September 20, 2008
If transportation Dept. Inspector General Calvin Scovel had his way, he would’ve deferred the Eclipse 500’s certification, stating, in his report in a recent congressional hearing, that the aircraft had “unresolved design problems”. The aircraft was certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2006. On August 11 the FAA conducted a month-long review of the aircraft in response to allegations of safety issues.
Among the concerns cited were avionics software issues; the lack of a drainage system for the pitot-static system, which made it subject to clogging from ice; intermittent false stall warnings; blanking or freezing of the cockpit displays; and flaps sticking in position.
This is yet another blow to the fledgling company and its founder Vern Raburn, who recently stepped down as Eclipse’s CEO. Among his startup struggles, Raburn experienced a near-death misadventure when the engine of his Eclipse 500 failed in flight. A new engine from another manufacturer (Pratt and Whitney) saved the project; however, the catastrophe and the engine redesign (now boasting a new technology) severely delayed production. Poised to be the first VLJ (very light jet) in the market, Eclipse lost out to the Citation Mustang when Cessna shipped it out in 2006.
Eclipse Aviation wasn’t the only party scrutinized in this recent congressional hearing. Much of the talk centered around the FAA and how it handled the certification. Among other things, it was alleged the FAA punished its own employees for giving unfavorable treatment to the aircraft manufacturer. It was told to move away from its "customer service" model, which has led to cozy relationships with Eclipse, and instead assume a more authoritative stance keeping the agency focused on public safety as the top priority. It was also criticized for, in effect, accepting items where the Eclipse 500 didn’t comply as IOU’s to be complied with later.
Areas where the Scovel report could have done better were also noted. Towards the end of the hearing, Peg Billson, general manager of Eclipse’s manufacturing division, testified that nobody from the office of the Inspector General interviewed anyone from Eclipse Aviation for this report. In this writer’s humble opinion, much of the misunderstanding and percieved controversy could\'ve been avoided if an attempt to communicate to Eclipse was made prior to the writing of the report. For instance, the report criticizes the FAA for granting ODAR status in 2002 stating that the new company needed more experience before getting certification, or in the report\'s words, without “proven experience to perform the functions requested”. The fact is Eclipse received ODAR status on four items in 2002, all relating to suppliers. Eclipse did not receive full ODAR status until seven months after it received its Production Certificate. Furthermore, to quote Eclipse’s website, “a new company does not equal inexperienced people”.
Much is at stake. Many companies like DayJet and Pogo are heavily depending on Eclipse to deliver their aircraft on time. Eclipse is working hard to keep to its production schedule. Any more production delays may cost the Aircraft Company its life. Any perceived safety issues will adversely affect the reputation of the aircraft and the companies that are waiting to purchase them. DayJet has ordered 1400 aircraft and Pogo is flying the Eclipse 500 exclusively and is eagerly awaiting production and shipping of its orders so it can start its operations.
After all the struggle and recent drama, has the Eclipse 500 lost its allure? At about half the price of the competition, it is the closest thing we have to a jet-for-the-rest-of-us. It is a dream closer to Vern Raburn’s future of a jet parked in every garage. Is there a light at the end of the tunnel for this upstart company from New Mexico with the small plane and the big dreams? At the hearing, in response to a direct question about the safety of the Eclipse 500, transportation Dept. Inspector General Calvin Scovel replied "my office has no evidence that it is unsafe." |
