Company delivers first training CD and purchases sophisticated training aircraft 

Eclipse Aviation Corporation, manufacturer of the Eclipse 500 jet, unveiled new details on its six-phase pilot training program and announced two milestones that reflect its commitment to set the standard for Very Light Jet (VLJ) training.  Specifically, Eclipse released the first module of its five CD self-paced study course devoted to Jet Basics and revealed that it recently purchased an L-39 Albatross for use in upset recovery training. 

"Our commitment to innovation extends far beyond the design and manufacture of the Eclipse 500 jet, said Vern Raburn, president and CEO of Eclipse Aviation.  "Unlike most aircraft manufacturers, we take direct responsibility for building and executing a comprehensive pilot training program.  We have defined a six-phase program that will train customers of various experience levels to be safe and successful in the Eclipse 500 jet.  These latest milestones demonstrate our progress in delivering on that promise."

Eclipse's Jet Basics Self-Paced Study Course is a five-part series of CD-based modules that provide an overview of jet aircraft and their operating environment to assist pilots transitioning to jets.  For experienced jet pilots, this coursework may serve as review material. The Introduction to Jet Engines module that Eclipse announced today will be followed over the next nine months by modules that focus on high altitude physiology; high altitude and high airspeed aerodynamics; high altitude flight planning; and high altitude weather and weather radar.

Eclipse also recently purchased an L-39 jet trainer to be used in the Eclipse 500 training program for upset recovery training.  Each Eclipse 500 customer will be required to complete two short flights in the L-39 to learn how to recover from upsets.  The L-39 is a low-wing, tandem seating, all-metal turbofan-powered aircraft designed for basic and advanced training. It has excellent handling characteristics within the whole flight envelope, excellent visibility from both cockpits and was designed to be used in a training environment. 

"Eclipse 500 training will utilize a perfect mix of computer-based training and hands-on experience," said Don Taylor, vice president of safety and training for Eclipse Aviation.  "Our scenario-based curriculum will help our pilots prepare for all situations by combining advanced computer-based training and flight training devices with real world experience in an altitude chamber, upset recovery training in the L-39 and flight time in the Eclipse 500."

Eclipse's comprehensive training program is comprised of six phases:

• Phase One:  A pilot qualification review will examine each customer's unique aviation experience to determine the need for a flight skill assessment by the University of North Dakota (UND).  Some of the customers that undergo UND flight skill assessment will be required to enroll in supplemental enrichment training to bring their pilot skills up to the level needed to ensure their success in the Eclipse 500 training program. 
• Phase Two:  Each customer will complete the Eclipse Aviation Jet Basics Self-Study Course; the availability of the first module in this course was just announced.   
• Phase Three:  Unexpected situations hands-on training will require customers to complete a session in an FAA approved altitude chamber and upset recovery training in Eclipse's L-39.

Phases one through three do not need to be completed in succession, but after all three are completed, customers will be ready to proceed to phase four.

• Phase Four:  Phase four is the seven-day Part 142 Eclipse 500 type rating transition course. The type rating course, which is included in the cost of the airplane for one pilot, will consist of additional self-paced study focused on Eclipse 500 systems, followed by ground school, sessions in a flight training device and actual flight time in an Eclipse 500. 
• Phase Five:  Upon completion of the type rating course in phase four, customers will transition to phase five and either be certified to fly single pilot or be required to fly with a mentor pilot.  The mentor will be an experienced jet pilot with extensive training. 
• Phase Six:  The final phase requires customers to complete recurrent training on a regular basis.

"Our comprehensive approach to training demonstrates our unwavering commitment to safety in the VLJ category and in the Eclipse 500 program," said Raburn.  "We take our responsibility to create an environment for pilot success very seriously - so seriously that we have committed to refund the deposits of any customer who cannot successfully complete our program."

FMI: www.eclipseavation.com