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DOT 81-06
Contact: Sarah Echols, Tel.: (202) 366-4570
Thursday, July 27, 2006
U.S. Department of Transportation Approves Provisional Type Certificate for Eclipse 500
OSHKOSH, WI – A new fleet of small-sized jet aircraft are one step closer to changing the way thousands of travelers fly now that the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted Eclipse Aviation’s new Eclipse 500 aircraft a Provisional Type Certificate, Acting Secretary of Transportation Maria Cino announced today.
“Thousands of new jets like this are going to redefine the way Americans travel, help cut airport congestion, and drive economic growth in cities and towns across the country that today only dream of commercial air service,” said Acting Secretary Cino.
The Acting Secretary noted that jets like the Eclipse 500, which are referred to as very light jets, will be able to affordably fly travelers from thousands of small airports across the country because they need less room to land and take off. As a result, she said these new jets will help reduce congestion and cut delays at major airports by giving travelers new options for getting from one small city to the next.
Acting Secretary Cino said the announcement is good news for Eclipse because once the company completes its final certification, known as a Type Certificate, it will be able to fill the almost 2,500 orders that have already been placed for the one and a half million dollar jets. She added that the company will also now be able to train pilots in the new jet. However, under the terms of the Provisional Certificate, the company will not be able to deliver its new aircraft to clients until they achieve final certification.
“Today’s announcement is significant because it means we anticipate no further major hurdles in the process to award full Type Certification to the Eclipse 500. Close teamwork between the FAA and Eclipse has been a hallmark of this certification program, and that will continue as the company works toward full certification,” said FAA Administrator Marion C. Blakey.
Acting Secretary Cino added that companies like Eclipse are contributing to the nation’s rapidly expanding economy. She noted that Eclipse Aviation has hired 560 new employees in the last 12 months alone and now employs over 820 people at its headquarters in New Mexico
“Congratulations to Albuquerque-based Eclipse Aviation on this important step,” said U.S. Congresswoman Heather Wilson, who represents Albuquerque. “Our economy is taking off, and this is the kind of product development that helps fuel continued growth.”
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Click here for a text of Acting Secretary Cino's remarks