Repair Station Approval Is Big Step Forward

Fresh on the heels of receiving its full Type Certificate for the Eclipse 500, on Monday Eclipse Aviation received 14 CFR Part 145 Repair Station Certification to repair and maintain the very-light-jets.

The certification proves that the Eclipse service center has met the FAA’s stringent aircraft repair and maintenance regulations. Eclipse Aviation can now lead the repair and maintenance of any Eclipse 500 with a standard airworthiness certificate... essentially, allowing the company to become a "one-stop" shop for owners.

The comprehensive five-phase certification effort consisted of preapplication, formal application, document compliance, demonstration and inspection. Eclipse’s repair station manual was reviewed and found acceptable by the FAA for conformity to applicable regulations and safe operating practices. In addition, the FAA approved Eclipse’s repair station training manual. Also throughout the certification process, the company’s facilities and equipment were found to meet the regulatory requirements.

“We are building an enduring aviation company, and this latest FAA nod of approval represents another important step in our journey,” said Vern Raburn, president and CEO of Eclipse Aviation. “We have designed and certified a superior aircraft and now are well on our way to delivering and maintaining a large fleet. This certification reflects the seriousness with which we are approaching our entire customer experience – from sale, through delivery, to the service and maintenance of each Eclipse 500 over its lifetime.”

Eclipse designed and built the E500 with reduced maintenance costs in mind for all operators. The aircraft features long-life parts including brushless motors, proximity switches, LED lighting, smart actuators and electronic circuit breakers. Eclipse has also eliminated traditional heavy maintenance systems, such as high-pressure hydraulics, power brakes and thrust reversers.

Also, all critical avionics and electrical systems are strategically placed inside the pressure vessel to protect them from temperature and pressure extremes. And for easy maintenance, Eclipse uses line replaceable units (LRUs) to enable quick replacement of parts. Access panels are strategically located to facilitate quick access to all major components, and all components are designed for fast removal and/or replacement.

With its repair station cert in hand, Eclipse may now also ramp up its JetComplete ownership program. First unveiled in 2005, Eclipse says the one-stop program for operational support and maintenance will continue to drive down the cost of E500 owenership.

Eclipse states JetComplete provides everything customers need to operate and maintain their Eclipse 500 jets at a fixed, guaranteed price. Benchmarking a business model similar to luxury automakers such as Lexus (not a bad company to emulate), JetComplete is intended to provide a single point of contact for all aircraft-related services... which Eclipse says greatly simplifies day-to-day aircraft management.

FMI: www.eclipseaviation.com