FAA AMOC Clears Tamarack-equipped Citations for Flight
The agency stated aircraft that comply with two prior company service bulletins may once again take to the skies.
he alternative method of compliance (AMOC) issued July 10 lifts restrictions of the FAA AD on Textron Aviation Model 525, 525A, and 525B light jets that comply with EASA service bulletin (SB) 1480. (Photo: Tamarack Aerospace)

Days after the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) lifted an emergency airworthiness directive on Cessna CitationJet models fitted with Tamarack Aerospace active load alleviation (Atlas) winglets, the FAA has followed suit with a path that will allow U.S. operators to resume flying.


The alternative method of compliance (AMOC) issued July 10 lifts restrictions of the FAA AD on Textron Aviation Model 525, 525A, and 525B light jets that comply with EASA service bulletin (SB) 1480. That SB incorporates two previously issued Tamarack bulletins (SB1467 and SB1475) addressing the functionality of the Tamarack Active Camber Surface, or TACS, utilized to reduce aerodynamic loading on the winglets.


The AMOC marks a significant step forward for Tamarack following allegations that TACS malfunctions could lead to inflight loss of control. “It's really satisfying to know our product has been validated by the authorities and the solutions we had available prior to the ADs have been accepted as their resolution,” company president Jacob Klinginsmith told AIN.


The comment period on the FAA’s May 25 AD just closed, so the directive itself remains active for now. According to Tamarack, 89 of 91 Atlas-equipped Citations worldwide already fulfill the requirements of SB1480.


Also important to the company, which entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June, Klinginsmith noted Tamarack booked three deposits on new Atlas installations while the fleet was grounded, and those installations will begin this month. “Our dealers are excited to get back to selling,” he added, “and owners have already sent us photos showing them flying again.”