In the dynamic world of private aviation, few aircraft have sparked as much conversation and innovation as the Eclipse 500. Conceived as a revolutionary very light jet (VLJ), it promised to democratize private air travel, offering an unprecedented blend of performance, efficiency, and affordability. While its journey was marked by both soaring ambitions and significant challenges, the Eclipse 500 carved out a unique and enduring legacy, forever changing the landscape of personal aviation.

This article delves into the fascinating story of the Eclipse 500, exploring its origins, technical prowess, the experience of ownership, and its lasting impact on the industry. Join us as we uncover why this remarkable aircraft continues to capture the imagination of pilots and enthusiasts alike.

A Glimpse into History: Ambition and Evolution

The story of the Eclipse 500 begins not with a blank sheet of paper, but with the innovative Williams V-Jet II demonstrator from 1997. This experimental aircraft, designed by Burt Rutan’s Scaled Composites for Williams International, served as a testbed for their new turbofan engine. Its unique design and promising performance captured the attention of Vern Raburn, a former Microsoft executive with a bold vision: to create a mass-produced, low-cost very light jet that would make private air travel accessible to a much wider audience.

Raburn founded Eclipse Aviation in 1998, acquiring the V-Jet II program with the aim of developing a production aircraft. The initial plan was to power the Eclipse 500 with Williams EJ-22 engines. However, as the aircraft’s weight increased during development, these engines proved insufficient. This led to a pivotal decision: a partnership with Pratt & Whitney Canada, who redesigned their PW615 engine specifically for the Eclipse 500, resulting in the PW610F turbofan. This change, while causing development delays, ultimately provided the aircraft with the reliable power it needed.

The journey to certification was rigorous. The Eclipse 500 received provisional type certification from the FAA in July 2006, with full certification following in September of the same year. Deliveries began in December 2006, marking a significant milestone for the company and the VLJ concept.

However, the ambitious vision of Eclipse Aviation soon encountered turbulent skies. The company’s business model heavily relied on a single, large customer, DayJet, a pioneering air taxi service that had placed an order for an astounding 1,400 Eclipse 500s. When DayJet ceased operations in 2008, it delivered a devastating blow to Eclipse Aviation, which subsequently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November 2008, and later Chapter 7 liquidation in February 2009.

Despite these setbacks, the Eclipse 500’s story did not end there. In August 2009, Eclipse Aerospace acquired the assets of the bankrupt company, breathing new life into the program. They introduced the upgraded Eclipse 550 in 2011, and later merged with Kestrel Aircraft to form One Aviation. While One Aviation also faced financial difficulties and eventually liquidated, the support for the Eclipse fleet continued under AML Global Eclipse, a company backed by British entrepreneur Christopher Harborne, who acquired the assets in late 2020.

Throughout its history, the Eclipse 500 has seen various refurbishment programs aimed at enhancing its capabilities and extending its lifespan. The “Total Eclipse” program, and later the “Eclipse Special Edition” model, effectively transformed existing 500s into aircraft with many of the 550’s advanced features, offering a more affordable entry point into the upgraded Eclipse experience. These programs underscore the enduring value and adaptability of the Eclipse 500 airframe.

Engineering Excellence: Design and Performance

The Eclipse 500 was designed with a clear focus on efficiency and performance, embodying the very essence of a very light jet. Its airframe is constructed entirely of metal, a choice that balances durability with lightweight characteristics. The aircraft features a distinctive T-tail and straight wings, contributing to its stable flight characteristics and ease of handling, particularly appealing to owner-pilots transitioning from piston aircraft.

At the heart of the Eclipse 500’s performance are its two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW610F turbofan engines, each delivering 900 pounds of thrust. These engines are strategically mounted in nacelles on the aft fuselage, contributing to the aircraft’s sleek aerodynamic profile. This powerplant combination allows the Eclipse 500 to achieve impressive speeds and altitudes for its class.

Performance metrics highlight its capabilities: a maximum cruise speed of 375 knots (approximately 430 mph) and an operational ceiling of 41,000 feet. It boasts a range of 1,125 nautical miles with NBAA IFR 100 nm reserves, making it suitable for short to medium-range travel. The aircraft’s takeoff distance to 50 feet at maximum takeoff weight is 2,433 feet, and its landing distance at sea level is 2,790 feet, demonstrating its ability to operate from a variety of airfields.

The cockpit of the Eclipse 500 is equipped with the Innovative Solutions & Support (IS&S) Avio NG integrated flight management system. This advanced avionics suite was a key selling point, offering a sophisticated yet intuitive interface for pilots. Later upgrades, particularly with the Eclipse 550 and refurbished 500 models, introduced further enhancements such as autothrottles (originally planned for the 500 but not implemented in early versions), anti-skid brakes, and an electrically powered air-conditioning system, continually improving the aircraft’s operational capabilities and pilot experience.

The design philosophy behind the Eclipse 500 emphasized simplicity and automation, aiming to reduce pilot workload and enhance safety. Its sidestick controller, a departure from traditional yokes, was particularly noted for providing a more natural and comfortable flying experience, especially for pilots accustomed to high-performance single-engine aircraft.

The Ownership Experience: Cabin, Costs, and Support

Owning an Eclipse 500 offers a unique blend of performance and practicality, particularly for the owner-pilot. The aircraft’s cabin, while compact, is thoughtfully designed to maximize utility and comfort. Measuring 4 feet, 2 inches high, 4 feet, 8 inches wide, and 12 feet, 4 inches long, it can accommodate up to six passengers. Standard configurations typically include five seats, with a sixth seat available as an option. One of the notable features of the Eclipse 500’s interior is its reconfigurable nature. The absence of a bulkhead between the cockpit and cabin allows for flexible seating arrangements, enabling pilots to adjust their seats for maximum comfort and passengers to reconfigure the space as needed. This adaptability, coupled with a 16 cubic feet baggage volume, makes the Eclipse 500 a versatile option for various travel needs.

From a financial perspective, the Eclipse 500 has always been positioned as an economical entry into jet ownership. While the factory-new list price in 2006 was around $1.27 million, the resale market has seen significant fluctuations due to the aircraft’s complex history of upgrades and iterations. Today, pre-owned Eclipse 500s can be found at a range of prices, often making them a highly attractive option compared to other light jets or even high-performance turboprops. Operating costs, which include fuel, maintenance, and other variable expenses, are generally estimated to be around $1,300 per hour, a figure that can vary based on annual flight hours and specific operational profiles.

Maintenance and support are crucial aspects of aircraft ownership, and the Eclipse 500 has a well-established support network. For owners flying approximately 150 hours per year, the maintenance schedule typically involves an annual inspection, similar to piston aircraft. More detailed inspections include a 12-month/300-hour engine inspection, a 24-month/300-hour airframe inspection, and a 48-month/1,200-hour airframe inspection. Eclipse Aerospace, and now AML Global Eclipse, have maintained a commitment to supporting the fleet, ensuring the availability of parts and a network of authorized service centers. These centers are located across the United States (including Albuquerque, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, and West Virginia) and internationally (Australia, Channel Islands, Germany, and Turkey), providing owners with access to necessary maintenance and technical assistance. This ongoing support is vital for maintaining the aircraft’s airworthiness and value, and it reflects the dedication of the current custodians to the longevity of the Eclipse fleet.

Market Position and Competitors

The Eclipse 500 entered the market with the ambitious goal of creating a new category of personal jet, and despite its tumultuous journey, it has carved out a distinct niche. Its primary value proposition lies in its economical operation and acquisition cost, making jet ownership more attainable for a broader range of individuals and businesses. For many owner-pilots, the Eclipse 500 represents a logical and affordable step up from high-performance piston aircraft or turboprops, offering jet speeds and capabilities without the significantly higher price tag and operating expenses typically associated with business jets.

In the competitive landscape of very light jets and light jets, the Eclipse 500 faces a variety of rivals. Its direct competitors in the VLJ segment include aircraft like the Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet, which offers a single-engine solution, and the Citation Mustang, a popular twin-engine VLJ known for its reliability. Moving up slightly in size and capability, the Embraer Phenom 100 also competes for a similar market segment, offering more cabin space and range. Beyond jets, the Eclipse 500 also competes with high-performance turboprops such as the Piper Meridian and the Socata TBM series, which offer comparable speeds and altitudes but with different operational characteristics and cost structures.

What sets the Eclipse 500 apart is its unique blend of performance and economy. While other jets might offer more cabin volume or longer range, the Eclipse 500 often boasts lower operating costs and a more accessible purchase price, especially in the pre-owned market. Its ability to cruise at over 350 knots and reach altitudes of 41,000 feet places it firmly in the jet performance category, while its efficiency makes it a compelling choice for those mindful of their operational budget. The resale market for the Eclipse 500 is complex, influenced by the various upgrades and iterations the aircraft has undergone. This means that while prices can vary, a well-maintained and upgraded Eclipse 500 can offer exceptional value, often selling for significantly less than its original list price, making it an attractive proposition for discerning buyers seeking jet performance at a more economical cost.

A Lasting Legacy

The Eclipse 500 is more than just an aircraft; it is a testament to innovation, resilience, and the enduring dream of accessible private flight. Born from a bold vision to revolutionize personal aviation, its journey has been anything but smooth, marked by both groundbreaking achievements and significant corporate challenges. Yet, through it all, the aircraft itself has proven to be a capable and efficient machine, continually supported and upgraded by dedicated entities.

Its unique position as an economical very light jet, offering impressive performance metrics—including jet speeds and high-altitude capabilities—makes it a compelling choice for owner-pilots and small businesses. The Eclipse 500 has not only provided a practical solution for efficient short to medium-range travel but has also inspired a new generation of aircraft design and operational models.

Today, the Eclipse 500 continues to fly, a symbol of what can be achieved when ambition meets engineering prowess. It remains a popular and viable option in the pre-owned market, offering a unique blend of affordability, performance, and the undeniable allure of jet travel. Its legacy is not just in the numbers it achieved or the challenges it overcame, but in its lasting impact on how we perceive and access personal aviation.

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