2 September 2025
Almost 200 Evektor EV-97 EuroStar and SportStar aircraft are affected by an Emergency Mandatory Permit Directive (MPD) issued by the CAA last week.
The MPD is based on a Service Bulletin issued by the UK distributor Airmasters earlier this month. The MPD says owners of the aircraft must inspect the rose joint (spherical bearing) connecting the bottom of the control stick to the aileron push rod.
A recent incident occurred where the centre of the rose joint had become displaced and subsequently jammed the aileron controls.
This is the rose joint in question. Image: Airmasters Service Bulletin
At the same time, Gary Masters, founder and proprietor of Airmasters, has announced that Airmasters will be withdrawing its A8-1 approval for Evektor products.
However, Airmasters is working with the CAA, British Microlight Aircraft Association (BMAA) and the Light Aircraft Association (LAA) to manage the transition. It was stressed that Airmasters intends to see through the rose joint problems, and will continue to supply parts from its existing stock.
Gary Masters said in a letter announcing his intentions, “This has been a difficult but necessary decision, due to a combination of financial, operational, and personal considerations.
“Supporting the Eurostar fleet in the UK has resulted in an average annual loss of approximately £20,000 to the Evektor side of our business. Maintaining regulatory compliance, technical support, and parts supply under these conditions is no longer sustainable.
‘We have also faced regular criticism – particularly regarding parts pricing and the content of our service bulletins. Unfortunately, in some instances this has become personal. Some owners also now choose to source parts elsewhere, further reducing demand for our support.
“As part of this transition, we will be surrendering our CAA A8-1 approval for Evektor products.”
This means the EuroStar will become an ‘orphan’ aircraft unless another CAA approved organisation takes it on. There are 186 EuroStar and 8 SportStar aircraft registered in the UK, with some under the LAA, others the BMAA.
Evektor, the aircraft manufacturer, has yet to respond to the issue.
