While Eclipse Aviation tries to figure out how to get its engines from burning out accessories after one test flight — see last week’s NewsWire — it has announced a new training program for the Eclipse 500. The multi-tiered program — which integrates a relationship with UND Aerospace — is designed to provide training for pilots of all experience levels, and may in turn help new owners/operators secure insurance. “We feel so strongly about this that if someone is unable to meet the requirements of our training program, we will refund their deposit.” Training will take place at Eclipse headquarters in Albuquerque, N.M. Recurrency training will be required annually.
The Eclipse training program has four key phases that will be configured into customized programs for each customer: Jet Transition Precourse, Type Training Admission Evaluations and Preparation, and a Type Rating Course Mentor Program. As we mentioned, the University of North Dakota (UND) will be an integral part of this training program. Through this arrangement, the UND will assess pilot qualifications and provide supplemental training, as needed, to prepare pilots to enter the Eclipse 500 Type Rating Course.
