Eclipse Aviation News
"The depth of Don's experience in training, advanced cockpit technology and flight testing make him an invaluable part of our team," said Vern Raburn, president and CEO of Eclipse Aviation. "His contributions to the development of the Eclipse 500 have already been numerous and we're thrilled to have him."
Taylor has acted as a consultant for Eclipse Aviation since October 1999. As aircraft refinements continue, he will primarily be responsible for human factors and man/machine interface. As the delivery of the Eclipse 500 jet - scheduled for August 2003 - draws closer, Taylor will oversee the development of training programs including ground school, simulator and flight training. He will also work closely with Dr. Oliver Masefield, vice president of engineering, to oversee aspects of flight test and flight safety programs.
Taylor's experience includes 35 years as a United Airlines B-747-400 check pilot and flight instructor and two years in the United States Air Force. Prior to joining United, he was a USAF flight instructor in a civilian contract school. He has conducted test and evaluation flights as an independent consultant on advanced cockpit technology for MIT/Lincoln Lab, the MITRE Corporation and the FAA.
Taylor has logged over 30,000 flight hours during his years of experience. He is a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association's (EAA) Aviation Foundation board of directors and currently serves on the FAA research, engineering and development advisory committee.
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.