EAA AirVenture, Replacing Aftermarket ECI Cylinders, General Aviation Accidents Decreasing

The FAA issued its final rule in August on a controversial airworthiness directive requiring the replacement of aftermarket ECI cylinders in 6200 Continental aircraft engines. It took 13 years from start to finish, but in July the SolarImpulse team succeeded in its quest to fly a solar-powered aircraft around the world. It may not be the worlds sleekest or most beautiful aircraft, but the Airlander 10 is unique, and in July it left its hangar and flew for the first time. The number of general aviation accidents decreased in 2015 compared to the year before, continuing a recent trend, according to the 25th Joseph T. Nall Report by AOPAs Air Safety Institute.

Editorial Staff

Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at 12:00 AM ET

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Key Takeaways:

EAA AirVenture reported increased attendance and exhibits, featuring new product unveilings and significant flights, alongside the Solar Impulse completing its round-the-world solar flight and the Airlander 10 making its successful maiden flight.
The FAA finalized a controversial and costly Airworthiness Directive (AD) requiring the replacement of thousands of specific ECi cylinders in Continental aircraft engines.
The AOPA Nall Report showed a continued decline in general aviation accidents in 2015, with new safety technologies cited as a contributing factor.

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EAA AirVenture — A “Magical” Week

It was a good year for EAA AirVenture, despite some weather challenges midweek, with commercial exhibits up 10 percent over last year, and a slight uptick in visitors. Canada’s Snowbirds made an appearance, and Harrison Ford piloted the two-millionth Young Eagle flight. Cessna unveiled a mockup of their new turboprop and announced it will be named “Denali.” Mooney brought their two new Ultra models, Rans debuted a new all-metal design in their kit line-up, and ForeFlight rolled out their latest update, version 8. EAA’s Jack Pelton dubbed it “a magical week,” with lots of enthusiasm among vendors and visitors, and plenty of new products and technologies on display.

FAA Finalizes ECI Cylinder AD

The FAA issued its final rule in August on a controversial airworthiness directive requiring the replacement of aftermarket ECi cylinders in 6200 Continental aircraft engines. The AD requires owners to scrap thousands of the cylinders sold between September 2002 and June 2009. The FAA estimates the work will cost $11,520 per engine, a total of about $88.5 million. When it was proposed in 2013, the AD caused a storm of protest from owners, engine shops, and manufacturers. AOPA said it will work with the FAA to explore alternate means of compliance. The rule took effect on September 15.