Eclipse Aviation has rescheduled first flight of its Eclipse 500 jet for July 2002 – one month later than previously expected. FAA certification is scheduled for December 2003 with European certification to follow after that.

Explaining the slight date change, president and ceo Vern Raburn said: “We are pleased Eclipse continues

to benefit from the strong support of its investors. But to be prudent, we have revised our development programme in light of the current financial environment.”

Vp of engineering Oliver Masefield added: “The revised certification date is not the result of unanticipated hurdles in the aircraft development programme. We have changed our flight test plans in order to reduce costs without affecting the compreh-ensiveness of the test programme.”

Eclipse will assemble one test aircraft in 2002 followed by the production of four aircraft and two additional airframes in early 2003.

Meanwhile, the company has announced modifications to the interior and exterior of its aircraft. The changes – several made in response to customer requests – are designed to enhance the safety and performance of the aircraft.

The cabin door has been moved from the right side of the aircraft to the left; a seat redesign with

new armrest and side panel designs are said to create more hip room; and the ceiling console has been reduced in depth to increase headroom.

Adjustments to the exterior of the aircraft include modified rear fuselage design and the incorporation of a tail-mounted speed brake.