Eclipse Aviation News
The comprehensive five-phase certification effort consisted of preapplication, formal application, document compliance, demonstration and inspection. Eclipse’s repair station manual was reviewed and found acceptable by the FAA for conformity to applicable regulations and safe operating practices. In addition, the FAA approved Eclipse’s repair station training manual. Also throughout the certification process, the company’s facilities and equipment were found to meet the regulatory requirements.
“We are building an enduring aviation company, and this latest FAA nod of approval represents another important step in our journey,” said Vern Raburn, president and CEO of Eclipse Aviation. “We have designed and certified a superior aircraft and now are well on our way to delivering and maintaining a large fleet. This certification reflects the seriousness with which we are approaching our entire customer experience – from sale, through delivery, to the service and maintenance of each Eclipse 500 over its lifetime.”
The Eclipse 500 was designed to reduce maintenance costs for all operators. The aircraft features long-life parts including brushless motors, proximity switches, LED lighting, smart actuators and electronic circuit breakers. Eclipse has also eliminated traditional heavy maintenance systems, such as high-pressure hydraulics, power brakes and thrust reversers. All critical avionics and electrical systems are strategically placed inside the pressure vessel to protect them from temperature and pressure extremes. And for easy maintenance, Eclipse uses line replaceable units (LRUs) to enable quick replacement of parts. Access panels are strategically located to facilitate quick access to all major components, and all components are designed for fast removal and/or replacement.
In 2005, Eclipse introduced a revolutionary customer care program that will continue to drive down cost of ownership. JetComplete, Eclipse’s one-stop program for operational support and aircraft maintenance, provides everything customers need to operate and maintain their Eclipse 500 jets at a fixed, guaranteed price. JetComplete leverages the buying power of what will be one of the largest fleets of general aviation jets in the U.S. to command volume pricing across all customer aircraft needs. As is done for customers of modern automotive companies like Lexus, JetComplete significantly improves the customer ownership experience by providing a single point of contact that greatly simplifies day-to-day aircraft management.
Eclipse Aviation, manufacturer of the world's first certified very light jet, is in the business of designing, certifying and producing modern, affordable jet aircraft that will revolutionize the transportation market. The company is applying advanced electronics systems, manufacturing and business practices to produce aircraft that cost less than a third of today's small jet aircraft, will be significantly safer and easier to operate than those of today, and have the lowest cost of ownership ever achieved in a jet aircraft.
The goal of Eclipse is to bring the word "personal" into aviation, making it possible for commercial air passengers to move directly between cities on a quick, affordable and convenient basis. It will also allow pilot owners to enter the world of jet-powered aviation.