Flying an Eclipse Jet
Whether you choose to train to pilot your Eclipse Jet, or hire a pilot to fly for you, Eclipse will gladly support you in all areas of your endeavor. This area of our website is dedicated to informing you on the process of training to fly or finding a qualified pilot.
Need Training?
Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. (EAI) embraces a comprehensive training program for the Eclipse Jet that establishes pilot training requirements beyond the minimum requirements to pass the type rating practical test. Both the airplane and the training program are special. The Eclipse training program strives to nurture a professional attitude as it brings each customer to the knowledge and proficiency level necessary to exceed—not just meet—the standards required of a type rated Eclipse pilot.
The EAI training program highlights topics such as Single-pilot Resource Management (SRM), risk management, aviation physiology, and upset recovery. These topics are intended to prepare the Eclipse pilot for all situations that may potentially be encountered in the high altitude jet environment. EAI recognizes that their customers have succeeded in other endeavors by exercising command and initiative, and expects that they will do the same in the Eclipse Jet training program.
Type Rating
Type training combines classroom academic training and flying an Eclipse Jet or a level D Eclipse simulator. The academic sessions cover Eclipse systems, flight planning techniques, risk management, and single pilot resource management (SRM). Also included is a thorough orientation to cockpit systems and abnormal procedures.
Flight training consists of a minimum of seven flight sessions and any additional training needed in order to be prepared for the FAA practical exam.
Finally, the FAA practical exam is administered by an FAA safety inspector or designee. The practical test is the same as the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) test and can be used to obtain an ATP rating as long as the eligibility requirements described in FAR 61.153 are met.
Initial
The following elements comprise the initial flight training curriculum:
Jet Basics
Jet Basics introduces the basics of operating a jet aircraft in the high altitude environment. For those with little or no turbojet experience, the Jet Basics course is very beneficial.
Flight Skills Assessment
Prior to the start of Eclipse Type Rating Training, each pilot will accomplish a Flight Skills Assessment (FSA). The Eclipse type training course is quite demanding, even for the seasoned professional pilot, and requires a high level of instrument flying proficiency. The FSA will determine a pilot’s readiness to begin formal training.
Emergency Situation Training
Emergency Situation Training (EST) program consists of two elements: Physiology Training and Upset Recovery Training.
Physiology training is intended to familiarize the pilot with the potential hazards in the high altitude environment.
Upset Recovery Training (URT) consists of classroom academics and flights in an aerobatic capable aircraft. This training is not intended to produce an aerobatic pilot, but to introduce common upsets and teach recovery techniques in the event of an upset in during severe weather or wake turbulence. This is extremely valuable training for all and a truly rewarding experience.
Eclipse Pilot Mentoring Program
Upon completion of the FAA practical test, the training experience is continued via the Mentor Program. This program is intended to provide the newly type rated Eclipse 500 pilot the ability to operate in the National Airspace System (NAS) with an increased level of safety. The Mentor will provide valuable lessons to boost pilot’s readiness to operate in the ‘real world’. The focus of this phase of training will not be on the simple accomplishment of rote tasks, but on situation awareness, thought process, and decision making while acting as a solo pilot. The EAI representative will be a Mentor in the truest sense—a trusted counselor and teacher.
Mentoring is not a ‘second check ride’, nor a pass/fail situation. It is intended to be an enjoyable and rewarding maturation experience. EAI hopes that each customer will look upon this phase not as a one-time event, but an ongoing process for the rest of his/her flying career.
Recurrent
Recurrent training is an annual requirement for those pilots continuing to act as PIC in the Eclipse Jet. It involves classroom academics as well as flight sessions in an Eclipse Jet or level D simulator. The goal of recurrent training is to ensure that required knowledge and skills have not deteriorated and to stay updated on new requirements and new aircraft capabilities. Recurrent training emphasizes reinforcement of skills such as automation management, effective pre-flight planning, Single Pilot Resource Management (SRM), and risk management.
Classroom training is designed to provide the pilot with supplemental knowledge on selected topics relating to the continued safe operation of the Eclipse Jet. A review of safety related topics will be provided, to include a review and analysis of any significant safety events that have occurred in the Eclipse Jet fleet. Pilots will also have an opportunity to share/discuss any operating issues experienced while operating the Eclipse.
Simulator sessions are intended to allow practice of required and selected events before finally demonstrating proficiency to ATP Practical Test Standards.
Differences
Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. (EAI) FIKI / Avio IFMS Differences Training is required for those pilots transitioning from earlier versions of the Eclipse Jet such as Avidyne or Avio 1.3 and intending to fly as PIC in Eclipse Jet aircraft that have been modified with Flight Into Known Icing (FIKI) and the Integrated Flight Management System (IFMS).
Pre-Training
The only requisite for this training is a basic understanding of GPS WAAS concepts and capabilities, to include the various types of instrument approaches capable of being flown.
Differences Course
This 2-day course is organized into three components: classroom training, cockpit procedures training, and flight training. Ground training will describe and explain the systems that are new to the FIKI / Avio IFMS pilot. Cockpit procedures training (CPT) will provide demonstration and practice on new systems and their operation. Finally, the flight training component will allow the pilot to first practice flight operations with new systems, and then demonstrate proficiency to ATP standards.
Simulation Training
From their training centers located in Orlando, Florida, SimCom offers business and general aviation pilots the best quality simulator training at the best prices in the industry.
Personalized training for the Eclipse Twin-Engine Jet
No more big classes with the same scripted information every time. Classes at SimCom have a maximum of two pilots, and the information presented is driven by your interest and needs. Your classroom instructor also handles your simulator sessions, so there is consistency to your training.
State of the Art Simulators
SimCom's jet simulators will feel as familiar to you as your own aircraft because they are crafted from actual fuselage sections and original components. And our advanced, wide-screen visual system technology delivers a realistic sensation of motion. The cost-effectiveness of the SimCom technology means better value for our customers compared to other simulation training environments.
Learn more at SimCom's website, www.simulator.com.
Need a Pilot?
We understand that not all jet owners wish to be jet pilots. Some don't have the inclination. Some don't have the time. But Eclipse will assist any customer that wishes to find a pilot for their Eclipse Jet. We have added to our industry leading sales and support the service of pilot sourcing, hiring, and training in order to enhance your overall experience in purchasing a jet.
Want to know more? Simply contact an Eclipse representative and we will be happy to further explain these services.
Aircraft Management *
If you want to own a jet but don’t want to worry about maintenance, pilots, and operational burdens, Eclipse offers a personalized aircraft management service. We will walk you through the process of choosing and purchasing your jet. From that day forward, you will be operating under a full-service management and operations company. You won’t have to worry about any aspect of your aircraft. We’ll take care of everything. From crews and operations to taxes and maintenance, we will act on your behalf and send you a personalized activity summary at the end of every month.
Included in Eclipse’s personalized aircraft management service:
- Interviewing, hiring, testing and monitoring of crews. We set the highest standards for crew and aircraft operations.
- Planning and implementing a system of periodic training, proficiency checks and in-flight monitoring to ensure that the crew meets and exceeds the FAA's standards for flight proficiency, safety of flight and general operating knowledge.
Flight Operations
- International and domestic trip and crew scheduling, maintenance scheduling, dispatch, flight following, flight plan filing.
- Accurate and timely filing of all required logs and certifications.
- Flight and weather briefings, arrangements made for commissary, hotels and ground transportation.
- We provide a system for 24/7 flight scheduling.
Maintenance Management
- EAI plans and supervises all required inspections, record keeping and maintenance by our FAA Diamond and AMT award-winning mechanics.
- We maintain current maintenance manufacturers’ manuals for the aircraft and equipment.
- Maintain compliance with all service letters, bulletins, and FAA airworthiness directives.
- Our quality control department assures that all log book and records are properly noted and updated.
- Repair work and billing are received for warranty adjustments.
Financial Control/Reporting
- We provide a monthly statement verifying and paying of all aircraft related bills from your operating fund.
- Also provided are monthly operating budgets, reports and a breakdown of all aircraft expenses and flight time.
Air Charter Management
We can also help you offset your expenses by chartering your aircraft when you’re not using it.
* Aircraft management and pilot services are provided through a combination of resources, including EAI employees and contractors, as well as selected third party charter operators.
