Eclipse Joins ANN's Team of Elite Oshkosh Special Coverage Sponsors

The Eclipse 500 VLJ started the very-light-jet movement that dominates industry talk today. Six years ago Eclipse Aviation made its first appearance at AirVenture Oshkosh proclaiming its "New Way to Fly" campaign. 

At that time, Eclipse's president and CEO Vern Raburn was convinced that advances in turbine engines, digital technology, high-volume manufacturing and high-technology business practices could be used to create a whole new breed of aircraft and company.  And now the dream of Eclipse Aviation and the Eclipse 500 is a reality. 

With FAA certification anticipated any day now (we mean it... it's down to hours, from what we hear), we're expecting to see these beautiful little jets showing up real soon at FBOs across the country -- many of them as air taxis, but a lot of them in the hands of private pilots, too.

SEE The Amazing Eclipse 500 at
Main Aircraft Display Area 253-259, 262-268

And now... ANN has learned that the first customer aircraft has taken to the skies on the eve of the Eclipse's upcoming FAA Type Certification.

Eclipse is leveraging advanced manufacturing methods not traditionally used in aviation to dramatically increase manufacturing efficiency, including moving assembly lines and robotics. At its Albuquerque, New Mexico headquarters, the company's state-of-the-art production system is humming with activity as Eclipse readies additional jets for customer delivery. Nine additional production aircraft are in various assembly positions on the Eclipse 500 production line, with two in final assembly stage.

FMI: Click Here to Read More About The Eclipse 500 or visit www.eclipseaviation.com