Eclipse Aviation has started production of the first Eclipse 500 to be delivered to a customer. Eager to get a look at the development process before he takes delivery of the aircraft in the summer, David Crowe visited Eclipse's facility and engaged the friction stir welding of a side panel of the cockpit of serial number 001.

As he observed Crowe's handiwork, Eclipse Aviation ceo Vern Raburn commented: "This is another very exciting day at Eclipse because this is all part of the process of becoming a successful and enduring company.

"We couldn't be happier than to be building this Eclipse 500 for Mr Crowe. Thank you David; we really appreciate your faith and confidence."

As Crowe drilled holes on the cockpit, he said: "It's beautiful. It takes some pretty special people to have the dedication to carry through a project like the Eclipse 500. Folks who work here are not just punching timecards - I can feel that every time I visit."

The aircraft's flight testing programme is on track for FAA certification in the second quarter of this year.