EASA SIB CE-13-10
M7 Aerospace (formerly Fairchild, Swearingen) SA26, SA226 and SA227 Aeroplanes — Windshields Heating Element Failures
Summary
The FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin SAIB: CE-13-10 addresses windshield heating element failures in M7 Aerospace LLC SA26, SA226, and SA227 series airplanes. It highlights a potential overheating issue in certain modified windshields that could lead to glass damage and reduced pilot visibility. The bulletin provides safety information and recommendations but does not mandate regulatory action.
What Changed
This bulletin introduces awareness of a heating element failure risk in the windshields of specific M7 Aerospace aircraft models. It presents test data showing possible overheating and damage scenarios and recommends incorporating a flight manual supplement and specific service bulletins to mitigate the risk. It also describes a windshield overheat monitoring kit developed by M7 Aerospace to alert flight crews of overheating conditions.
Why It Matters
This information is critical for operators and maintenance personnel to prevent potential windshield damage that could impair pilot visibility and pose burn hazards to flight crew. Understanding and addressing this issue helps maintain aircraft safety and operational reliability. Compliance with the recommended actions supports proactive risk management without current regulatory enforcement.
What To Do
Owners and operators of M7 Aerospace SA26, SA226, and SA227 series airplanes should incorporate Airplane Flight Manual Supplement R1984, Revision 1R, and follow the specified service bulletins to modify affected aircraft. They should also consider installing the windshield overheat monitoring kit to enhance safety. No explicit compliance deadline is stated, but timely action is advised to mitigate risks.