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Eclipse 500 Earns Full FAA Type Certification |
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Saturday, 21 October 2006 |
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Eclipse Aviation, manufacturer of the world’s first very light jet (VLJ), received the full Type Certification for the Eclipse 500 from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Type Certificate was presented to Eclipse at its company headquarters in Albuquerque, New Mexico during a customer celebration that is being held this weekend.
“In spite of the hurdles we’ve encountered and those that still lie ahead, this is a day to reflect on what has been accomplished,” said Vern Raburn, president and CEO of Eclipse Aviation. “We successfully launched a new aviation company, developed and certified a truly revolutionary aircraft and created a whole new market segment that helped return relevancy and growth to general aviation.” This FAA Type Certification clears the Eclipse 500 throughout the full operating envelope with: - Single pilot operations
- Day and night operations
- Visual and instrument flight rules (VFR/IFR) operations
- Group reduced vertical separation minimum (RVSM) certification
In addition to this Eclipse 500 certification, the FAA has qualified the Eclipse 500 to noise levels well below Stage 4 limits. The Eclipse 500 manufacturing line is tooled and designed for high-volume, low-cost production, and Eclipse will start delivering customer aircraft shortly. Over the next few years, the company will focus on fulfilling the over 2,500 orders customers have already placed for this revolutionary jet.
“To all the members of the Eclipse community who are gathered with us today in Albuquerque, and those that are with us in spirit around the world, I want to express my deep gratitude for all the innovative thinking, unwavering encouragement and arduous work that made this unforgettable day possible,” said Peg Billson, COO of Eclipse Aviation. To create the Eclipse 500, Eclipse used technologies and business practices forged in the technology industry to drive down cost while increasing performance. Eclipse has applied innovation across every facet of its business to offer customers a state-of-the-art jet for a fraction of the acquisition, operating and ownership costs of competitive aircraft. For just $1.52 million, Eclipse 500 delivers a maximum cruise speed of 370 knots, can carry up to six occupants, and has a generous range of 1,125 nautical miles. Designed to land at more than 10,000 airports around the U.S., the jet is setting records for low aircraft noise, engine smoke emissions and cabin sound.
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