Eclipse Expects Certification Soon

The Eclipse 500 is on track to receive FAA certification by the end of this quarter (June 30, 2006) and EASA certification by the end of the year, Eclipse Aviation said in a news release on Tuesday. The five-jet Eclipse test fleet has flown 1,700 hours and recently completed tests for flight flutter, structural strength, air-data compliance, and battery endurance, the company said. The highest-utilization jet, N506EA, has flown almost 600 hours over seven months, with a dispatch rate of over 99.50 percent. “It’s amazing to see the Eclipse 500 excitement build as we near certification and first customer deliveries,” said Eclipse CEO Vern Raburn. “Certification testing is progressing exceptionally well.” The company also said it expects the jet will meet targets for low aircraft noise, engine smoke emissions and cabin sound. The announcements came from Geneva, Switzerland, where the 6th Annual European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition opened yesterday.