Additional Sim Increases Planemaker's Training Ability

Eclipse Aviation announced Thursday the Federal Aviation Administration recently certified the company's second Level D Full Motion simulator... less than one month after Eclipse received approval for its first Level D Full Motion simulator, as ANN reported.

"As a start-up manufacturer, we are very proud to have received two simulator certifications on the first try, and to have completed both of these certifications in just one month's time," said Eclipse president and CEO Vern Raburn. "After a seamless, three-day FAA inspection, we can now train 20 pilots every two weeks entirely in simulators."

The news comes after Part 142 pilot training certification was granted last month to Eclipse's training provider, Higher Power Aviation (HPA). The certification allows Eclipse to train and type rate pilots exclusively in simulators.

Eclipse states its simulator-based training is well underway, and the first customer pilots have already completed their initial type training.

By April 2008, Eclipse expects to have a third Level D Full Motion simulator in operation, which will allow the company to train up to 60 pilots each month exclusively in simulators.

FMI: www.eclipseaviation.com