117-521: Eclipse Aerospace was an American aircraft manufacturer, maintenance and upgrade company. The company provided maintenance and upgrades to the Eclipse 500 fleet and was the manufacturer of the Eclipse 550 . The company was formed specifically to purchase the assets of bankrupt Eclipse Aviation , for which it paid US$ 20 million in cash and US$ 20 million in promissory notes in August 2009. In April 2015,
234-490: A COD basis. Notably, only a few vendors will sell parts directly to customers because of previous exclusive supply contracts with Eclipse." In January 2009 all Eclipse factory support facilities were closed. One group of ex-employees set up a maintenance and support facility to assist the owners of the aircraft already delivered by that point. In March 2011 the FAA issued an Airworthiness Directive restricting operation of
351-615: A T-tail and straight wings . It is powered by two turbofan engines in aft fuselage-mounted nacelles . Production of the Eclipse 500 was halted in October 2008 due to lack of funding, after 260 aircraft had been delivered. On November 25, 2008, Eclipse Aviation entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy , then Chapter 7 liquidation on 24 February 2009. In August 2009, Eclipse Aerospace bought the Eclipse Aviation assets, and announced
468-555: A 1,000-aircraft order, a week before the roll-out. Shortly after the August 2002 first flight, Eclipse decided not to proceed with the Williams EJ22 turbofan, as it was too susceptible to bird strikes and the thrust was insufficient, to replace it with heavier 250 lb (110 kg) engines up from 80 lb (36 kg), cutting range from 1,300 to 1,000 nmi (2,400 to 1,900 km) and inflating operating costs from 56 to 75 cents per mile. By May 2007, Eclipse claimed
585-428: A backlog of nearly 2,700 orders. In May 2008, Eclipse announced that the price of the Eclipse 500 would increase to $ 2,150,000 due to a lower than projected production volume which resulted in expected efficiencies not being realized and higher production costs. Eclipse offered its Jet Complete program to guarantee a maintenance cost of $ 209 per flight hour for owners flying 300 to 3,000 hours over three years, while
702-427: A claimed order book of about 2500 aircraft DayJet represented 58% of all Eclipses that had been ordered. On September 19, 2008, DayJet suspended all passenger operations due to its inability to raise operating funds, and stating: The company’s operations have also suffered as a result of Eclipse Aviation’s failure to install missing equipment or functionality or repair agreed technical discrepancies in accordance with
819-636: A double engine failure. This action is considered an interim solution while the engine certification authority, Transport Canada and Pratt & Whitney Canada devise a more permanent solution. In July 2011, the situation was resolved with a new combustion liner design from Pratt & Whitney Canada that, once implemented, will raise the aircraft's ceiling back up to 41,000 ft (12,497 m). [REDACTED] United States [REDACTED] United Kingdom On 6 May 2008, air taxi operator DayJet announced that it had scaled back its operations, laying off 100–160 employees in all segments of
936-495: A great product and to further leverage our strong aftermarket and product support capabilities for fixed-wing application". Sikorsky President Jeff Pino owned and flew an Eclipse 500 and regarded it highly. The deal was completed by the end of January 2011, with Sikorsky buying an undisclosed equity share in Eclipse. Sikorsky will also provide Eclipse with access to its supply and parts distribution system, as well as engineering support. In December 2010 CEO Mason Holland confirmed that
1053-484: A new two-tone paint scheme. The SE upgrade package includes a three-year factory warranty and maintenance program, at a price of US$ 2.2M, including the provided base airframe to be upgraded. Eclipse founder and former CEO Vern Raburn was one of the first business executives at Microsoft . Consequently, Bill Gates became a major stake-holder in the Albuquerque, New Mexico -based Eclipse project. Eclipse believed
1170-538: A parallel investigation to the FAA panel. The House Aviation Subcommittee heard testimony from the inspector general for the Transportation Department, Calvin Scovel, on 17 September 2008. He testified that FAA employees were instructed by FAA management and that a target date was set for the Eclipse 500's certification, regardless of the test flying results. "It was a calendar-driven process... with
1287-405: A plane without a bathroom, at least they are not going to do it more than once" . Air taxi service company DayJet , the Eclipse 500 major customer, conducted surveys that showed that having a toilet is not a concern for most of their passengers. Its CEO stated that if it needed larger planes, they wouldn't need a toilet. The Eclipse concept was to bring a new economy to small jet aircraft and both
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#17328017504581404-465: A predetermined outcome," Scovel said. Scovel testified that FAA Administrator Robert Sturgell recently stated that the FAA is also reviewing the production certificate that was awarded to Eclipse. US Representative Robin Hayes , ( Republican , North Carolina ) asked Scovel if the Eclipse jet is a safe airplane to fly. Scovel stated, "My office has no evidence that it is unsafe." Scovel added later in
1521-643: A regional airline providing feeder service for American Eagle and United Express on regional jets. Other larger commuter airlines that served the Sunport for many years include Air Midwest and Great Lakes Airlines . Regional airlines serving the Sunport on behalf of the majors are: CommutAir, Envoy, Horizon, Mesa, Republic, and SkyWest. Sun Country Airlines, iAero, and Denver Air Connection, also serve ABQ with regular charter flights. In November 2018, low-cost Mexican carrier Volaris began serving Albuquerque from Guadalajara, Mexico, and later from Chihuahua, Mexico —
1638-627: A root cause analysis" of the owner-reported problems with the aircraft's trim, trim actuator and fire-extinguisher systems. Further report recommendations addressed internal FAA processes that were not optimally handled. Acting FAA Administrator Robert Sturgell responded to the review report saying: "This review tells us that while we made the right call in certifying this aircraft, the process we used could and should have been better coordinated. These recommendations will be invaluable as we continue certifying these new types of aircraft." The US House of Representatives Aviation Subcommittee carried out
1755-455: A route previously operated by Aeroméxico Connect in 2009. Volaris stopped serving Albuquerque in June 2019 due to very low passenger loads and a disagreement over government subsidies to its flights. At that time, these were the only two international destinations offered by any airline flying to Albuquerque. The Sunport began a new role in 1940 when it was designated Albuquerque Army Air Base,
1872-503: A share of the aircraft. In October 2008, production was halted at serial number 267 as Eclipse was awaiting funding and was unable to refund customer deposits while numerous lawsuits were filed by customers. No further Eclipse 500s were produced. On November 25, 2008, Eclipse Aviation entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy . By then, 259 airplanes had been delivered, as creditors claimed $ 702.6 million and Eclipse estimated total liabilities at over $ 1 billion. S/N 260 had been paid in full before
1989-574: A west wing was added with a large gate and jetbridge able to handle new wide-body aircraft . TWA used this gate to introduce the Lockheed L-1011 to Albuquerque in 1974 with flights to Chicago. After airline deregulation was passed in 1978, a flood of new airlines came to ABQ. The west wing was expanded in 1980 with three more gates, all of which had jetbridges and were used extensively by TWA and several new carriers. Southwest Airlines , which started service on April 3, 1980, quickly grew to become
2106-491: Is "the quietest jet aircraft" and that it is "quieter than virtually all multi engine turboprop and piston aircraft". The Eclipse 500 received provisional type certification from the FAA on 27 July 2006, shortly after the aircraft's PW610F engine was certified by Transport Canada . FAA Administrator Marion Blakey presented Raburn with the provisional certificate in a special ceremony at the 2006 Oshkosh Airshow. Full certification
2223-655: Is located in Bernalillo County , between the Rio Grande and the Sandia Mountains , east of Old Town and Barelas , 3 miles (5 km) southeast of downtown , south of the University of New Mexico and directly to the west of Sandia National Laboratories and Kirtland Air Force Base . ABQ is a focus airport for Southwest Airlines , which accounts for over half of all passengers, and
2340-409: Is mounted in a jig, and the skin is riveted onto the outside of it. For the Eclipse 500, lessons were taken from composite airframe manufacturing, and the aluminum skin is first laid in a mold, and then the structure is built onto it. The result is much more precise control of the aircraft's final shape, resulting in a cabin that is more robust and can be pressurized to a higher differential. In addition,
2457-537: Is now a weight and fitness facility for city airport employees. Concourse E was renamed to Concourse C in 2019 and is used by commuter airlines Advanced Air and Boutique Air . The original Concourse C was then renamed as the International Arrivals gate. The data below lists annual total aircraft operations from 2004 to 2019 from the FAA's Air Traffic Activity System. The percent changes indicate an average of −2.91% in aircraft operations per year over
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#17328017504582574-483: Is provided by various carriers to locations from ABQ to the city and to Santa Fe . Taxis can be hailed through the Ground Transportation employees outside the baggage claim areas. Atrisco Heritage Academy HS , Kirtland Air Force Base , and National Museum of Nuclear Science & History are adjacent to but outside of the city limits. Rio Grande HS and Sandia Peak Tramway are near but not in
2691-466: Is responsible for the airspace over most of Arizona and New Mexico, as well as parts of Colorado, Oklahoma, and Texas. ABQ has a wide range of restaurants and shops, including national brands such as Hudson News and Book Sellers and Panda Express . It also features regional gift shops and local eateries such as Black Mesa Coffee, Rio Grande Brew Pub & Grill, and New Mexican cuisine restaurants like Tia Juanita's and Comida Buena. The Sunport
2808-504: Is served by several other major airlines, including Advanced Air , Alaska , American , Delta , JetBlue , Spirit , Sun Country and United ; cargo airlines serving the Sunport are FedEx Express , UPS Airlines , Empire Airlines ( FedEx Feeder carrier), Ameriflight , Amazon Prime Air (operated by Sun Country), and South Aero. ABQ is the center of the Air Route Traffic Control Center (ZAB) , which
2925-488: Is the Boeing 737-900ER , operated by Delta Air Lines on flights to Atlanta. American Airlines occasionally operates Airbus A321 's as equipment swaps. The largest regular passenger aircraft used to be the Boeing 757-200 operated by Delta Airlines, who flew the aircraft to and from Atlanta, Cincinnati, and Minneapolis. The largest commercial aircraft the Sunport usually sees is a FedEx or UPS Boeing 767-300 , replacing
3042-446: Is unique for its low-lying structure and Pueblo Revival architecture , which references Albuquerque's Tiquex and Hispano heritage and New Mexico's Pueblo and Nuevo México roots. In a 2023 J.D. Power study, it ranked fifth among medium-sized airports in the U.S. based on customer satisfaction surveys. Albuquerque was first served by two private airports. The Albuquerque Airport, later known as Oxnard Field , opened in 1928, and
3159-502: The 150th Special Operations Wing (150 SOW), an Air Education and Training Command (AETC)-gained unit of the New Mexico Air National Guard . The Airport Master Plan drafted in 2002 lays out intermediate- and long-term projects at the Sunport, including the construction of a second terminal when traffic demands it. The runway 17/35 closure and removal recommendation was based on safety, noise abatement , and
3276-622: The Avio NG system in place of the original Avio. The new avionics package was certified in December 2007 and it was intended at that time that the older Avio-equipped aircraft would be retrofitted to the same standard by the end of 2008. The Eclipse 500 does not feature a lavatory. Raburn explained that the majority of users would be flying 300 to 500 miles in 40 to 80 minutes, alleviating the need for one. Adam Aircraft Industries (now defunct) CEO Rick Adam stated "people are not going to get on
3393-673: The Eclipse 550 update in October 2011. Eclipse Aerospace was merged into One Aviation in April 2015, which entered Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation in February 2021. AML Global Eclipse maintains support for all Eclipse aircraft. The Eclipse 500 is based on the Williams V-Jet II , which was designed and built by Burt Rutan 's Scaled Composites in 1997 for Williams International as a testbed and demonstrator for their new FJX-2 turbofan engine. The aircraft and engine debuted at
3510-419: The Eclipse 550 update to be delivered from 2013. In April 2015, Eclipse Aerospace was merged with Kestrel Aircraft to form One Aviation . A Chapter 11 reorganization process started in October 2018 but failed. In February 2021, One Aviation entered Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation, and AML Global Eclipse maintains support for all Eclipse aircraft under the name Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. On June 12, 2008,
3627-579: The Federal Aviation Administration issued Emergency Airworthiness Directive AD 2008-13-51 grounding all Eclipse 500s, following an incident at Chicago's Midway Airport . According to the National Transportation Safety Board investigation, "the airplane was trying to land at Midway when the crew encountered a sudden shift in headwinds, which the pilot sought to counter by increasing power,
Eclipse Aerospace - Misplaced Pages Continue
3744-472: The Jet Complete Business was aimed at operators flying 250 to 1,500 hours annually. In late November 2006, Raburn anticipated delivering 10 aircraft before the end of the year. The first airplane to be delivered was certified by the FAA on December 31, 2006, and its keys were handed on January 4, 2007 to shared jet ownership company Jet-Alliance and David Crowe, an owner-pilot who purchased
3861-532: The United States , Eclipse and other VLJ manufacturers hoped that this would create an air taxi role for their aircraft. In February 2006, Eclipse won the Collier Trophy as it was ”applying innovations created in the technology industry to drive down cost, increase performance, improve safety, and spur a new type of air travel — the air taxi ” . Aviation media website, AvWeb noticed the aircraft
3978-658: The West Mesa Airport , later known as the TWA airport, opened in 1929. The first airlines to serve the airports were Transcontinental Air Transport (TAT), Western Air Express (WAE), and Mid Continent Air Express, all inaugurating service in 1929. At first the airlines operated from the Albuquerque Airport but within the first year had moved to the West Mesa Airport where they stayed for most of
4095-614: The Williams FJ22 engines on August 26, 2002. Pratt & Whitney Canada agreed to participate in the project, and modified the design of their PW615 engine, designating it the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW610F . The redesign to incorporate the new engines resulted in a significant delay to the development program. The first flight of the Eclipse 500 with the PW610 engines occurred on December 31, 2004. Eclipse claims that its aircraft
4212-438: The 1930s decade. TAT and WAE merged in 1930 to form Transcontinental and Western Air (TWA). Mid Continent Air Express' service was replaced by Varney Speed Lines in 1934. Three years later Varney changed its name to Continental Airlines . In 1935, it was suggested that the city build a new public airport using Works Progress Administration money. Having secured US$ 520,500 in funding, Governor Clyde Tingley broke ground for
4329-697: The 1990s. In 2001, a new off-site rental car facility was opened, and all rental car operations were moved out of the main terminal. The old terminal of 1939 has been restored and houses offices of the Transportation Security Administration . It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. The Sunport is served by Alaska , American , Delta , JetBlue , Southwest , Spirit , and United Airlines , as well as one commuter airline, Advanced Air . Total weekday departures averaged 83 flights per day in
4446-412: The 1997 Oshkosh Airshow . The V-Jet II had an all-composite structure with a forward-swept wing, a V-tail, each fin of which was mounted on the nacelle of one of the two engines. Williams had not intended to produce the aircraft, but it attracted a lot of attention, and Eclipse Aviation was founded in 1998 to further develop and produce the aircraft. The prototype and sole V-Jet II aircraft in existence
4563-485: The 28 ex- DayJet Eclipse 500s that has been acquired as part of the original asset purchase, with the aim of making them available for sale in spring 2010. They were also modifying eight customer 500s with upgraded avionics and de-icing systems. The company had also secured FAA approval for a new aircraft type training program using actual aircraft in place of simulator-based training. The aircraft type certificate specifies minimum training requirements. In late December 2009
4680-407: The 500 was in "complete and total conformity" and that he considered the complaint an internal FAA issue between workers and managers. The concerns expressed by the union representing the certification engineers included: On 11 August 2008, The FAA started a 30-day special review of its certification of Eclipse 500. The certification review team was composed of personnel who were not involved in
4797-636: The AD being issued. The company indicated that the final solution to this problem was a software change to increase the throttle range and prevent an out-of-range condition. In June 2008 the United States Congress tasked the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Transportation with the investigation of claims by FAA employees who have indicated that the certification process of
Eclipse Aerospace - Misplaced Pages Continue
4914-528: The AvioNG 1.5 avionics packages for existing aircraft. The upgrades will only be available together at a cost of US$ 149,000. The company called a meeting of Eclipse parts suppliers for 27 October 2009 in Albuquerque, with the aim of clarifying the future availability of parts. Concurrent with that announcement was the indication that a decision about restarting Eclipse 500 production will not be made before
5031-598: The EASA Type Certificate EASA.IM.A.171 with effect from 12 June 2009." No reason for the suspension was announced at that time. On 28 October 2009, EASA changed the name of the holder of the type certificate for the EA500 to Eclipse Aerospace . In early December 2006 and in March 2007, Eclipse announced in letters to customers a number of changes to the initial specifications, including new fairings for
5148-619: The Eclipse 500 type certificate, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) had suspended the European type certificate, without giving a reason for the action. On 28 October 2009, EASA changed the name of the holder on the type certificate to Eclipse Aerospace, but did not reinstate it. In October 2009 the company announced it would start offering upgrades for the Flight Into Known Icing and
5265-531: The Eclipse 500 was flawed. Members of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association , which represents FAA Aircraft Certification Engineers, have filed a grievance alleging that the type certificate was improperly issued by FAA managers over a weekend and that the aircraft had outstanding safety issues at that time. The FAA stated that it stands behind its certification of the jet. Then Eclipse CEO, Vern Raburn, stated
5382-623: The Eclipse Aerospace division of One Aviation discontinued the Total Eclipse refurbishment program and started a new program, designating it the Eclipse Special Edition (SE). The SE upgrades the production model Eclipse 500 to near- Eclipse 550 standards. Installed are dual Avio integrated flight management systems, anti-skid braking system, standby display unit, PPG glass windshields, improved interior and
5499-559: The Eclipse Assets on a piece meal basis." The Chapter 7 sale hearing was heard in federal bankruptcy court on 20 August 2009, with Eclipse Aerospace as the sole and winning bidder. A previous bid by the Eclipse Owners Group was withdrawn and their support given to Eclipse Aerospace. Other parties that had previously expressed interest, including Daher-Socata , also did not submit bids. Eclipse Aerospace indicated at
5616-514: The National Business Aviation Association convention the company announced that it would commence production of an improved model of the Eclipse 500 to be called the Eclipse 550 , with deliveries expected in 2013. In April 2012 Greg Hayes, CFO of United Technologies , which owns Sikorsky, indicated that Sikorsky would not be investing any more money in Eclipse. Eclipse CEO Mason Holland quickly clarified that
5733-681: The Rail Runner provides service north and south of the Sunport, including Downtown Albuquerque and Santa Fe . ABQ operates the Car Rental Center and provides free, courtesy shuttles every five minutes between the Sunport terminal and the facility. The following companies are located at the Car Rental Center: Advantage , Alamo , Avis , Budget , Dollar , Enterprise , Hertz , National , Payless and Thrifty . Regularly scheduled bus and shuttle service
5850-579: The Sunport in 1979, Delta Airlines in 1982, United Airlines in 1983, jetBlue in 2013, Alaska Airlines in 2014, and Spirit Wings in 2022. At least 35 commuter and regional airlines have served Albuquerque, the largest of these by far was Mesa Airlines which served the Sunport from 1980 through 2007. Mesa peaked with 46 daily departures in 1990 and served 18 cities in New Mexico and Colorado nonstop from their hub in ABQ. Mesa still serves ABQ but now as
5967-541: The Sunport in 1980 and expanded quickly creating a hub at ABQ. The carrier took over the number one spot by the early 1980s and peaked with 66 daily departures in October 2001. Although Southwest has cut back since then, it has served 29 cities nonstop from ABQ. The decline in service is attributed to the repeal of the Wright Amendment which only allowed air travel to Texas and airports in bordering states from Dallas Love Field . American Airlines began serving
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#17328017504586084-518: The Sunport is the Antonov An-124 , of which some have landed at ABQ on a couple of extremely rare occasions. The Albuquerque International Sunport has one terminal with 25 gates in four concourses, including a concourse for commuter airline gates. The terminal was originally built in 1965, but expanded in 1989; this expansion has present-day concourses A and B. Concourse A has 13 gates: A1 – A12, A14. Concourse B has 9 gates: B1, B3-B10 (Gate B2
6201-408: The Sunport, 48 (20%) of which were military-affiliated. ABQ's terminal, which was expanded in the late 1980s, and again to its present size in 1996, encompasses 574,000 sq ft (53,300 m ) of space. The Sunport has a Pueblo Revival style passenger terminal which houses two concourses and an area for commuter airline gates. The largest passenger aircraft scheduled into Albuquerque
6318-565: The TSA after the September 11 attacks in 2001. The three gates added to the west wing in 1980 were no longer used and were removed in 2007. From 2017 through 2020, the terminal received an extensive modernization and facelift. Several fixed-base operators handling general aviation have operated at the Sunport over the years, the largest being Cutter Aviation, which traces its roots back to the original Albuquerque Airport in 1928. Cutter relocated to
6435-592: The V-Jet II was an ideal design to refine and market because it had been designed around one of the primary VLJ engines, as the VLJ concept has been pursued by other manufacturers. The airframe was redesigned as an all-metal structure with a T-tail and straight wings . The main cabin shape is essentially all that was retained from the V-Jet II. It was recognized that for an aluminum structure to be cost effective, new manufacturing techniques would have to be developed. One of
6552-575: The aerial firefighting company, 10 Tanker Air Carrier, moved its headquarters to Albuquerque and currently have four DC-10 large air tankers based out of the Albuquerque International Sunport. The largest aircraft of any type to regularly visit ABQ is the C-5 Galaxy . In 1974, and again from 1982 through 1992, the Sunport had scheduled Trans World Airlines Lockheed L-1011s . The largest aircraft to have ever visited
6669-509: The aircraft to be equipped differently from the FAA certification, including the Avio NG 1.5 avionics system, a third attitude indicator and dual Mode S transponders . On 24 June 2009 EASA issued a statement suspending the Eclipse 500's type certificate, saying, "the current Holder of the EASA Type Certificate EASA.IM.A.171 has been notified on 10 June 2009, of the Agency’s decision to suspend
6786-453: The aircraft, the former manufacturer of the EA500 [Eclipse Aviation Corporation] delivered to owners an aircraft that was only about 85 percent complete. These aircraft were great performers, but still lacked several important features. We now have completed the design and engineering of the EA500." The used airframes now feature GPS-coupled autopilots and the Flight Into Known Icing equipment package and retail for US$ 2.25M. In June 2015,
6903-504: The assets would be sold for US$ 20 million in cash and $ 20 million in new notes, subject to other offers coming forth at an auction. The filing stated that if the directed sale to Eclipse Aerospace was not completed due to the auction proceeding, then Eclipse Aerospace would receive a US$ 1.6 million "Break-Up Fee" instead. The trustee indicated to the court that he felt that this measure was justified to encourage movement towards an auction. He stated that 30 organizations had expressed interest in
7020-474: The assets, 12 had signed non-disclosure agreements and received complete information and six had completed tours of the Eclipse facilities, "however, prospective purchasers were either hesitant to make the first public bid, were unable to obtain financing, required unacceptable conditions to closing, or otherwise backed out." Without approval to pay for a bid and hopefully create an action, Burtch indicated that he would "most likely be forced to abandon or liquidate
7137-475: The bankruptcy filing, on the morning, but an Eclipse noteholder forbade the delivery, while a judge ordered Eclipse to maintain and insure the airplane. In the 23 January 2009 judgement, the aircraft was ordered to be released. The aircraft was delivered on 20 March 2009. The company then entered Chapter 7 liquidation on 24 February 2009. On 20 August 2009, Eclipse Aviation assets were sold to Eclipse Aerospace . In October 2011, Eclipse Aerospace announced
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#17328017504587254-695: The basis of the installation of a maintenance-free thin carbon strip mounted on the windshield and the aircraft structure to dissipate potential precipitation static. The modification replaces the previous difficult to apply and maintenance intensive chemical solution previously used. The aircraft was initially intended to have a FL410 ceiling. At the National Business Aviation Association convention in October 2010 Sikorsky Aircraft announced that it would invest in Eclipse Aerospace. Sikorsky VP Mark Cherry explained: "This agreement in principle affords us an opportunity to invest in
7371-495: The closure of Runway 17/35, approximately 75 acres of land just northeast of the terminal complex became available for redevelopment. The City of Albuquerque has initiated a project called Destination Sunport to promote the area as an emerging business hub supporting collaboration among Albuquerque's research and development community and the global marketplace. Development of the business park began on 14 December 2018, with three phases estimated to be completed over five years. In
7488-515: The company and selling or leasing out 16 of its fleet of 28 Eclipse 500s. DayJet founder and CEO Ed Iacobucci indicated at that time that the company needed US$ 40M to reach profitability, but the company couldn't raise that amount. Iacobucci stated that the company proved that the operational concept is sound, but that the DayJet fleet of 28 Eclipse 500s needed to be quickly expanded to 50 aircraft to attain profitability. With 1400 500s on order out of
7605-554: The company had 60 employees with 48 in Albuquerque and 12 in Chicago. In March 2010 the company began offering refurbished EA500s under the brand name Total Eclipse . Company president Mason Holland explained: "In their rush to deliver the aircraft, the former manufacturer of the EA500 [Eclipse Aviation Corporation] delivered to owners an aircraft that was only about 85 percent complete. These aircraft were great performers, but still lacked several important features. We now have completed
7722-462: The company had not asked for any further investment and that Sikorsky's share stood at 42%. Holland also indicated that the company would deliver its first model 550 in 2013 and would produce 50 to 100 aircraft per year. In May 2012 the company signed a deal with Sikorsky subsidiary PZL Mielec that will see the Polish company build the Eclipse 550 fuselage, empennage and wings. The first Eclipse 550
7839-697: The company still plans to return the Eclipse 500 to production as soon as the market for personal jets improves and the company acquires additional investment. In March 2011 at Sun 'n Fun the company announced that they had been awarded a Supplemental Type Certificate to install the Avio Integrated Flight Management System developed by Innovative Solutions & Support in the Eclipse 500. The new system provides system navigation and allows coupled localizer performance with vertical guidance approaches, holds and procedure turns as well as en route navigation. In October 2011 at
7956-505: The company was merged with Kestrel Aircraft to form One Aviation . In February 2021, One Aviation entered a Chapter 7 liquidation process. Eclipse Aviation , the Albuquerque, New Mexico -based manufacturer of the Eclipse 500 very light jet and the company that was developing the Eclipse 400 single-engine jet, was founded in 1998 by former tech industry executive Vern Raburn and entered bankruptcy on 25 November 2008. Initially Eclipse Aviation entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy , but when
8073-472: The cost of acquisition and ongoing operational costs were considered in the design of the plane. Eclipse marketed the aircraft to general aviation aircraft owners who had not previously owned a jet, placing it directly in competition with high-end piston and turboprop aircraft. Eclipse's marketing efforts focused on the aircraft's projected low service costs and comprehensive maintenance and support program for customers. Being able to land at over 10,000 airports in
8190-443: The cost of upkeep. Because 17/35 intersected all three of the other runways, it ran the highest risk of runway incursions . The runway was closed in the summer of 2012, and the tarmac is used for taxiing aircraft and for a firefighting training aircraft located on the north end. The configuration of the other three runways, in conjunction with typical wind patterns, enabled them to handle departures and landings more efficiently. With
8307-412: The cruise speed from 360 to 370 kn TAS and increase NBAA IFR range from 1,055 to 1,125 nmi (1,954 to 2,084 km). All aircraft, including the already delivered initial deliveries, were to be upgraded to this new standard. In March 2010, Eclipse Aerospace began offering refurbished EA500s under the brand name Total Eclipse . Company president Mason Holland explained: "In their rush to deliver
8424-464: The current Sunport grounds in 1947 operating from a large hangar on the southwest corner of the terminal ramp. An all-new general aviation facility was constructed on the south side of the main east–west runway during the mid-1980s and the Cutter hangar was torn down for the terminal expansion of 1987–1989. A new United States Post Office facility and a new freight facility and air cargo ramp were opened in
8541-438: The design and engineering of the EA500." The used airframes now feature GPS-coupled autopilots and the Flight Into Known Icing equipment package and retail for US$ 2.15M. Total Eclipse twin-engine jets feature full certification to fly to FL410, the Avio Integrated Flight Management System, and a full aircraft warranty. At AirVenture 2010, on 29 July 2010 company President Mason Holland announced that they had upgraded 40% of
8658-486: The early 1980s, TWA downsized its operation and in 1985 only had flights to its hub at St. Louis. Service continued until December 2, 2001, when the carrier merged with American Airlines. Continental Airlines was second at Albuquerque, since 1934 as a stop on its north–south route between Denver and El Paso. In 1940 Continental added flights to several smaller cities in Southeastern New Mexico but that
8775-434: The east. This facility later became Kirtland Air Force Base and still shares the runways and other facilities with the commercial operations of the airport today. Monarch Airlines came to Albuquerque in 1947 then merged with other carriers to become Frontier Airlines in 1950. Pioneer Air Lines began service in 1948 and merged into Continental Airlines in 1955. TWA, the largest of the carriers serving Albuquerque, introduced
8892-511: The end of 2015. The company merged with turboprop-maker Kestrel Aircraft to form One Aviation in April 2015. In February 2021 One Aviation entered Chapter 7 liquidation . The assets for the Eclipse aircraft program were then purchased by AML Global Eclipse and the company name was changed to Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. Eclipse 500 The Eclipse 500 (model EA500) is a very light jet (VLJ) originally produced by Eclipse Aviation of Albuquerque, New Mexico , United States. The company
9009-507: The entire fleet of EA500s to 30,000 ft (9,144 m) from its previous limit of 37,000 ft (11,278 m) and before that 41,000 ft (12,497 m). The AD was required because a build-up of hard carbon deposits on the engine static vanes caused at least six reported engine surge incidents, requiring pilots to decrease power on the affected engine. The FAA was concerned that this problem "could result in flight and landing under single-engine conditions" or if it affected both engines,
9126-401: The existing Eclipse fleet and had their service centres in Chicago, Boca Raton, Nevada and Albuquerque operational. The company was also engaged in developing further improvements for the aircraft including new cabin entertainment and communication systems. In September 2010 the company applied to the FAA to raise the certified ceiling on the EA500 from Flight Level 370 to Flight Level 410 on
9243-1178: The fall of 2023; however, the Sunport peaked with 163 flights per day in December 1995 and again in August 2001. Many extra flights are added during the week of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in early October of each year. In the past, Albuquerque has been served by the following commercial airlines: TWA (1929-2001), Continental (1934-2012), Pioneer (1948-1955), Monarch (1947-1950), Frontier Airlines (1950-1986|Frontier (1950–1986), Trans Texas/Texas International (1963-1982), Eastern (1979-1988), Western (1981-1987), PSA (1983-1988), America West (1983-2007), Wien Air Alaska (1984), USAir (1988-1997), Braniff (1988-1989), Pan Am (1989-1990), Northwest (1992-2010), Frontier (1994-2014 and 2017-2022), Reno Air (1995-1998), Western Pacific/ Mountain Air Express (1997), AeroMexico Connect (1993-1994 and 2009-2010), Great Plains (2001-2004), US Airways (formerly USAir) (2007-2015), ExpressJet (2007-2008), Allegiant (2016-2022), and Volaris (2018-2019). TWA
9360-456: The first international flights to several resort cities in Mexico in the early 1980s but the carrier closed down in 1986. A new Frontier Airlines came to ABQ in 1994 with flights to Denver and El Paso. The carrier discontinued service in 2014 but returned in October 2017 with flights once again to Denver. Service to Austin, Orlando and San Antonio were added in 2018 but discontinued in 2019. Service
9477-441: The first jet service in 1961 using the Boeing 707 . The airport was renamed Albuquerque Sunport on April 17, 1963. In late 1963, Trans Texas Airways (later becoming Texas International Airlines ) began service, rounding out the first four carriers to serve the airport prior to the airline deregulation act of 1978. Several smaller commuter airlines also served the airport over the years including Ross Aviation. The present terminal
9594-607: The five flying prototypes, 23 aircraft were in production and two had already been completed. The 500 type certificate allows the aircraft to be flown under IFR with a single pilot. Eclipse received its FAA production certificate on 26 April 2007. Serial numbers 1 through 11 were produced prior to the production certificate being granted, and these aircraft were subject to individual FAA inspection. Serial numbers 12 and higher were built under production certificate No. 500. The aircraft received its certification for flight into "known icing conditions" on 25 June 2008. The Eclipse 500
9711-534: The landing gear, wheel covers, and tail; control surface hinge covers; extended rudder and elevator, to eliminate Gurney flaps ; improved lower engine nacelle panel aerodynamics; extended wingtip fuel tanks (adding 12 U.S. gallons (45 L; 10.0 imp gal) on each side); changes to engine FADEC software to increase cruise thrust above 25000 ft altitude; overall weight increase of 79 lb (36 kg) with no change to full fuel payload or max useful load. Together, these measures were expected to increase
9828-404: The largest carrier serving the airport. Southwest used the old gates 1 and 2 at the main terminal and installed three ground level jetbridges at these two gates. During 1987 through 1989, the terminal was greatly expanded and renovated advertising a design by Phillip Jacobson and BPLW Associates. A second level was added to the front of the building for separate arrival and departure levels, and
9945-537: The last 10 years. The Sunport's freight center moved 60,000 short tons (54,000 t) of cargo in 2016, a 7% decline from 64,000 short tons (58,000 t) during the 2012 calendar year. Support for private, corporate, and general aviation aircraft pilots and passengers are handled by two fixed-base operators at the Albuquerque International Sunport: Atlantic Aviation and Cutter Aviation. Both are located on
10062-438: The latter's McDonnell Douglas DC-10 McDonnell Douglas MD-11 that now only fly in on rare occasions. The largest passenger aircraft to have ever flown in is the Boeing 747-400 which was operated by Atlas Air on a military charter flight on January 27, 2021. Another large aircraft, the Boeing 777 flying for United Airlines , has been diverted to the Sunport from Denver International Airport on several occasions. In 2013,
10179-401: The lobby area of gate C1 (the gate built in 1973) has mostly been converted to office space. The lower level of gate C1 houses U. S. Customs and is still used for occasional international arriving flights. Concourse D was a ground-level commuter aircraft concourse that was used by Great Plains Airlines . It was closed in 2004 after Great Plains Airlines liquidated due to insolvency. The concourse
10296-596: The longer term, the plan calls for a new terminal to be built to the northeast of the existing terminal. A people mover system will connect the terminal with parking facilities and the existing terminal. The Albuquerque International Sunport covers 2,039 acres (825 ha) and has three runways . In the year ending February 28, 2022, the Sunport had 134,024 aircraft operations with an average of 367 per day: 29% scheduled commercial, 20% air taxi , 36% general aviation and 15% military. As of February 2022 , there were 205 fixed-wing aircraft and 33 helicopters based at
10413-457: The manufacturing techniques are designed so that one crew can assemble an airframe in a single shift. The complete interior is designed to be installed on a moving assembly line in 45 minutes. The Eclipse 500 cockpit has glass cockpit technology and an integrated avionics package. Problems with the original configuration have involved a re-design of the system. The first aircraft have the original system called Avio installed. Later aircraft have
10530-480: The next 20 years. In 1963 Trans-Texas Airways came to Albuquerque, taking over service to the smaller cities in New Mexico that Continental had served. It later expanded with nonstop Douglas DC-9s to Dallas and Los Angeles. TTA became Texas International Airlines in 1969 and flew DC-9's from ABQ to Santa Fe and Roswell, New Mexico. The carrier peaked in 1975 with 15 daily departures and merged with Continental Airlines in 1982. Southwest Airlines began service to
10647-410: The original certification effort, and was headed by Jerry Mack, a former Boeing safety executive. The team was mandated to examine aircraft safety, certification of aircraft trim, flaps, display screen blanking and stall speed issues. In response to the FAA review, Eclipse Aviation CEO Roel Pieper stated: "Without a doubt, this special review will uncover what we already know – that the Eclipse 500 marks
10764-482: The precursor to today's Kirtland Air Force Base . The Sunport continues to share its runways with Kirtland AFB, which also handles rescue and firefighting operations. An Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) installation, the host unit is the 377th Air Base Wing (377 ABW). Flying units at Kirtland AFB consist of the 58th Special Operations Wing (58 SOW) of the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) and
10881-423: The primary processes used was friction stir welding , in which the skin and underlying aluminum structure are welded together rather than riveted, as traditional for aluminum aircraft. Anti-corrosion bonding techniques were also developed. Besides materials processes, the general process of building the airframe was redesigned, with techniques taken from the automotive industry. Traditionally, an aircraft structure
10998-399: The proceedings that given the information that the FAA had on September 30, 2006, when the type certificate was awarded, "a reasonable decision would have been to defer the granting of the type certificate." The house aviation committee also heard on 17 September 2008 from a panel of current and former FAA employees. They stated that there was consistent pressure from FAA management to meet
11115-480: The project on February 28, 1937. Albuquerque Municipal Airport opened in 1939 with two paved runways, a Pueblo Style terminal building designed by Ernest Blumenthal, and a large hangar designed to accommodate the new Boeing 307 Stratoliner operated by TWA. TWA became Trans World Airlines in 1946. Within two years after the airport opened, the Albuquerque Army Air Base was constructed to
11232-409: The safest new airplane introduction into service in 20 years, customer safety has always been a priority at Eclipse, and we look forward to this investigation dispelling any inaccuracies about the certification of this airplane for once and for all." On 12 September 2008, the certification review indicated that the certification process was valid, but that the FAA and Eclipse Aviation "should conduct
11349-489: The sale of the company to its largest shareholder failed it was forced into Chapter 7 liquidation instead. On 31 July 2009 Jeoffrey L. Burtch, the appointed Chapter 7 Trustee, filed a motion requesting the court's approval to sell the assets of Eclipse Aviation to Eclipse Aerospace a new company headed by Mike Press and Mason Holland, initially based in Charleston, South Carolina . The court-filed documents indicated that
11466-437: The satellite gate building was replaced with two concourses, A and B, giving the Sunport 19 new gates, all with jetbridges. In 1994, the airport's name was changed to the current designation of the Albuquerque International Sunport. Concourse A was further expanded with four additional gates in 1996 and the above-ground connector link to the concourses was expanded in 2005 to accommodate the need for additional security screening by
11583-755: The southwest section of the Sunport off Clark Carr Loop. ABQ RIDE offers bus service (Routes 50, 222, and 250) at the west side of the baggage claim area. ABQ RIDE Route 222 provides connecting service to the New Mexico Rail Runner Express Bernalillo County/International Sunport Station. ABQ RIDE Routes 50 and 250 provide service (250 is nonstop) to the Alvarado Transportation Center in Downtown Albuquerque , where it connects with
11700-399: The spring of 2010. Eclipse Aerospace confirmed that it will operate service centers at both Albuquerque International Sunport and Chicago Executive Airport . As of October 2009 maintenance work has only been conducted at the Chicago facility, but the company has confirmed its commitment to retaining the Albuquerque location. By December 2009 the company was engaged in completing upgrades on
11817-424: The standard method. But when the pilot tried to cut power a few seconds later, as the airplane touched down, the engines began accelerating to maximum power." The pilots overshot, gained altitude and shut down one engine, eventually landing without injury or damage except blown out tires. Reports published on June 16, 2008 indicated that all 500s were compliant with the AD and cleared to fly again within one day of
11934-718: The stated timeline for the Eclipse 500 certification to be completed. They were told not to look more than "an inch deep" during the certification process. In the same hearings FAA managers defended their certification practices and denied many of the employees' allegations. On 20 November 2008, Eclipse announced a reduction in company hours for maintenance scheduling, technical services and customer care. Aviation Week & Space Technology noted that "regardless of technical support, several critical spare parts are no longer in inventory because many vendors have stopped shipping spares to Eclipse until they receive payment for past due bills. And they won't ship more spares to Eclipse except on
12051-448: The terms of DayJet’s aircraft purchase contract. In October 2008, Eclipse Aviation put for sale the entire DayJet fleet of 28 aircraft. Canadian light aircraft fractional aircraft company OurPlane bid on the entire DayJet fleet of aircraft, offering more than "$ 500,000 each but less than $ 1.5 million" each. OurPlane operated a fleet of mostly Cirrus SR22 aircraft up until its entry into bankruptcy in October 2010. The transaction
12168-545: The time that they intended to retain the company in Albuquerque, provide upgrades to the current Eclipse fleet and assess whether production can be restarted at some future point. Eclipse Aerospace opened for business in the old Eclipse Aviation facilities in Albuquerque, New Mexico on 1 September 2009, with 15 employees and was given the US Eclipse 500 type certificate by the Federal Aviation Administration on 30 September 2009. Prior to Eclipse Aerospace's acquisition of
12285-431: Was changed from Denver to Las Vegas, NV in 2022 but Frontier ended all service to Albuquerque by the end of 2022. Pioneer Air Lines served Albuquerque between 1948 and 1955 with two flights per day to Dallas, Texas making eight stops en route. Pioneer merged into Continental Airlines in 1955 and by 1959 Continental was flying the route nonstop. The Albuquerque to Dallas route would be a major stronghold for Continental for
12402-579: Was designed by William E. Burk Jr. It is built just east of the original terminal and opened on November 12, 1965. At first the terminal had eight gates, four at the main building and another four at a small satellite building to the south connected by a tunnel. None of the gates had jetbridges. The airport gained international status in 1971 and was renamed the Albuquerque International Airport on September 17, 1971. The terminal has been expanded several times, first in 1973 when
12519-495: Was first: passenger flights began in 1929, with Albuquerque being one of many stops on a transcontinental route between Los Angeles and New York. TWA had the first jets to serve ABQ, the Boeing 707 , and Convair 880 in 1961. In 1974 TWA brought the first wide-body jet to ABQ, the Lockheed 1011 . Service peaked in 1979 with 21 daily departures to 13 cities including nonstops to Los Angeles and New York. After airline deregulation in
12636-476: Was founded in 1998 to develop the 1997 Williams V-Jet II demonstrator. The prototype first flew with Williams EJ22 turbofans on August 26, 2002. The engines were replaced by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW610Fs in 2004 and Eclipse Aviation won the Collier Trophy in February 2006 for the design. A provisional FAA type certification was received on 27 July 2006 and the first delivery occurred on 31 December 2006. The six-seat aircraft has an all-metal airframe with
12753-399: Was given an initial airframe life of 10,000 hours, 10,000 cycles or 10 years, whichever came first. By carrying out additional fatigue testing, in June 2013 Eclipse Aerospace was able to have the FAA raise this limit to 20,000 hours or 20,000 cycles with an unlimited calendar life. European Aviation Safety Agency certification for private use was achieved on 21 November 2008. It requires
12870-602: Was not completed, and OurPlane operated one Eclipse 500 up until its entry into bankruptcy. Albuquerque International Sunport Albuquerque International Sunport ( IATA : ABQ , ICAO : KABQ , FAA LID : ABQ ), locally known as the Sunport , is the primary international airport serving the U.S. state of New Mexico , particularly the Albuquerque metropolitan area and the larger Albuquerque–Santa Fe–Los Alamos combined statistical area . It handles around 5.4 million passengers annually and over 400 flights daily. ABQ
12987-430: Was not granted at that time because the composite wing tip fuel tanks did not meet FAA lightning strike criteria. As a result, Eclipse started testing an improved wingtip fuel tank made from aluminum . Eclipse also started production of the 500, so aircraft could be released to customers once full certification was achieved. Full type certification was eventually achieved on 30 September 2006. At that point, in addition to
13104-622: Was not yet certified, and that the Collier award should go to an achievement of which the value "has been thoroughly demonstrated by actual use during the preceding year” , while a revolution in air travel hadn’t happened yet after three years. The EA500 original price was at $ 775,000, raised to $ 837,500 by mid-2001, then $ 1.175 million in January 2003, $ 1.295 million in May 2005 and $ 1.445 million in 2006. In July 2002, launch customer Nimbus canceled
13221-650: Was obtained by Eclipse Aviation , along with the program. The prototype was donated to the Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin in 2001. Originally Eclipse selected a pair of Williams International EJ-22 engines (a production variant of the FJ22/FJX-2) for the Eclipse 500, but as the aircraft's weight increased, performance was not satisfactory. The prototype Eclipse 500 first flew with
13338-523: Was only flying to its Houston hub (a nonstop flight to Newark was added for a period in the mid-2000s). Continental merged with United Airlines in 2012. Frontier Airlines began service to Albuquerque in 1947 as Monarch Airlines, flying to Salt Lake City with stops at many smaller cities in the four corners states. Service was expanded in the 1960s with Boeing 727 and Boeing 737 jets to Denver, El Paso, Phoenix, Tucson, Dallas, and Las Vegas and in 1973 Frontier operated 19 daily flights at ABQ. Frontier began
13455-488: Was removed during the security hall expansion in 2005). Concourse E has 2 gates: E1 & E2. Concourse C, originally known as the west wing, consisted of four gates (11, 12, 14, & 15). Gate 11 was closed when the terminal was expanded in 1989 and the remaining three gates were renumbered to C1, C2, & C3. TWA continued to use these gates for a few more years until gates C2 and C3 showed signs of structural failure and later had to be demolished. TWA moved to concourse B and
13572-499: Was rolled out in March 2013 and the first customer delivery was on 22 October 2013. The Eclipse 550 was certified in March 2014, and 32 jets were delivered, with over 50% gross margin per aircraft on those with pre-existing inventory and 30% on future aircraft. By August 2014 the company had laid off a "substantial" number of production workers due to slow aircraft sales. As a result of US$ 635,000 in city and state incentives Eclipse Aerospace has an obligation to hire 100 new workers by
13689-403: Was transferred to Frontier and Trans Texas Airways in 1963. In the latter half of the 1960s Continental expanded with Boeing 720 , Boeing 727 , and Douglas DC-9 jets nonstop to Chicago, Dallas, Denver, El Paso, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, San Antonio, and San Francisco. Service peaked in summer 1977 with 24 daily departures. Continental downsized its operation after airline deregulation and by 1994
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