Pace Of Eclipse 500 Jet Test Program Accelerates

Company Completes Certification Engine Inlet Icing Tests; Expands altitude envelope to 25,000 ft; Conducts Taxi Tests for Second Test Aircraft in Preparation for Flight Test

ALBUQUERQUE, NM - Eclipse Aviation Corporation, manufacturer of the revolutionary Eclipse 500 very light jet (VLJ), today announced recent milestones furthering its progress towards aircraft certification in March 2006. The company has achieved an important certification milestone by completing the required FAA certification testing for engine ice protection. Eclipse's successful inlet icing tests of the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW610F has fulfilled all FAA inlet icing requirements for the powerplant system. These tests were complete in Canada's National Research Council's approved icing tunnel located in Ottawa.

In flight testing, aircraft N503EA recently expanded the flight envelope to 25,000 ft with the pilots operating in a pressurized cabin and shirt-sleeve environment. Since April 1, N503EA has amassed 15.0 hours in 10 flights; the aircraft has accumulated a total of 33.0 flight hours to date. An updated nose wheel design has resolved early nose gear shimmy challenges while retaining the aircraft's original excellent steering and maneuverability qualities.

Also this week, Eclipse revealed that it has completed initial engine testing and low speed taxi tests on its second certification test jet, N502EA, in preparation for flight test later this month. The Eclipse 500 test fleet is comprised of seven aircraft, five of which will be used for flight testing and two airframes for static and fatigue testing.

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.

Source: Eclipse Aviation