The crisp Michigan air afforded a visibility of at least 30 or 40 miles as we approached Mackinac Island (KMCD) in Ken Ross’ Eclipse 550, N140NE. The airplane sported a jazzy black-and-gold paint job that already had me thinking the flight would be different from the one I’d taken in the original Eclipse nearly eight years earlier from Chicago Executive Airport. Sitting in the right seat and with me in the left, Ross suggested we shoot the GPS Runway 26 Approach at KMCD to give me ample time to align with the island’s single runway, a strip that can be tough to pick out on this island community where the trees easily outnumber the people.
We Fly: One Aviation Eclipse 550
Key Takeaways:
- The Eclipse 550 is a significantly upgraded very light jet, improving upon its predecessor with integrated avionics, autothrottles, anti-skid brakes, and known icing approval, making it easier and safer to operate.
- Targeted at owner-pilots moving up from high-performance piston aircraft, it offers an efficient twin-engine jet experience with capabilities like cruising at 41,000 feet at speeds up to 375 knots, carrying 2-3 people about 1,000 nautical miles.
- One Aviation emphasizes safety and pilot proficiency through a personalized training program that includes upset prevention and recovery training (UPRT) and a mentoring system, alongside advanced aircraft safety features like underspeed protection and a stick pusher.
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