FAA Suspends New Zodiac Certifications

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The FAA has instructed Designated Airworthiness Representatives (DARs) not to issue new airworthiness certificates for Zodiac series aircraft until they undergo specific modifications.
  • Zenith has designed an extensive set of modifications, and material kits for Experimental/Amateur-Built versions are expected to be available soon.
  • Both Zenith and the FAA have recommended a voluntary grounding of Zodiac aircraft until these modifications are implemented, clarifying that the FAA has not issued a unilateral grounding order.
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The ongoing saga of the Zodiac series took a new turn Thursday, November 12, as the FAA advised Designated Airworthiness Representatives that they could not issue new airworthiness certificates until the applicants could prove the aircraft had undergone modification. An extensive set of modifications designed by Zenith has been announced, and the materials kits for Experimental/Amateur-Built versions should be available soon.

Until these aircraft can be modified, both Zenith and the FAA have recommended a voluntary grounding of the aircraft. Reports in other media that the FAA has unilaterally grounded the aircraft appear to be incorrect.

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