Eclipse Aerospace Will Upgrade Aircraft To Total Eclipse
Standards
The Veterans Airlift Command (VAC), based in St. Louis Park,
Minnesota announced the donation of an Eclipse Jet to benefit the
organization at the recently-completed NBAA convention in Las
Vegas. The VAC provides free air transportation to post 9/11 combat
wounded veterans and their families for medical and other
compassionate purposes through a national network of volunteer
aircraft owners and pilots. They rely solely on the contributions
of donors for finances, aircraft, and pilot services.
File Photo
The VAC received a donation of an Eclipse Jet Aircraft earlier
this month, and to compliment the donation, the jet manufacturer
Eclipse Aerospace has agreed to upgrade the aircraft to Total
Eclipse standards and return the aircraft to active service. The
VAC will use the aircraft in their mission of transporting wounded
veterans and their families to locations in which they can receive
proper medical care.
VAC Founder and AirBoss Walt Fricke says, “Although none
is needed, this is further proof that the aviation community is
made up of great Americans whose generosity knows no bounds. This
aircraft will supplement the work of some 1800 volunteer aircraft
owners and pilots in support of our mission. It is the
perfect combination of world-class jet efficiency and a mission
capable bird. Our donors and passengers deserve no less.”
As part of their donation, Eclipse Aerospace will match
donations made to service the Eclipse aircraft with one dollar of
donated parts and services for every one dollar donated to the VAC
through a capital campaign kicked off today to fund this
effort.
"As a wounded war veteran, I know first hand how important the
support of your family is in your recovery,” says Senator Bob
Dole, Honorary Chairman of the National Advisory Board of the VAC.
“For those soldiers and their families who sacrifice so much
for our great nation, an organization like VAC is a Godsend,”
Dole continued.
“The support does not stop with Eclipse Aerospace, the
essence of our Eclipse family are our customers. Eclipse type rated
pilots are needed to fly these volunteer missions. So when Eclipse
reached out to the Eclipse 500 Owners Club, our customers joined in
our effort and are donating trained pilots and services to fly
Eclipse missions for the VAC, how cool is that!” states Mason
Holland CEO and Chairman of Eclipse Aerospace, Inc.
“Our club members are proud and committed to fly the
donated Eclipse on behalf of the Veterans Airlift Command wherever
and whenever we possibly can. It is truly an honor to do so,”
added David Green, President of the Eclipse 500 Owners Club.
“We also look forward to volunteering our own aircraft in
pursuit of this noble mission.”