Eclipse Aircraft is reckoned to be on the point of delivering its first Eclipse 500 VLJ (Very Light Jet) to customers, but – according to a letter sent out a week ago – a wing attachment problem and cockpit window cracking problems are causing a delay.
The wing problem appears to be only on flight test aircraft, and not on the production aircraft; the cockpit window problem is currently being managed through regular inspection and replacement intervals, although the company is hoping to find a better solution in the near future.
The company is working with the FAA on obtaining a production certificate, which it hopes to have by the end of the year.
