA whistleblowers , inspectors Charalambe "Bobby" Boutris and Douglas E. Peters, alleged that Boutris said he attempted to ground Southwest after finding cracks in

12296-624: Was a former Air Force general and adviser to President Eisenhower . The same year witnessed the birth of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), which was created in response to the Soviet Union (USSR) launch of the first manmade satellite. NASA assumed NACA's aeronautical research role. In 1967, a new U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) combined major federal responsibilities for air and surface transport. The Federal Aviation Agency's name changed to

12412-478: Was able to have the FAA raise this limit to 20,000 hours or 20,000 cycles with an unlimited calendar life. European Aviation Safety Agency certification for private use was achieved on 21 November 2008. It requires the aircraft to be equipped differently from the FAA certification, including the Avio NG 1.5 avionics system, a third attitude indicator and dual Mode S transponders . On 24 June 2009 EASA issued

12528-420: Was achieved. Full type certification was eventually achieved on 30 September 2006. At that point, in addition to the five flying prototypes, 23 aircraft were in production and two had already been completed. The 500 type certificate allows the aircraft to be flown under IFR with a single pilot. Eclipse received its FAA production certificate on 26 April 2007. Serial numbers 1 through 11 were produced prior to

12644-550: Was expected to be 1,300 nautical miles (2,407.6 km), with a full-fuel payload of 800 pounds. Piper selected Williams International to supply its FJ44-3AP turbofan engine for the PiperJet. Due to the engine being mounted above the center of gravity , power was highly stabilizing (addition of power would push the nose down), which could have been disconcerting to pilots. Initially, Piper designers incorporated an automatic pitch trim system to coordinate horizontal stabilizer angle of incidence with power setting. This system

12760-445: Was later replaced by a vectored thrust nozzle, developed by Williams International, which resulted in reduced weight and simplified manufacturing processes. A design feature of the aircraft was the use of a straight duct air intake design for the vertical stabilizer (tail) mounted engine, similar in engineering design concept to a McDonnell Douglas DC-10 , rather than the s-duct arrangement of most trijet aircraft designs such as

12876-438: Was never any guarantee of a job in the CTI program. In August 2023 The New York Times published an investigative report that showed overworked air traffic controllers at understaffed facilities making errors that resulted in 46 near collisions in the air and on the ground in the month of July alone. A May 2017 letter from staff of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure to members of

12992-522: Was not completed, and OurPlane operated one Eclipse 500 up until its entry into bankruptcy. Federal Aviation Administration The Federal Aviation Administration ( FAA ) is a U.S. federal government agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation which regulates civil aviation in the United States and surrounding international waters . Its powers include air traffic control , certification of personnel and aircraft , setting standards for airports, and protection of U.S. assets during

13108-522: Was not satisfactory. The prototype Eclipse 500 first flew with the Williams FJ22 engines on August 26, 2002. Pratt & Whitney Canada agreed to participate in the project, and modified the design of their PW615 engine, designating it the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW610F . The redesign to incorporate the new engines resulted in a significant delay to the development program. The first flight of

13224-622: Was not yet certified, and that the Collier award should go to an achievement of which the value "has been thoroughly demonstrated by actual use during the preceding year” , while a revolution in air travel hadn’t happened yet after three years. The EA500 original price was at $ 775,000, raised to $ 837,500 by mid-2001, then $ 1.175 million in January 2003, $ 1.295 million in May 2005 and $ 1.445 million in 2006. In July 2002, launch customer Nimbus canceled

13340-754: Was renamed the Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA's roles include: The FAA operates five "lines of business". Their functions are: The FAA is headquartered in Washington, D.C. , and also operates the William J. Hughes Technical Center near Atlantic City, New Jersey , for support and research, and the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma , for training. The FAA has nine regional administrative offices: The Air Commerce Act of May 20, 1926,

13456-499: Was responsible for ATC, airman and aircraft certification, safety enforcement, and airway development. CAB was entrusted with safety regulation, accident investigation, and economic regulation of the airlines. The CAA was part of the Department of Commerce. The CAB was an independent federal agency. On the eve of America's entry into World War II , CAA began to extend its ATC responsibilities to takeoff and landing operations at airports. This expanded role eventually became permanent after

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