Eclipse Aviation News
“We have always been honest and forthcoming about our challenges, and today we are sharing an issue that will affect the timing of the Eclipse 500 certification program,” said Vern Raburn, president and CEO of Eclipse Aviation. “Over the last few months, we have been working with our suppliers to recover their schedules. Unfortunately, an in-depth assessment of the new schedules has made it clear that these slips will force a delay in our overall certification effort.”
Eclipse’s certification program has been reworked to accommodate revised supplier schedules, and the Eclipse 500 is now slated to receive FAA type certification in late Q2 2006. First customer deliveries will occur shortly thereafter.
Raburn commented, “This development is clearly disappointing, but the big picture is that we are heading into 2006 with a test fleet of five flying aircraft, our first TIA from the FAA in hand and more then 850 flight hours under our belts. Most importantly, the Eclipse 500 will soon be certified and in the hands of customers. Two years ago, most people considered this an impossible feat, and today thanks to the unwavering support of our customers and dedication of our employees – it’s a near-term reality.”
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 third 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.