History In the Making - Flight of the First Production VLJ
Westlake Village, CA - July 24, 2006 – Jet-Alliance is pleased to
report that yesterday, Eclipse Aviation, manufacturer of the
revolutionary Eclipse 500 very light jet (VLJ), announced the maiden
flight of its first customer aircraft. An eager crowd of Eclipse
employees gathered to witness the successful flight of the first
Eclipse 500 production aircraft with John Keiser as Pilot in
Command. The jet flew for 1.5 hours while reaching Mach 0.62 and
climbing to its maximum altitude of 41,000 feet. All systems were
operated multiple times without any flaws.
The
flight marks an important milestone for Eclipse Aviation and also
for Jet-Alliance, soon-to-be owner of this first aircraft. Eclipse
is rapidly approaching FAA certification, and delivery of the
aircraft to Jet-Alliance will follow shortly after. Randall Sanada,
President of Jet-Alliance said “We are most pleased with the
progress Eclipse is making and honored to be a part of this historic
occasion.”
David Crowe, Co-Owner in this aircraft with Jet-Alliance said “I
looked at a number of programs offering co-ownership and jet
management services and found Jet-Alliance to be the one with the
greatest value proposition. The Jet-Alliance model aligns the
interests of the owners and the operator, enabling us to achieve the
best use of our aircraft.” Crowe was also quoted in the Eclipse
announcement: "I was just in Albuquerque two weeks ago watching the
manufacturing team putting the final touches on my Eclipse 500. I
can't wait to fly my jet."
"To
achieve this maiden flight is enormously gratifying," said Vern
Raburn, president and CEO of Eclipse Aviation. "This is a journey
that is thrilling and challenging on levels that none of us could
have ever imagined. I am so proud of this team and the unrelenting
determination that they continue to demonstrate."
About Eclipse Aviation
Eclipse Aviation is in the business of designing, certifying and
producing modern, affordable jet aircraft that will revolutionize
the transportation market. The company is applying advanced
electronics systems, manufacturing and business practices to produce
aircraft that cost about a quarter of today's small jet aircraft,
will be significantly safer and easier to operate than those of
today, and have the lowest cost of ownership ever achieved in a jet
aircraft. The goal of Eclipse is to bring the word "personal" into
aviation, making it possible for commercial air passengers to move
directly between cities on a quick, affordable and convenient basis.
It will also allow pilot owners to enter the world of jet-powered
aviation. Contact Eclipse at
http://www.eclipseaviation.com.
About Jet-Alliance
Jet-Alliance, Inc. is the leading Fractional Jet Ownership Company
in the new VLJ (Very Light Jet) category of aircraft. Headquartered
in Westlake Village, California, Jet-Alliance is offering ownership
opportunities in the Eclipse 500 private jet, starting at $93,450.
For additional information, call
866-538-2554.
Secure a position on our
waiting list.
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