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Eclipse Aviation Announces World-Class Training Program for Eclipse 500 Pilots
Company and its Associates Understand Importance of Pilot Training; Eclipse Program Poised to Set New Standards for OEMs
PALM SPRINGS, CA - October 24, 2002 - Eclipse Aviation Corporation, manufacturer of the Eclipse 500 jet, today announced details of its pilot training program. The multi-tiered program, which integrates a relationship with UND Aerospace, is designed to provide superior training for pilots of all experience levels.
The Eclipse 500 is a twinjet aircraft that will be certified for single-pilot operation. As standard for any jet aircraft, a type rating will be required for all Eclipse 500 pilots.
“Unlike most other airframe manufacturers, Eclipse has taken personal responsibility for the training of Eclipse 500 pilots from the outset. Through this unique program we will do more than teach a pilot to operate our aircraft. We will ensure that graduates of our training school are highly-trained, skilled aviators,” said Vern Raburn, president and CEO of Eclipse Aviation. “We feel so strongly about this that if someone is unable to meet the requirements of our training program, we will refund their deposit.”
Curriculum for the Eclipse 500 training program has been developed by Eclipse. Training will take place at Eclipse headquarters in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Recurrency training will be required annually.
The Eclipse training program has four key phases that will be configured into customized programs for each customer. This approach has been developed in recognition of the diverse Eclipse 500 customer base that includes both owner pilots who fly for business and leisure and professional pilots who fly as an occupation.
The phases of the Eclipse training program are:
- Jet Transition Precourse
- Type Training Admission Evaluations and Preparation
- Type Rating Course
- Mentor Program
“Pilot competence is not just about the number of hours a pilot has previously flown. Equally important is the type of flying that pilot has experienced,” said Don Taylor, vice president of safety, training and flight operations for Eclipse Aviation. “We have designed a solid training program that will provide our customers with a proper initiation into high-altitude jet flying, while ensuring we hone the skills of even the most experienced professional pilots.”
The mandatory Eclipse 500 training program consists of:
Jet Transition Precourse
- The home study course contains five modules including: Introduction to Jet Engines, High Altitude Physiology, High Altitude and High Speed Aerodynamics, High Altitude Weather and Radar, and High Altitude Flight Planning
- This training will establish a baseline of background knowledge in the critical areas of high-altitude and jet operation, and ensure a common vocabulary for all Eclipse 500 pilots
- Experienced jet pilots have the option to “test out” of these modules
Type Training Admission Evaluations and Preparation
- All pilots will be evaluated during this phase, which depending on experience level, may include an evaluation flight
- If supplemental training is needed prior to the Eclipse Type Rating Course, a custom-tailored program will be developed and provided by UND Aerospace at a satellite facility in Albuquerque (Related Eclipse announcement released today)
- Other admission requirements will include upset training in an Eclipse-owned aircraft and high altitude physiology training in an FAA approved high altitude chamber
Type Rating Course
- The Type Rating Course is a seven-day program conducted by Eclipse at the Eclipse Training Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It culminates in an Eclipse 500 Type Rating
- The Type Rating Course includes computer-aided ground school training, flight training device training and a type rating check ride in an Eclipse 500. The Level 7 flight training device is provided by Mechtronix Inc. of Montreal
Mentor Program
- Eclipse will employ a cadre of well-qualified and experienced mentor pilots to act as a guide and final qualifier after completion of type rating training. Pilots with no previous jet experience will be the main beneficiaries of this program. In this phase, new Eclipse 500 pilots will have the benefit of a mentor for whatever period of time is needed to reach proficiency
“When we announced our commitment to provide insurance to Eclipse 500 operators at competitive rates in July 2002, it was because we were so impressed with Eclipse’s commitment to pilot safety,” said John D’Angelone, executive vice president for General Aviation of Global Aerospace, provider of aircraft hull and liability insurance to owners of Eclipse 500 jets. “With a new aircraft, the question for insurers is always safety, which is a direct result of the quality of training pilots receive, and we believe Eclipse has developed one of the best programs in the industry.”
Training Pre-Requisites
All pilots entering the Eclipse 500 training programs must have a Private Pilot’s license, Multi-Engine Rating and Instrument Rating.
Pricing and Availability
One Jet Transition Precourse and One Type Rating Course will be provided free with each Eclipse 500 jet, with additional programs to be available at the customer’s expense. Type Training Admission Evaluation and Preparation is at the cost of the customer, and will be priced separately for each individual. Although the price for additional training programs has not yet been determined, at this time it is expected that the Type Training Admission Evaluation will be priced between $500 and $750.
The Jet Transition Precourse will be available by mid 2003. Type Training Admission Evaluation and Preparation will be available in Q4 2003. The Type Rating Course and Mentor Program will be available at first customer delivery of the Eclipse 500, scheduled for January 2004.
The Eclipse 500 is a twinjet aircraft that will be certified for single-pilot operation. As standard for any jet aircraft, a type rating will be required for all Eclipse 500 pilots.
“Unlike most other airframe manufacturers, Eclipse has taken personal responsibility for the training of Eclipse 500 pilots from the outset. Through this unique program we will do more than teach a pilot to operate our aircraft. We will ensure that graduates of our training school are highly-trained, skilled aviators,” said Vern Raburn, president and CEO of Eclipse Aviation. “We feel so strongly about this that if someone is unable to meet the requirements of our training program, we will refund their deposit.”
Curriculum for the Eclipse 500 training program has been developed by Eclipse. Training will take place at Eclipse headquarters in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Recurrency training will be required annually.
The Eclipse training program has four key phases that will be configured into customized programs for each customer. This approach has been developed in recognition of the diverse Eclipse 500 customer base that includes both owner pilots who fly for business and leisure and professional pilots who fly as an occupation.
The phases of the Eclipse training program are:
- Jet Transition Precourse
- Type Training Admission Evaluations and Preparation
- Type Rating Course
- Mentor Program
“Pilot competence is not just about the number of hours a pilot has previously flown. Equally important is the type of flying that pilot has experienced,” said Don Taylor, vice president of safety, training and flight operations for Eclipse Aviation. “We have designed a solid training program that will provide our customers with a proper initiation into high-altitude jet flying, while ensuring we hone the skills of even the most experienced professional pilots.”
The mandatory Eclipse 500 training program consists of:
Jet Transition Precourse
- The home study course contains five modules including: Introduction to Jet Engines, High Altitude Physiology, High Altitude and High Speed Aerodynamics, High Altitude Weather and Radar, and High Altitude Flight Planning
- This training will establish a baseline of background knowledge in the critical areas of high-altitude and jet operation, and ensure a common vocabulary for all Eclipse 500 pilots
- Experienced jet pilots have the option to “test out” of these modules
Type Training Admission Evaluations and Preparation
- All pilots will be evaluated during this phase, which depending on experience level, may include an evaluation flight
- If supplemental training is needed prior to the Eclipse Type Rating Course, a custom-tailored program will be developed and provided by UND Aerospace at a satellite facility in Albuquerque (Related Eclipse announcement released today)
- Other admission requirements will include upset training in an Eclipse-owned aircraft and high altitude physiology training in an FAA approved high altitude chamber
Type Rating Course
- The Type Rating Course is a seven-day program conducted by Eclipse at the Eclipse Training Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It culminates in an Eclipse 500 Type Rating
- The Type Rating Course includes computer-aided ground school training, flight training device training and a type rating check ride in an Eclipse 500. The Level 7 flight training device is provided by Mechtronix Inc. of Montreal
Mentor Program
- Eclipse will employ a cadre of well-qualified and experienced mentor pilots to act as a guide and final qualifier after completion of type rating training. Pilots with no previous jet experience will be the main beneficiaries of this program. In this phase, new Eclipse 500 pilots will have the benefit of a mentor for whatever period of time is needed to reach proficiency
“When we announced our commitment to provide insurance to Eclipse 500 operators at competitive rates in July 2002, it was because we were so impressed with Eclipse’s commitment to pilot safety,” said John D’Angelone, executive vice president for General Aviation of Global Aerospace, provider of aircraft hull and liability insurance to owners of Eclipse 500 jets. “With a new aircraft, the question for insurers is always safety, which is a direct result of the quality of training pilots receive, and we believe Eclipse has developed one of the best programs in the industry.”
Training Pre-Requisites
All pilots entering the Eclipse 500 training programs must have a Private Pilot’s license, Multi-Engine Rating and Instrument Rating.
Pricing and Availability
One Jet Transition Precourse and One Type Rating Course will be provided free with each Eclipse 500 jet, with additional programs to be available at the customer’s expense. Type Training Admission Evaluation and Preparation is at the cost of the customer, and will be priced separately for each individual. Although the price for additional training programs has not yet been determined, at this time it is expected that the Type Training Admission Evaluation will be priced between $500 and $750.
The Jet Transition Precourse will be available by mid 2003. Type Training Admission Evaluation and Preparation will be available in Q4 2003. The Type Rating Course and Mentor Program will be available at first customer delivery of the Eclipse 500, scheduled for January 2004.
About Eclipse:
Eclipse Aviation 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 quarter 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.