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Eclipse Aviation Launches JAA Certification Process, Guarantees RVSM and Autothrottle as Standard Equipment
JAA certification milestone and expansion of guaranteed equipment list position Eclipse 500 for international growth
European Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (EBACE), GENEVA, Switzerland - May 7, 2003 - Eclipse Aviation Corporation today announced that it has applied for certification of the Eclipse 500 jet with the Joint Aviation Authority (JAA). The certification, under JAR-23, is anticipated in 2006. Eclipse also revealed that Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums (RVSM) capability and autothrottle have been added to its guaranteed standard equipment list, formalizing its long-standing plan to include these high-end features as standard on the Eclipse 500.
“From the beginning, we have enjoyed tremendous interest and strong sales in Europe, so formally initiating the JAA certification process is the next logical step,” said Vern Raburn, president and CEO of Eclipse Aviation. “We have a great aircraft for the European market. RVSM capability and 8.33 kHz radios, both required in Europe, come as standard features in the Eclipse 500. Autothrottle, which along with RVSM, was recently added to our guaranteed equipment list, is a vitally important safety feature for all of our customers worldwide.”
Early Feedback, In-House Expertise to Drive Eclipse JAA Certification
JAA certification requirements have been considered throughout the development of the Eclipse 500 program, under the experienced guidance of Dr. Oliver Masefield, vp of engineering and Randy Griffith, director of certification. Dr. Masefield has driven the successful European certification of the Pilatus PC-7, PC-9 and PC-12, and has participated on many JAA leadership committees over the past ten years. Randy Griffith worked for many years as an FAA liaison to the JAA.
To initiate the formal process, representatives from Eclipse had their first meeting with the JAA in October 2002 and the company formally applied for JAR-23 certification in February of this year.
As with its FAA certification program, Eclipse is working closely with JAA authorities to discuss and address any concerns. This close level of communication will help ensure the project's successful transition to the EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) certification process. EASA will soon become the aviation regulatory authority for most of Europe.
Eclipse 500 RVSM and 8.33kHz Capabilities Fulfill European Requirements
RVSM certification is required for all high-altitude operations in Europe from 29,000 feet to 41,000 feet. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will mandate RVSM compliance for U.S. operators in the same altitude band by the end of January 2005. The equipment required to operate in this airspace that is now standard on the Eclipse 500 includes:
-Two independent, cross-coupled altitude measurement systems
-One automatic altitude control system (?65 feet)
-One altitude alert system (?300/?50 feet)
-One SSR altitude reporting transponder
European customers will also benefit from the inclusion of communication radios that have 8.33 kHz channel spacing, which is mandated in most European countries for altitudes above 24,500 feet.
Autothrottle Improves Flight Safety
The use of autothrottle increases safety by reducing the pilot workload during critical stages of flight. Specifically, once engaged, autothrottle automatically manages aircraft power to maintain a pilot-selected speed. In addition to enhancing safety, autothrottle improves engine and fuel management. To date, autothrottle has been available only in very high-end corporate jets and large commercial aircraft. At a firm price of $950,000 (June 2000 dollars), the Eclipse 500 is the least expensive aircraft to utilize this technology.
“From the beginning, we have enjoyed tremendous interest and strong sales in Europe, so formally initiating the JAA certification process is the next logical step,” said Vern Raburn, president and CEO of Eclipse Aviation. “We have a great aircraft for the European market. RVSM capability and 8.33 kHz radios, both required in Europe, come as standard features in the Eclipse 500. Autothrottle, which along with RVSM, was recently added to our guaranteed equipment list, is a vitally important safety feature for all of our customers worldwide.”
Early Feedback, In-House Expertise to Drive Eclipse JAA Certification
JAA certification requirements have been considered throughout the development of the Eclipse 500 program, under the experienced guidance of Dr. Oliver Masefield, vp of engineering and Randy Griffith, director of certification. Dr. Masefield has driven the successful European certification of the Pilatus PC-7, PC-9 and PC-12, and has participated on many JAA leadership committees over the past ten years. Randy Griffith worked for many years as an FAA liaison to the JAA.
To initiate the formal process, representatives from Eclipse had their first meeting with the JAA in October 2002 and the company formally applied for JAR-23 certification in February of this year.
As with its FAA certification program, Eclipse is working closely with JAA authorities to discuss and address any concerns. This close level of communication will help ensure the project's successful transition to the EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) certification process. EASA will soon become the aviation regulatory authority for most of Europe.
Eclipse 500 RVSM and 8.33kHz Capabilities Fulfill European Requirements
RVSM certification is required for all high-altitude operations in Europe from 29,000 feet to 41,000 feet. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will mandate RVSM compliance for U.S. operators in the same altitude band by the end of January 2005. The equipment required to operate in this airspace that is now standard on the Eclipse 500 includes:
-Two independent, cross-coupled altitude measurement systems
-One automatic altitude control system (?65 feet)
-One altitude alert system (?300/?50 feet)
-One SSR altitude reporting transponder
European customers will also benefit from the inclusion of communication radios that have 8.33 kHz channel spacing, which is mandated in most European countries for altitudes above 24,500 feet.
Autothrottle Improves Flight Safety
The use of autothrottle increases safety by reducing the pilot workload during critical stages of flight. Specifically, once engaged, autothrottle automatically manages aircraft power to maintain a pilot-selected speed. In addition to enhancing safety, autothrottle improves engine and fuel management. To date, autothrottle has been available only in very high-end corporate jets and large commercial aircraft. At a firm price of $950,000 (June 2000 dollars), the Eclipse 500 is the least expensive aircraft to utilize this technology.
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.