Why the Eclipse Jet is Still the Best Very Light Jet

[@myrenkohlhorst4422]

When that plane was in initial design, I worked at Williams international. The plane was originally called Pronto. I have a couple shirts and a hat and jacket named as such. I worked with Vern Raburn and Doctor Sam Williams building a full size mockup of the fuselage from nose cone to the rear bulkhead. All in plywood and cardboard. We used Cadillac Catara seats to start and changed them as we progressed. I then mocked up the tail section and that was where the batteries were and the AC back then. I then was given a Beach 18 fuselage from forward bulkhead to just behind the seats and made a flight simulator to help design with the side stick. A video would project on the wall like you were flying. Great program and then both companies parted ways and they moved to Mexico. Somewhere I have alot of pictures of this and did offer then to One Avation but never did. Now I'm retired after 37 years at williams and I understand the 700 if it happens will use the Williams FJ33 engines like the Cerris SF50.

[@PersonalWings]

Myren that is so cool! I have a number of good friends at Williams and love all the jets I fly that are powered by their engines and we mange a few Citations and fly the Premier for our flights - and the SF50. I know Greg Williams and the legacy of the company is fascinating. It is great to hear of your accomplishments and it would be nice to talk with you in person - my email is [e-mail]

[@DanFrederiksen]

I keep coming back to the Eclipse. It's my reference to beat turboprops with. It has same or better mileage than the TBM turboprop singles which is a pretty amazing fact. And that's close to 5million.

[@PersonalWings]

It truly wins across many metrics. Too bad they have struggled as a company.

[@DanFrederiksen]

@@PersonalWings yes and maybe P&W was the burden. Do you know if they are still in operation? what do you do for parts? is that still possible? or is it a cross your fingers and hope nothing breaks.

[@richpickett]

@@DanFrederiksen So far the support for most aspects of Eclipse ownership is very good, between the company and a 3rd party - RAS. Some items are in short supply, however virtually all of the fleet is operational. PWC may re-start production of the engines, however there is no confirmation one way or the other.

[@gbsorenson]

Love the Eclipse! I've been flying my Trinidad for 7 yrs, love my plane but have wanted to fly an Eclipse for years! Thanks for the walk around!

[@PersonalWings]

You are welcome - and we also have more videos and an Eclipse training course on our www.PersonalWings.com site if you are interested.

[@ralphsmith4653]

Thank you sir for your fine presentation of the Eclipse. I especially appreciate your going over the room in the cock-pit as I'm a 6'3 300 lb gym rat ( not a tub of goo......smile). I'm 58 retired LAPD. I have Commercial, instrument, and Multi-engine ratings. Also Commercial rotorcraft. Flew turbine LAPD helicopters for my last few years on the job. 1850 hrs tt. Any idea if I would be insurable in that plane provided of course I flew with a mentor pilot for x amount of hours?

[@andymunnings9109]

"I like your honesty and your full explanation of the aircraft functionality during your presentation. That is how a presentation should be. Although the aircraft is small, manufactures must install a tranformable seated lavatory and toilet bay at the rear of the fuselage. I feel with this simple feature installed on the aircraft would be outstanding, because? It(The Aircraft) is already great-(Personally? I like the compacted size)." 👍

[@PersonalWings]

Thanks Andy - we try to have fun with the videos and inform folks! The Eclipse is just too small to have a toilet, although they did design one at one time. It wasn't much more than a camp toilet. The Citation Mustang has one, but virtually no one uses it.

[@TonyDeSantis-vf4jk]

Thank you, wonderful walk-through of the airplane

[@JustSayN2O]

7:45 That hook mounted on the top/center cabin, I though that was a CAPS handle. Excuse me, a EAPS handle.

[@notpoliticallycorrect]

Excellent jet!

[@PersonalWings]

We agree - we also have a fun pre-flight of the Eclipse on our TikTok channel

[@pilotrob735]

Another great video from Rich and Tigre! Love my Eclipse. Nothing like it.

[@PersonalWings]

Thanks Robert! We have fun making them, and we were just flying the Little Gem of a Jet recently and decided we needed to do another Eclipse video. They are unique and an amazing jet. We loved ours! Rich / Tigre

[@rfriesen1644]

Great video. Happy to see more in flight videos.

[@PersonalWings]

Thanks - we have a number ready to edit, we just need more time on the ground :) We fly 4-6 days a week, so sometimes it takes us a little while.

[@PersonalWings]

We also have a pre-flight video on our TikTok channel Personal Wings

[@ramiroguerrero6331]

I'm Heli pilot but always looked at the eclipse as the fix wing I would fly, you did an excellent job at showing its class🥇🍻

[@PersonalWings]

Thanks Ramiro! We really enjoy flying and teaching in the aircraft.

[@Giggidygiggidy12]

Ramiro can you talk about your heli experience, maybe post some content

[@ChulumancoNyaku]

Great thanks, wish you'd do the same sort of review of the Flaris Lar 01......!!!

[@PersonalWings]

If you find us one to fly we will do a flight review!

[@larrytompkins4408]

great video , i will watch this one a few times

[@PersonalWings]

Larry, thanks for the comment. We have a few more Eclipse jet videos on our YT channel as well. We are also developing an online video course for those interested in the Eclipse jet. Rich/Tigre

[@bogdanskutkiewicz5217]

Amazing. I was looking for such a video about EClipse 500. Thnk you. Could you show us how tall pilot fit on it please?

[@PersonalWings]

Bogdan, Tigre is 6'6" and I'm 6'3 and we both fit in the cockpit since the seats have a good tracking range and it uses a side stick. I find it to be one of the most comfortable cockpits for a 4 occupant airplane. I avoid installing 6 seats, since there simply isn't enough room for six people, but more than enough for 4. You have the same issue with other small aircraft, when trying to use all six seats.

[@seriouslycirrus7341]

Fantastic overview

[@cougarlove8542]

Nice. I prefer this over the Vision Jet.

[@billymatthews3793]

Rich can you post some videos of Using the FMS on approaches, holding patterns and flying arrivals.

[@PersonalWings]

Billy - we have other Eclipse videos on this channel, as well as an online Eclipse training program on our website PersonalWings.com

[@JustSayN2O]

7:30 can install a little bed back there

[@larrymontoya5185]

I didn't know Eclipse was still in business. I used to work for them years ago

[@PersonalWings]

They are actually doing very well. An investor purchased the entire company, is providing support and some parts, and just completed 2 new aircraft from the parts they had available. It will be interesting to see the future of the company, and the great airplane.

[@brgllc201]

Rich- Eclipse recently delivered 2 new 550's. Do you know what (if any) updates/modifications were made to the new deliveries?

[@PersonalWings]

The two that were completed and delivered to the owner of Eclipse Aerospace, were originally started in 2016 then halted in mid-production. I don't think they did any modifications to the aircraft over the last 550 in production. Eclipse was able to purchase the last 4 new engines and used them on those planes. They are working on new airframes, however any engines they install on them now will be from the used fleet. Eclipse has been successful with some of the vendors for new components, however AFAIK no new engines are planned for production by PWC. Hopefully that may change in the future.

[@Glofilter]

I see you've flown the Cirrus jet since you posted this video. Is the Eclipse still the best? I personally would always want 2 engines over 1, especially if flying over water. Parachute works, but I'd rather captain an airplane than a raft.

[@PersonalWings]

I had to laugh at your last statement - very funny :) From a performance perspective the Eclipse is fantastic - FL4100 - 350 KTAS - 340 PPH total, automated systems with a very sophisticated protection logic, alternative controls, etc. It is especially impressive since it was put into production in 2007, when the SR50 was an idea (I was one of the early SF50 deposit holders). If the EA50 was in current production with updated avionics it would be an interesting market. The SF50 is impressive, especially the systems, view, and comfort, and fits many missions perfectly. In my opinion they are closely matched - just different mission capabilities. My preference is to go high and two engines when possible, and of course I also fly a bunch of other jets - usually 2-4 different models each month -- I am very fortunate.

[@Glofilter]

@@PersonalWings Thanks for that, but you didn't answer the question. If you only got to use one jet and all the others in the world were destroyed- you get to pick either the Eclipse 550 or the SF50 G2 (I think is the newest one) for the last airplane you can ever own or fly, which one would you pick? For me, it's a no brainer. 2 engines trump 1. Also the performance of the Eclipse is a lot better. I have a friend who works ATC at O'Hare and they really do not like the SF50 at all. They expect jet performance but barely get turboprop performance. There's a pretty famous video out there of a SF50 interrupting IFR departures causing massive delays at KJAC on a hot day because the Cirrus' climb performance was so poor. They put him on the normal IFR departure for jets and it backed everything up so bad they they had to re-issue clearances to everyone else. Anyway, I don't want to skew your answer with my own bias.

[@PersonalWings]

@@Glofilter 🙈 for the SF50 KJAC snaggle. Tigre here, my dad is being kind and would take an Eclipse any day. The biggest obstacle is parts availability due to the checkered past of the company and suppliers not available or willing to help. Personally, I’d love to see Eclipse succeed and make the 700.

[@sammalone6714]

@@PersonalWings Do you think Eclipse will (forgive the pun) ever get back off the ground? I would also love to see the EA 700 become reality.

[@PersonalWings]

@@sammalone6714 Hi Sam, the new ownership has the best chance in years of restarting production of the 500/550. They have supply issues they are working to resolve, and hopefully they will be successful. The plane itself is an amazing design, especially when you realize it was designed years ago. I don't know if the 700 will be built, at least in the current prototype design.

[@keljaz6616]

How many hours are recommended before transitioming into the EA 500/550? I understand it was designed for pilots coming from SEL background. Also the ME rating is included in the Eclipse type rating. Is this true?

[@PersonalWings]

Transitioning to any high performance aircraft needs to be done with lots of care. Things go wrong, quite quickly, in fast, powerful, and sleek aircraft. Your CFII/MEI should be the best source for info on when you're ready for the step up. You'll want (and need) your IFR rating. I don't believe you can add an ME to a type rating as the FAA wants you to demo in a prop airplane where prop feathering is demonstrated. We are developing a Jet Transition course on our personalwings.com website soon, but King Schools also has one ready for purchase. Things move much faster in a jet and pilots are quickly behind, instead of ahead, of the aircraft.

[@tonypizzutto4163]

So how much for a 2008 eclipse

[@misham6547]

Unlike the Vison Jet the eclipse actually makes use of the turbofans, since it doesn't sacrifice a lot performance to have a wide cabin, the avionics are way better made the cabin is more ergonomic; it was made as an actual plane not a luxury car

[@johnpatrick1588]

This is really a person-al jet. Carries the same number of people as C-172. Much nicer though and has great tech. I guess its competition is the Cirrus Vision jet as far as load.

[@PersonalWings]

The Eclipse can carry more payload than a Cirrus Vision Jet, typically 560 vs. 390 with fuel fuel. The Vision Jet has more room, but is substantially slower. Both are great planes to fly !

[@MAGApepe]

think the honda jet now takes the crown

[@PersonalWings]

Especially since it has support!

[@BobbyGeneric145]

But what about parts for maintenance?

[@PersonalWings]

It's definitely tricky. Hoping that things continue to improve for parts providers.

[@ProPilotPete]

Is there any support from eclipse?

[@PersonalWings]

Hi. Eclipse was purchased by an entity that it is a better position to support than previously. The parts supply chain has improved and another company RAS has been offering innovative solutions for sometime. The customer service from Eclipse is good and there are a growing number of service centers. There definitely are challenges regarding parts vendors, etc but there seems to be a strong commitment to support the plane.

[@Giggidygiggidy12]

This is what the cirrus jet should have been, at least someone got it right. I am curious though, why didn't Eclipse angle the wings just a bit more to gain some speed during cruise??

[@PersonalWings]

It's already a very fast jet. And yes, Cirrus went middle ground and actually knows their customer base really well and the Vision Jet meets their needs (esp. for single pilot operation).

[@Giggidygiggidy12]

@@PersonalWings I hear you, cirrus has carved out a niche, but I've spoken to several vision jet owners and they all have the same complaints and criticisms, slower than expected, less range than expected due to being underpowered and lastly; that they would be moving on to something faster when or if possible. That being said I wouldn't mind seeing CAPS system on larger VLJs

[@PersonalWings]

@@Giggidygiggidy12 definitely a first step jet for many. perf hampers it immensely. why 2 engines = faster farther usually. and yes to more caps systems if weight penalty doesn't lower performance.

[@rickdc3]

What is the average cost of an annual? Thanks Rich!

[@PersonalWings]

Hi - There isn't an 'annual' per se with jets, everything is done on a progressive schedule. On my Eclipse I averaged $30K per year, over 4 years, for all the inspections and non-scheduled items. This does not include upgrades such as ABS, etc. The inspections themselves average approximately $17K/year, assuming you start with a fully inspection-compliant aircraft. Of course I always proactively upgrade my planes (my obsessive nature) so my costs typically are higher - but I end up with a better airplane! Thanks for watching, and we have other Eclipse videos and an online intro course at our website: www.personalwings.com

[@rickdc3]

@@PersonalWings That is almost too good to be true! Annuals on my Meridian were in the $30-$50k/year range. Do you subscribe to an engine maintenance program that eventually covers hot section and TBO? What does that cost/hour? Thanks again. P.S. - My dad was an original Eclipse deposit holder. I think he ended up selling his position before the jet ever went into production. He might have been in the #70s.

[@PersonalWings]

@@rickdc3 The annual maintenance expenses aren't much different. The difference is when something fails (AOA?Piot - $25K), the prices are substantially more. I'm a supporter of engine programs - there are various options, however you can plan for $170/hr/engine.

[@v1-vr-rotatev2-vy_vx31]

This is my choice when I win the lottery

[@pilotavery]

I'm just wondering why anyone would ever consider a jet of this caliber with only four seats. Like, does the vision jet not work for this?

[@PersonalWings]

As with most GA aircraft, very few can fill all the seats and the fuel tanks. The Eclipse can hold 6 seats however leg room is tight. The Vision jet has slightly more leg room and can hold seven seats, but two are limited to children and the last row is very tight. If you fill the fuel tanks, the Eclipse can hold approximately 540-600 lbs of people. If you fill the Vision Jet with fuel and install all seven seats, you can only carry 300-340 lbs. A substantial number of private flights only carry 1-4 people (including the pilot) so more seats are rarely needed. Other planes have the same issue. For example, you can top off the fuel on a Citation CJ and only carry 700-800 lbs of people/baggage. A Premier jet has 8 seats, but if you fill it with fuel you can only carry 400-450 lbs of pilot/passengers/cargo. If you want to load less fuel on all planes you can carry more people/cargo. It is a balancing game!

[@MonicaHolly143]

I really thought cirrus would aquire them

[@richpickett]

That would have been a great idea! I love the design of the Vision Jet, and flying them - however the Eclipse does have better performance.

[@BillyJ10]

👍

[@PersonalWings]

Thanks William - it is a very cool jet.

[@jimmyamico4713]

Outstanding video I look forward to asking any questions in the near future and thank you so much for this video and all the hard work that you do to bring people like myself all this wonderful information🇺🇸🇮🇹❤️🤍💙💚

[@PersonalWings]

Thank you so much! We love to help!

[@DanFrederiksen]

It looks nice. Do they really not have a non beige interior? that seems like an unforced error. That's the part of a jet that looks the most dated. They are giving themselves a 20 year handicap which is a shame when it seems to be a much better plane than visionjet.

[@PersonalWings]

Back in the day, no. Look at a lot of the Citations of the same era or earlier. I agree, it is quite dated.

[@DanFrederiksen]

@@PersonalWings I inquired with PW about the engines because they are the smallest engines around and could power a much lighter plane in a single engine version but the unit price is 911k$. So to me that means the reason the Eclipse suddenly ballooned to 3 million dollars and sluggish sales is entirely pratt and whitney's fault. I saw a press statement back around 2006 where Eclipse said the engine would cost around 150k. So PW got real comfortable on pricing at some point. Quite problematic that the engine makers are the problem. Eclipse should make their own. Huge opportunity because these small turbofans can be quite simple. The sales rep also told me that they are basically not producing any engines now. No wonder when they killed their only client with overpricing. I thought the piston engine guys were a problem but the turbine folks make it an art form.

[@PersonalWings]

@@DanFrederiksen The Eclipse story is complex, and the powerplant is only one component. All engine prices have increased dramatically - on the piston side a factory reman for the T182 is now $97K, for the T206 $145K, SR22T $100K. The avionics are also very expensive, as well as labor and other components. The Cirrus Vision Jet is approximately $3.4M (fully equipped) so the Eclipse would probably be more expensive. There is a market as shown by the Vision Jet, so we will see what happens.

[@DanFrederiksen]

@@PersonalWings Jesus Christ. For WW2 engines that frequently fail. Avionics is another thing that can be drastically improved because that level of electronics costs nothing today. UFO disclosure might make everything a moot point but otherwise we really need competition on engines, someone similar to Elon Musk that crushes the greedy comfortable stagnation. When I found out the simplest off the shelf turbofan engine has the world distance record of 40000km it was clear that they can be plenty efficient and because they are so simple they can be made vastly cheaper than currently. Much cheaper than pistons. Especially for properly weight optimized designs. A great jet can be a carbon fiber balloon with 2 small angry space heaters. Also the Eclipse needs a lav. Could just be a plumbingless one with one time use inserts and wet wipes. Makes a big difference whether you have it or not.

[@PersonalWings]

@@DanFrederiksen Eclipse actually sold a lav option - very few takers.

[@sixwillwin]

Best light jet???? Lol

[@PersonalWings]

Very Light Jet - not Light Jet :) I've flown in excess of 60 jets, and (except for the L39 I fly) it is the most fun of them so far. It doesn't mean it is the best choice for everyone, however the handling, efficiency, and design is still ahead of many others. They have some support issues, and great companies and individuals that work hard to lend a hand.

[@yurimoros]

My dear and lovely friend you are so an amazing teacher please do more GPS and ILS instrument approaches as well as Vector to final approach you teach do well that coming from you will be so helpful for eclipse pilot as well as how to turn in ground 90 degrees the plane and much more with instrument approach

[@PersonalWings]

Yuri, we can do that. We have a few videos on our channel, and might have some other videos recorded. The Vector to Final (VTF) can easily be simplified with the Eclipse by activating the VTF function on the MFD when you activate the approach, rather than waiting later when established. This is one of the quirks of the Eclipse Autopilot/FMS