That Makes Eclipse The First VLJ Manufacturer With Two FAA Conforming Aircraft in Flight Testing

The Eclipse 500 program took a major step forward Thursday with the successful first flight of its second certification flight test aircraft. Company executives said they hope to have the very light jet (VLJ) completely through the FAA certification process early next year.

At 1255 (MDT) Thursday, aircraft N502EA, powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PW610F turbofan engines, took off from the Albuquerque International Sunport for a flawless flight that lasted one hour and 30 minutes. The aircraft, which was piloted by test pilots Ed Grabman and Brian Mathy, successfully completed all tests including handling qualities at various flap settings, flap and trim operations, cabin pressurization and electrical system testing. The flights were conducted in a designated test zone located south of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

"As the VLJ market pioneer, we never stop pushing ourselves to achieve the critical industry firsts that position us to deliver on our promises to customers, investors and each other. With this major milestone under our belts, we are primed to continue to accelerate the pace of our Eclipse 500 FAA certification program. Most importantly, we are one big step closer to our ultimate goal of delivering the Eclipse 500 to our customers so that they can experience this incredible aircraft for themselves," said Eclipse Aviation president and CEO Vern Raburn, who last week piloted aircraft N503EA for the first time.

During N502EA's first day of flight testing, the pilots climbed to 15,000 feet and reached 160 knots. Like Eclipse's first flight test aircraft, N502EA is fully equipped with mechanical systems including pressurization, climate control and ice protection as well as with the Avio Total Aircraft Integration system. Eclipse says this aircraft will be used to test aerodynamics and structures, with early tests examining air data calibration, flight envelope expansion and flutter tests. Testing will then transition to focus on handling and performance, stalls and flight strain survey. N502EA features special test equipment including a nose-mounted air data boom, flutter exciter system, pilot egress system and stall chute.

N502EA joins N503EA, which has been in certification testing since December 31, 2004. Since April 1, N503EA has amassed 23.3 hours in 18 flights, for a total of 41.3 hours of flight time. Last week, the aircraft climbed to 30,000 feet for the first time, demonstrating excellent handling characteristics.

FMI: www.eclipseaviation.com