Good News On European Front for Eclipse

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has granted certification for the Eclipse 500 twinjet for private use, two years after its FAA approval.
  • This EASA certification requires specific equipment, including the complete Avio NG 1.5 avionics suite, a third attitude indicator, and dual Mode S transponders.
  • Eclipse is currently seeking additional European approval for commercial operations, hoping to achieve it for charter and taxi services soon after the New Year.
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Last Friday, the European Aviation Safety Agency (FAA counterpart for the European Union) finally granted certification for the Eclipse 500 twinjet, two years after FAA certification. Friday’s ruling covers private use of the very light jets. Eclipse hopes to receive European approval for commercial operations in time for charter and taxi operators to begin service soon after the New Year. The EASA certification approval does have some strings attached, however. In order to be approved, each aircraft must be equipped with the complete Avio NG 1.5 avionics suite, which was approved by the FAA, also last Friday. European Eclipses will also need a third attitude indicator and dual Mode S transponders.

Mark Phelps

Mark Phelps is a senior editor at AVweb. He is an instrument rated private pilot and former owner of a Grumman American AA1B and a V-tail Bonanza.

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