Tue, Jul 29, 2008
AirVenture 2008 Kicks Off With Sad/Stunning News
As previously reported, ANN was the first to break the news
that Vern Raburn had left the helm at Eclipse Aviation --
accompanied by a two-minute standing ovation from those in
attendance -- during the company's Monday press conference at
AirVenture 2008.
"These things happen in the world of business," Raburn told ANN
after the applause wound down.
Raburn confirmed his departure from the Albuquerque, NM-based
planemaker was a condition for securing the latest round of
financing to keep the company afloat as it strives to turn a
profit, which Acting CEO Roel Pieper said he expects will occur
"sometime early next year."
Raburn will continue to be involved in Eclipse, but not
directly. He was named Vice-Chairman of ETIRC Aviation, the Dutch
company that is Eclipse's sole European distributor, and a
significant investor in the company.
Opinions about Raburn's departure ranged from words of praise
for his performance at Eclipse... to cheers that a new regime is
now in place.
"I hope Vern gets the credit due him as the driving force that
made VLJs possible," said Greg Scott, who says he was the first
non-professional pilot type-rated in the Eclipse 500. "He is an
historic figure."
Somewhat ironically... Raburn's departure comes as the company
displayed what some would call the first "fully conforming" Eclipse
500, outside its booth. Serial number 266 is the first production
bird mounted with Avio NG avionics including twin Garmin GPS 400Ws,
in addition to recently-certified modifications to comply with
flight into known icing (FIKI) approval.
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