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Eclipse Aviation Pioneers Innovative Training Standards for Jet Aircraft
Company Partners with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Modern Training Curriculum
OSHKOSH, WI - July 30, 2003 - Eclipse Aviation Corporation, manufacturer of the Eclipse 500 jet, today announced a partnership with the FAA to create the first jet aircraft training product under the new FAA/Industry Training Standards (FITS) program. This course will modernize flight-training standards to reflect real-world flight environments while leveraging the advanced aircraft and avionics technologies that are used in the Eclipse 500 jet.
“The FITS concept reflects our longstanding belief that scenario-based training is critical, and is a perfect fit for Eclipse 500 training requirements,” said Vern Raburn, president and CEO of Eclipse Aviation. “We are pleased that the FAA shares our commitment to prepare our pilots to be highly-trained, skilled aviators with strong aeronautical decision-making abilities developed through real-world training. We are committed to creating an innovative syllabus that will serve as a next-generation model for other aviation training institutions.”
Eclipse is pioneering the development of FITS single pilot turbine aircraft training standards in concert with the FAA/industry development team. The team includes FAA organizations and two universities in the FAA's Center for General Aviation Research program, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and the University of North Dakota (UND). Eclipse has previously announced a partnership with UND Aerospace for training program development for the Eclipse 500. The FITS training products under development include initial and transition training.
The FITS training concept uses scenario-based training and case studies of previous aviation accidents and incidents to provide a learning environment that more closely resembles day-to-day flight experiences. This approach cultivates pilot decision-making skills that were difficult to teach under previous FAA training programs. By providing a learning environment that encourages active participation by learners of all experience levels, FITS fosters a “thinking” rather than “doing” approach to assure the best possible outcome for all scenarios. While proficiency in maneuvers is not ignored by FITS training programs, far more emphasis is put on the integration of all sources of information pertinent to the flight and continual assessment of the progress and outcome of the mission.
“The Eclipse 500 training program has been designed to enhance pilot judgment during all phases of flight for all pilot experience levels,” said Don Taylor, vice president of safety, training and flight operations for Eclipse Aviation. “FITS reflects our training philosophy and has been advancing in parallel with our training course development. As a result of our collaboration with the FAA on this important initiative, FITS will be a key element of both our pre-course and type rating courses.”
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.
Eclipse has developed a four-phase training program to reflect the diverse Eclipse 500 customer base. The first phase is the Jet Transition Precourse, which will give pilots the basic background knowledge needed for high altitude and jet operations. Pilots will then move on to Type Training Admission Evaluations and Preparation, which is used to assess whether each pilot is ready to enter the Type Rating course or needs supplemental training. After passing the evaluation, pilots are then eligible to start the Eclipse 500 Type Rating Course in Albuquerque that culminates with a type rating check ride. Type rated pilots will then be able to utilize the Mentor Program, which is an Eclipse organized network of high time, experienced pilots that will fly with and/or counsel Eclipse 500 pilots to help reinforce their newly acquired aeronautical decision making skills.
“The FITS concept reflects our longstanding belief that scenario-based training is critical, and is a perfect fit for Eclipse 500 training requirements,” said Vern Raburn, president and CEO of Eclipse Aviation. “We are pleased that the FAA shares our commitment to prepare our pilots to be highly-trained, skilled aviators with strong aeronautical decision-making abilities developed through real-world training. We are committed to creating an innovative syllabus that will serve as a next-generation model for other aviation training institutions.”
Eclipse is pioneering the development of FITS single pilot turbine aircraft training standards in concert with the FAA/industry development team. The team includes FAA organizations and two universities in the FAA's Center for General Aviation Research program, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and the University of North Dakota (UND). Eclipse has previously announced a partnership with UND Aerospace for training program development for the Eclipse 500. The FITS training products under development include initial and transition training.
The FITS training concept uses scenario-based training and case studies of previous aviation accidents and incidents to provide a learning environment that more closely resembles day-to-day flight experiences. This approach cultivates pilot decision-making skills that were difficult to teach under previous FAA training programs. By providing a learning environment that encourages active participation by learners of all experience levels, FITS fosters a “thinking” rather than “doing” approach to assure the best possible outcome for all scenarios. While proficiency in maneuvers is not ignored by FITS training programs, far more emphasis is put on the integration of all sources of information pertinent to the flight and continual assessment of the progress and outcome of the mission.
“The Eclipse 500 training program has been designed to enhance pilot judgment during all phases of flight for all pilot experience levels,” said Don Taylor, vice president of safety, training and flight operations for Eclipse Aviation. “FITS reflects our training philosophy and has been advancing in parallel with our training course development. As a result of our collaboration with the FAA on this important initiative, FITS will be a key element of both our pre-course and type rating courses.”
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.
Eclipse has developed a four-phase training program to reflect the diverse Eclipse 500 customer base. The first phase is the Jet Transition Precourse, which will give pilots the basic background knowledge needed for high altitude and jet operations. Pilots will then move on to Type Training Admission Evaluations and Preparation, which is used to assess whether each pilot is ready to enter the Type Rating course or needs supplemental training. After passing the evaluation, pilots are then eligible to start the Eclipse 500 Type Rating Course in Albuquerque that culminates with a type rating check ride. Type rated pilots will then be able to utilize the Mentor Program, which is an Eclipse organized network of high time, experienced pilots that will fly with and/or counsel Eclipse 500 pilots to help reinforce their newly acquired aeronautical decision making skills.
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.