Is This The Best Way To Welcome A New Year... Or What?

ANN has just finished the first debrief with Eclipse Aviation officials following an 89 minute first flight for the Pratt & Whitney 610F powered Eclipse 500. The first production model of a new generation of light jet aircraft, the Eclipse 500, flew to 16,800 feet and as fast as 200 knots during a "super" first flight that actually proceeded so well as to allow for the expansion of a number of flight test objectives.

The company notes that this is the FIRST FAA production conforming microjet to fly... period. Check back throughout the day -- We'll have more information and pictures shortly...

Eclipse 500 Flight Test Resumption Statistics

Date: December 31, 2004
Aircraft: Eclipse 500
Tail number: N503EA
Flight duration: 1 hour and 29 minutes
Max speed: 200 kts
Max altitude: 16,800 feet
Pilots: Bill Bubb - pilot in command and Brian Mathy
Takeoff time: 10:16 a.m.
Takeoff runway: 17
Landing time: 11:45 a.m.
Landing runway: 35

What was tested?

• Basic handling characteristics
• Flight envelope expansion
• Performance
• Systems
• • PW610F engine performance
  • Fuel
  • Flight controls
  • Electrical
  • Avio
  • Pressurization
  • Climate control system

Where: In a practice area just south of the Albuquerque International Sunport

FMI: www.eclipseaviation.com