Flight testing has resumed on the Eclipse 500. The aircraft recently took off from Albuquerque Sunport and successfully completed all manoeuvres in the practice area, before returning to land after 26 minutes of flight.

Eclipse Aviation Corporation has also applied for certification of the Eclipse 500 with the JAA. The certification, under JAR-23, is anticipated in 2006. The company also revealed that RVSM capability and autothrottle have been added to its guaranteed standard equipment list, formalising its plan to include the features as standard on the Eclipse 500.

Eclipse Aviation’s ceo Vern Raburn said: “From the beginning we have enjoyed tremendous interest and strong sales in Europe, so formally initiating the JAA certification process is the next logical step. We feel we have a great aircraft for the European market.”