Jim Campbell's visit to Eclipse Aviation, Wednesday, for the dedication of their high-tech, multi-million dollar friction stir welding facility also allowed him an interesting distinction... becoming the first journalist to test-fly an accurate aerodynamic model of the Eclipse 500 on a flight simulator.

"Eclipse has collected a phenomenal amount of data on this aircraft thanks to in-flight data-gathering and an extensive ground-based telemetry system... this has allowed them to produce what has to be an amazingly accurate aerodynamic profile for the airplane." Jim noted, "...very pleasant control harmonies, good acceleration, modest control forces, a rudder that (thankfully) hasn't been dumbed down, a GREAT pitch stability and response profile, and excellent aileron response... this is going to be a fun airplane to fly... in VFR or IFR conditions."

A demonstrated V-1 cut on take-off from ABQ (mind you, with ISA conditions and with the robust Pratt & Whitney 610F data) was a big surprise. "I actually could have gotten away with leaving my feet flat on the floor... the bird handles really well if you simply use a light corrective bank angle to counter the asymmetric issues, and booting the rudder only means that you're going to have to get rid of it in a few seconds anyway. Initial climb rates, with gear up and flaps (take-off configuration) down, were better than expected (a good thing in light of simulated terrain staring me in the face not too far down the road...) and the overall handling was a bit of a no-brainer as I worked my way up from 90-140 knots in pretty short order... if the actual airplane mimics this behavior, even remotely (and they're confident it will), it's going to be an easy bird to bring home with one mill out to lunch. This is going to be even more impressive if, as is our general experience, the actual bird handles better than the sim."

Yes... it's just a simulator model... but a model built upon one of the most extensive data collection programs we've EVER seen, in the GA/Light Commercial aviation business... no kidding. For a first/quick sampling, we're impressed, and REALLY looking forward to getting our hands on the real deal (which Campbell will get early on in the Eclipse program, as promised by "Uncle Vern").

The production bird, which will be the second Eclipse to fly (but the first with the new P&W 610Fs), should be flying before the end of the year...

FMI: www.eclipseaviation.com