Company delivers first
training CD and purchases sophisticated training
aircraft
Eclipse Aviation Corporation, manufacturer of the Eclipse 500
jet, unveiled new details on its six-phase pilot training
program and announced two milestones that reflect its commitment to
set the standard for Very Light Jet (VLJ) training.
Specifically, Eclipse released the first module of its five CD
self-paced study course devoted to Jet Basics and revealed that it
recently purchased an L-39 Albatross for use in upset recovery
training.
"Our commitment to innovation extends far beyond the design and
manufacture of the Eclipse 500 jet, said Vern Raburn, president and
CEO of Eclipse Aviation. "Unlike most aircraft manufacturers,
we take direct responsibility for building and executing a
comprehensive pilot training program. We have defined a
six-phase program that will train customers of various experience
levels to be safe and successful in the Eclipse 500 jet.
These latest milestones demonstrate our progress in delivering on
that promise."
Eclipse's Jet Basics Self-Paced Study Course is a five-part
series of CD-based modules that provide an overview of jet aircraft
and their operating environment to assist pilots transitioning to
jets. For experienced jet pilots, this coursework may serve
as review material. The Introduction to Jet Engines module that
Eclipse announced today will be followed over the next nine months
by modules that focus on high altitude physiology; high altitude
and high airspeed aerodynamics; high altitude flight planning; and
high altitude weather and weather radar.
Eclipse also recently purchased an L-39 jet trainer to be used
in the Eclipse 500 training program for upset recovery
training. Each Eclipse 500 customer will be required to
complete two short flights in the L-39 to learn how to recover from
upsets. The L-39 is a low-wing, tandem seating, all-metal
turbofan-powered aircraft designed for basic and advanced training.
It has excellent handling characteristics within the whole flight
envelope, excellent visibility from both cockpits and was designed
to be used in a training environment.
"Eclipse 500 training will utilize a perfect mix of
computer-based training and hands-on experience," said Don Taylor,
vice president of safety and training for Eclipse Aviation.
"Our scenario-based curriculum will help our pilots prepare for all
situations by combining advanced computer-based training and flight
training devices with real world experience in an altitude chamber,
upset recovery training in the L-39 and flight time in the Eclipse
500."
Eclipse's comprehensive training program is comprised of six
phases:
- Phase One: A pilot qualification review will examine each
customer's unique aviation experience to determine the need for a
flight skill assessment by the University of North Dakota
(UND). Some of the customers that undergo UND flight skill
assessment will be required to enroll in supplemental enrichment
training to bring their pilot skills up to the level needed to
ensure their success in the Eclipse 500 training
program.
- Phase Two: Each customer will complete the Eclipse
Aviation Jet Basics Self-Study Course; the availability of the
first module in this course was just
announced.
- Phase Three: Unexpected situations hands-on training will
require customers to complete a session in an FAA approved altitude
chamber and upset recovery training in Eclipse's L-39.
Phases one through three do not need to be completed in
succession, but after all three are completed, customers will be
ready to proceed to phase four.
- Phase Four: Phase four is the seven-day Part 142 Eclipse
500 type rating transition course. The type rating course, which is
included in the cost of the airplane for one pilot, will consist of
additional self-paced study focused on Eclipse 500 systems,
followed by ground school, sessions in a flight training device and
actual flight time in an Eclipse 500.
- Phase Five: Upon completion of the type rating course in
phase four, customers will transition to phase five and either be
certified to fly single pilot or be required to fly with a mentor
pilot. The mentor will be an experienced jet pilot with
extensive training.
- Phase Six: The final phase requires customers to complete
recurrent training on a regular basis.
"Our comprehensive approach to training demonstrates our
unwavering commitment to safety in the VLJ category and in the
Eclipse 500 program," said Raburn. "We take our
responsibility to create an environment for pilot success very
seriously - so seriously that we have committed to refund the
deposits of any customer who cannot successfully complete our
program."