Eclipse Aviation News
Eclipse's new web site feature, “Track Our Progress,” provides a completely unprecedented window into the development and certification process for a new aircraft. The company has posted more than 200 tasks and milestones leading up to FAA Certification of the Eclipse 500 in early 2006 and JAA Certification at the end of 2006. Each of these milestones has a due date and as the Eclipse 500 program progresses, the actual date each goal is achieved will be noted and the majority of completed milestones will be illustrated with photos and details.
“The new Track Our Progress feature of our web site reflects our commitment to be thoughtful about what we promise, to back up every one of our claims and to put the interests of our customers first – without exception,” said Vern Raburn, president and CEO of Eclipse Aviation. “We welcome our competitors to provide the same level of information about their development programs and look forward to having our performance judged both on its own merits, and in comparison to others in the field.”
The Eclipse Track Our Progress web feature highlights the steps Eclipse will need to accomplish to build its seven pre-production test aircraft. Of those seven aircraft, three will be used for FAA flight test certification, two for FAA static and fatigue certification and two as “beta” aircraft, amassing 1,000 hours each before first customer delivery. The web feature also outlines the various flight and systems testing that will be completed as part of the certification program. Eclipse will resume flight test with the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW610F engines before the end of this year.
Eclipse's “Track Our Progress” web page can be accessed at the Eclipse Aviation web site www.eclipseaviation.com.
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.