Eclipse Aviation has received its first FAA Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) on the Eclipse 500 very light jet. FAA personnel will now begin performing on-board aircraft testing for certification.
TIAs are issued when the technical data required for Type Certification reach a point where it appears the item will meet FAA regulations. Over the coming months, the FAA will approve a series of TIAs that will allow FAA engineers and test pilots to explore every facet of flying and operating the VLJ.
The Eclipse 500 is expected to be certified in March 2006, with customer deliveries beginning soon after.