Getting up to speed in your eclipse 500

Eclipse Aviation pilot training philosophy. Eclipse Aviation believes that safety is an eco-system of inter-related parts encompassing everything from the aircraft to the pilot to aircraft operations. From the beginning, Eclipse has demonstrated its commitment to safety by designing a safe and reliable jet and investing in a comprehensive training program. The training program will provide transitioning pilots with the skills you need to become an Eclipse 500 pilot. This training focuses on you, the pilot, and not just on learning the aircraft. It will concentrate on improving your management skills and judgment. As an Eclipse 500 pilot, you will be required to complete significant pre-classroom coursework that includes basic instructional material about jet aircraft operation, familiarization of the Eclipse 500 systems, and unexpected situation hands-on training. This training ensures that you will be ready to begin the intensive Eclipse 500 type-rating transition course. Eclipse Pilot Qualification Review Eclipse Aviation Training Department Private pilot certificate with multi engine land rating and multi engine instrument rating are prerequisites All customers receive pilot qualification review to check currency and overall qualifications International pilots have additional administrative requirements All pilots from non-English speaking countries must complete an English Proficiency Assessment by the Eclipse Aviation approved institution   Flight Skills Assessment Self-Paced Study: Jet Basics Eclipse 500 Systems  Emergency Situation Training Flight skills assessment Evaluation in a Flight Training Device (FTD) to assess instrument proficiency and airmanship skills Supplemental flight training, if required, brings pilot up to standards necessary to enter Eclipse 500 type rating transition course After supplemental training, if needed, trainee will retake assessment at customer’s expense CD-ROM and Web-based Leverage self-paced CD-ROM and Web learning to maximize efficiency of class sessions Jet Basics: Introduction to turbine engine aircraft  operations (if applicable) Eclipse 500 systems: complete all systems training prior to type transition course Eclipse Aviation Training Department Allows pilots to experience emergency situations in a controlled environment Upset recovery training in L-39 trainer (customer’s expense) Dynamic High-altitude physiology training, using a Reduce Oxygen Breathing Device (ROBD) More Information Eclipse 500 Type Rating Training Curriculum (FAR 142) type rating training by Eclipse Builds on home study pre-course of Eclipse 500 systems Scenario-based training focused on the pilot Type rating will be issued upon successful completion of course; pilot may be required to enroll in mentor program     Eclipse 500 Pilot Pilot contracts with mentor pilot Supervised Operating Experience (SOE) Experienced jet pilots to fly with newly rated pilots All new jet pilots will be required to initially fly with a mentor Time frame for recurrent training will be determined by individual pilot proficiency and experience Eclipse will require recurrent training at six months for pilots in mentor program For others, recurrent training at 12 months Three components to recurrent training Web-based home study Classroom review Proficiency check in simulator

The Eclipse 500 Mentor Process

The Eclipse 500 mentor program is critical to the success of the Eclipse 500 Type Transition Training program. Eclipse 500 operators will have the option of completing the requirements of FAR 61.63 with an Eclipse Approved Mentor while completing their mentorship program. Others will require mentoring because of a lack of jet piloting experience. In either case, the Eclipse pilot will benefit from the Eclipse 500 mentoring experience.

After completing all other phases of training and obtaining a type rating, a new Eclipse 500 pilot may require additional flight hours with an authorized Eclipse 500 Mentor Pilot. The Eclipse 500 Mentor Pilot will provide the final assessment of the pilot's readiness to safely fly solo in an Eclipse 500.

The mentor provides support for all phases of flight, as well as guidance as deemed necessary. The role of the mentor is to ensure that the new Eclipse 500 pilot is able to meet the challenges of turbofan flight, initiate solutions, and demonstrate the capability to act as Pilot-In-Command without intervention from the mentor.

Mentoring is one of the most important roles in the Eclipse initial training process. The mentor aids newly rated pilots in gaining the confidence to cope with and resolve a variety of situations that are normally encountered during aircraft operation.

A Mentor Pilot is NOT an employee of Eclipse Aviation, but is an independent contractor trained by Eclipse at the mentor's expense.

Mentor Responsibilities 

• Fly with newly type-rated Eclipse 500 operators in the owner's Eclipse 500 jet to provide wisdom and guidance to pilots not familiar with the high-altitude or high-speed jet environment. 
• Counsel the operator on methods and techniques to enhance safety and improve the operator's aviation experience. 
• Evaluate performance and report progress to Eclipse Aviation. 
• Recommend additional training pathways, if required. 
• When required, the mentor can provide supervise operating experience as per FAR 61.63. 
• Uphold standards of proficiency established by Eclipse Aviation policy. 
• Support standard operational procedures established by Eclipse Aviation and set forth in the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) and the Flight Training and Standards Manual (FTSM). 
• Represent Eclipse Aviation and the industry as a model of professionalism. 
• Remain a well-informed aircraft specialist and a resource to fellow pilots.

Selection Criteria

Eclipse 500 Mentor Pilots have been selected based on proven records as a professional airman and aviation instructor. Specifically, the following attributes qualify the Mentor Pilots:

• Mentor Pilot Qualifications
• FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate 
• Type-rating in light to medium jet 
• CFII and MEI 
• Four-year college degree 
• Excellent communicator, effective teacher, professional manner

Minimum Experience 

• Type-rated in at least one jet aircraft 
• 5,000 hours total time 
• 3,000 hours Pilot-in-Command 
• 1,500 hours Pilot-in-Command turbojet 
• Previous experience as a flight instructor, check airman, or designated pilot examiner in turbojets 
• Able to work with pilots of all levels of experience 
• Operational experience into high-density terminal areas 
• Knowledgeable and experienced in the use of aviation resources 
• A record of outstanding airmanship 
• A willingness to support Eclipse Aviation operating policies 

Additional Training

Eclipse 500 Mentor Pilots also undergo the following additional training: 

• Eclipse 500 transition training 
• Aircraft-specific instructor training 
• Evaluator and rater reliability training 
• Right-seat training in a FTD, Simulator, or Aircraft 
• Scenario-based mentor training exercises 
• Roles and responsibilities of Eclipse 500 Mentor Pilots 
• Reporting and submission of required documentation 
• Eclipse Customer Care training 
• Eclipse 500 Flight Operations Manual indoctrination

Eclipse Aviation has selected a full staff of highly qualified candidates for Mentor Pilots based on the above criteria.  Currently, Eclipse is not accepting additional applications though we may choose to do so again in the future.  For questions regarding the Eclipse Mentor Pilot Program, email  .

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