Eclipse Aviation Gets E500 Certification

Some believe the jet will revolutionize the way people think about air travel.
Oct. 2, 2006
2 min read

Eclipse Aviation Corp. said its E500 "very light jet" has been fully certified by the Federal Aviation Administration - meaning the small aircraft are cleared for delivery to customers.

Eclipse spokesman Andrew Broom said in statement released Saturday that 23 of the aircraft are in production in addition to two that already have rolled off the assembly line. He said the first delivery to a customer would take place in days.

The so-called Type Certificate was presented to Eclipse at its Albuquerque headquarters.

Over the next few years, the company will aim to fulfill more than 2,500 orders customers have placed for this jet, which some believe will revolutionize the way people think about air travel.

"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," Chief Operating Officer Peg Billson said in the statement:

In July, Eclipse successfully tested the first production aircraft slated for delivery to a customer. The airplane flew 1 1/2 hours and climbed to its maximum altitude of 41,000 feet.

The twin-engine, six-seat jet aircraft will cost about $1.5 million.

The company believes the E500 will radically change the aircraft industry, saying it costs one-third less than other small jet aircraft. The company said it will be safer and easier to operate, with the lowest cost of ownership ever in a jet aircraft.

___

On the Web: http://www.eclipseaviation.com

Copyright 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

News stories provided by third parties are not edited by "Site Publication" staff. For suggestions and comments, please click the Contact link at the bottom of this page.

airBaltic
2025_05_23_airbaltic_bch_launch_3
The Baltic Cargo Hub is designed to support the growing demand for efficient and modern air cargo services at RIX Riga Airport.
May 23, 2025
TAT Technologies
screenshot_2352025_8918_tattechnologies
This agreement is a five-year extension of an existing contract for APU repairs on the U.S. fleet of 767 and 757 aircraft, now expanded to support the carrier’s global fleet.
May 23, 2025
Precision Aviation Group Australia (PAG)
screenshot_2352025_8120_www
Under this agreement, PAG will provide sales and support services for the RDR-7000 for Honeywell Authorized Channel Partners across the Asia Pacific region.
May 23, 2025
Kelvin Kuo
usnewssandiegoplanecrashla
The plane, a Cessna 550, crashed east of Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport around 3:45 a.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
May 23, 2025
RECARO Aircraft Seating
recaro_aircraft_seating_press_release_best_managed
The Best Managed Companies program is a competition and seal of quality for successful medium-sized companies.
May 23, 2025
Sign up for Aviation Pros Newsletters
Get the latest news and updates.