Training

Initial Type Training

The Eclipse 500 training program embraces the principles of the FAA Industry Training Standards (FITS) program. The goal of the FITS program is to enhance the training experience by using real world scenarios to train not only stick and rudder skills, but higher order decision-making skills. The Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. (EAI) training program emphasizes concepts such as Single-pilot Resource Management (SRM), risk management, aviation physiology, upset recovery as well as pilot-centered learning. These methods provide an opportunity for students to be as much in control of their training as their instructor. Each student will plan and execute training flights and help evaluate the results. Unlike many conventional flight training programs, EAI recognizes customer’s experience, knowledge, and judgment and respects their ability to demonstrate initiative during the training process. EAI also recognizes that their customers have succeeded in other endeavors by exercising command and initiative, and expects that they will do the same in the Eclipse 500 training program.

The following elements comprise the flight training curriculum:

Jet Basics
Prior to training, a self-paced Jet Basics course is available via the Eclipse Aerospace web site. This course will introduce the basics of operating a jet aircraft in the high altitude environment. For those with little or no turbojet experience, the Jet Basics course is very beneficial.

Flight Skills Assessment
Prior to the start of Eclipse 500 Type Rating Training, each pilot will accomplish a Flight Skills Assessment (FSA). The Eclipse 500 type training course is quite demanding, even for the seasoned professional pilot, and requires a high level of instrument flying proficiency. The FSA will determine a pilot’s readiness to begin formal training.

Emergency Situation Training
Emergency Situation Training (EST) program consists of two elements: Hypoxia Training and Upset Recovery Training.

Hypoxia training is accomplished using classroom training and a reduced oxygen breathing device (ROBD). This training will familiarize the pilot with the potential hazards in the high altitude environment.

Upset Recovery Training (URT) consists of classroom academics and 2 flights in an L-39 aircraft. This training is not intended to produce an aerobatic pilot, but to introduce common upsets and teach recovery techniques in the event of an upset in during severe weather or wake turbulence. This is extremely valuable training for all and a truly rewarding experience.

Eclipse 500 Type Rating Training and Evaluation
Type training combines classroom training and flying the Eclipse 500 aircraft. The first five days will consist of knowledge training in a classroom setting. The course covers Eclipse 500 systems, flight planning techniques, risk management, and single pilot resource management (SRM). Also included is a thorough orientation to cockpit systems and abnormal procedures.

The flight portion of the syllabus builds on the foundation of advanced pilot skills involving SRM, risk management, automation management, and operating in typical environments such as Class A,B,C,D,E, and G airspace.

Flight training consists of a minimum of seven flights and any additional training needed in order to be prepared for the FAA practical exam. The initial three flights concentrate on transferring foundational pilot skills into the Eclipse 500 by demonstrating VFR, IFR, and abnormal procedures. The next three flights are scenario-based and focus on real world flying. These flights are not just repetition of the typical training maneuvers. Each flight places the pilot in the ATC system on a typical flight profile. The final training flight(s) will be similar to the FAA practical test profile and will reinforce the necessary knowledge and skills to achieve an Eclipse 500 FAA single-pilot type rating.

The final flight day will be the FAA practical exam administered by an FAA safety inspector or designee. The practical test is the same as the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) test and can be used to obtain an ATP rating as long as the eligibility requirements described in FAR 61.153 are met.

Type training duration is 2 weeks, but may be longer, depending on weather, aircraft maintenance issues, pilot performance, and FAA examiner availability. EAI recognizes that each customer’s time is very valuable and many simply cannot comfortably be away from business for an extended time. Although not desired, a break in training will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Also on a case-by-case basis, EAI will send an instructor to a customer’s home base for the flight portion of training.

Eclipse Pilot Mentoring Program (1 to 3 Days, depending on experience)
Upon completion of the FAA practical test, the training experience is continued via the EAI Mentor Program. This program is an operational instruction program to provide the newly type rated Eclipse 500 pilot the ability to operate in the National Airspace System (NAS) with an increased level of safety. The EAI Mentor will provide valuable lessons to boost pilot’s readiness to operate in the ‘real world’. The focus of this phase of training will not be on the simple accomplishment of rote tasks, but on situation awareness, thought process, and decision making. The EAI representative will be a Mentor in the truest sense—a trusted counselor and teacher.

Mentoring is not a ‘second check ride’ and is not a pass/fail situation. It is intended to be an enjoyable and rewarding maturation experience. EAI hopes that each customer will look upon this phase not as a one-time event, but an ongoing process for the rest of his/her flying career.

Further Information:

Initial Type Training
Recurrent Training
Differences Training