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 jet.

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 gain 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 with Eclipse Aviation, but are independent contractors, trained by Eclipse at the mentor's expense. Mentor Pilots will fly all Supervised Operating Experience (SOE) flights with Eclipse 500 operators including any mentoring required or desired beyond that.

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 by FAR, provide Supervised Operating Experience in accordance with the FAR 142 curriculum. 
  • Uphold standards of proficiency established by Eclipse Aviation policy. 
  • Support standard operational procedures established by Eclipse Aviation and set forth in the Pilot's Operating Handbook and Eclipse Flight Operations Manual. 
  • 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 (required) 
  • Type-rating in light to medium jet (preferred but not required) 
  • CFII and MEI (preferred but not required) 
  • Four-year college degree (preferred but not required) 
  • 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 FTD or FFS 
  • 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  .