The Eclipse 500 has successfully completed its first flight. On August 26, 2002, the six-person jet flew at 9,000 feet, where the flight crew evaluated engine handling, aircraft stability and control, general flying qualities and systems performance. The flight marks the start of a 16-month test programme, cumulating with FAA certification scheduled to occur in December 2003.

Eclipse also says that the aircraft can travel 1,300 nautical miles at a cost of around 56 cents per mile. First customer deliveries are expected in January 2004.

Meanwhile, Don Burtis has been promoted to vp of avionics and electronics for Eclipse. He has over 30 years of experience in high-tech product development and has been involved in the development of the company’s Avio intelligent flight system that is used on the Eclipse 500. He has held executive management positions with UTM, PCSI and General Magic. Earlier in his career, Burtis worked on unmanned satellite experiments and designed controllers for environmental test systems.