GNV Facility Boasts 45,000 Square Feet Of Hangar Space
Aero-News was on hand Friday as Eclipse Aviation held a ribbon
cutting ceremony for the the official opening of its Southeast
Eclipse Service Center (ESC) at Florida's Gainesville-Alachua
County Regional Airport (GNV).
The 61,000 square foot facility is now operational under Federal
Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 145, and is staffed with management
and technical personnel, as well as a full complement of aircraft
maintenance tooling and equipment. The facility is the second ESC
maintenance center to open, but is the first to operate outside of
the company’s headquarters in Albuquerque, NM.
Eclipse plans to open additional ESCs in Albany, NY and Van
Nuys, CA in the coming months, with expansion into other regions
planned for 2008 and beyond.
“Today is a great day for Eclipse Aviation, the City of
Gainesville and our customers in the Southeast,” said Peg
Billson, chief operating officer of Eclipse Aviation. “The
enthusiasm for the Eclipse 500 in this region has been incredible,
and this comprehensive maintenance center will allow us to deliver
exceptional service to our customers in this area. It is also an
honor to be a part of the state of Florida’s ongoing efforts
to build a progressive aviation infrastructure that generates
economic development and business growth for its
communities.”
Eclipse has been granted FAA approval to certify all of its FAR
Part 145 repair stations through a single FAA Flight Standards
District Office (FSDO) based in Albuquerque, NM. This office
monitors Eclipse repair station activities such as the application
and certification process, and is responsible for site
surveillance. Following a site audit performed by this FSDO team,
the Gainesville facility gained FAA approval on May 31, 2007.
”We would like to recognize Eclipse Aviation for producing
a high-quality, revolutionary product and for choosing Gainesville
as its Southeast service center location,” said Peter L.
Johnson, chair of the Gainesville Airport Authority. “This is
exciting for the airport and the community as Eclipse Aviation
brings new jobs and economic opportunities for
Gainesville.”
Of the approximately 61,000 square feet that comprises the
Gainesville Eclipse Service Center, 45,000 square feet is dedicated
to hangar space that can hold up to 12 Eclipse 500 aircraft at a
time. Additional areas include 10,800 square foot maintenance floor
and a 5,400 square foot customer service area.
The Gainesville ESC currently employs about 20 employees, with
plans to increase to up to 65 by the end of this year. Technicians
in the facility will be able to perform all Eclipse 500 scheduled
and unscheduled maintenance, including engine work.
Bolen Gives Congress a Rare Thumbs-Up
See All