Extra Ea-300

Single Piston

The Eclipse 500 holds the distinction of being the first very light jet (VLJ) to achieve FAA type certification in 2006, launching an entirely new category of business aviation. Developed by Eclipse Aviation in Albuquerque, New Mexico, this twin-engine jet was designed to democratize jet ownership with a revolutionary sub-$2 million price point and single-pilot certification, targeting owner-operators and air taxi services. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW610F turbofans producing 900 pounds of thrust each, the Eclipse 500 seats up to six occupants and cruises at 370 knots at altitudes up to 41,000 feet with a range of approximately 1,125 nautical miles. Its friction-stir-welded aluminum fuselage and advanced Avio integrated flight deck represented cutting-edge manufacturing and avionics for the light jet segment. Despite Eclipse Aviation's bankruptcy in 2008, production resumed under Eclipse Aerospace and later One Aviation, with over 260 aircraft delivered. The type found a niche in personal transportation, air taxi operations, and flight training, though its operational economics proved more challenging than initially projected. SkyMeter has tracked 304 flights across 99 airframes and 87 operators, with DIGITAL TEK SERVICES CORP the largest observed operator.