Eclipse receives FAA production certificate for Eclipse 550

Eclipse Aerospace, manufacturer of the first very-light jet (VLJ), has received Production Certificate #550 from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), paving the way for production of the new Eclipse 550 twin-engine jet. “Armed now with a fully certified aircraft, a certified production process, and an established supply chain, Eclipse is well positioned to re-introduce the Eclipse Jet to new production. Earning our FAA production certificate means we have successfully built a reliable, high-quality manufacturing process, and are well positioned to expedite aircraft deliveries,” said Cary Winter, Senior Vice President of Eclipse Aerospace. The new model Eclipse 550 twin-engine jet is built upon the same proven Eclipse 500 platform, but will deliver with the next evolution of aircraft systems for general aviation jets. Systems upgrades include auto-throttles, synthetic vision, enhanced vision, and a redundant flight management system. First deliveries are expected in mid 2013.