Eclipse 550 Auto Throttle, Anti-Skid Brake Systems Receive FAA STC

(02/15/2014, Aero News) The First Auto Throttle System In GA FAR Part 23 Aircraft Now Approved And Ready For Flight. The FAA has granted Supplemental Type Certification (STC) to Eclipse Aerospace for both the Auto Throttle and Anti-Skid Brake (ASB) systems for the Eclipse 550 twin-engine jet. The Auto Throttle, developed in partnership with Innovative Solutions & Support, is a first for FAR Part 23 aircraft. The lightweight ASB system is the only ASB in general aviation that does not require a complex aircraft hydraulic system, thereby reducing maintenance and allowing for simple operation with very few components. With the addition of auto throttle system, Eclipse 550 pilots will be able to select the appropriate airspeed for the autopilot to maintain and the autopilot will automatically adjust the engine's power settings in various phases of flight. Along with overspeed and underspeed protection, this new feature will greatly reduce the pilot's workload, and increase the overall safety of flight...

Cirrus Flies First Conforming Vision SF50 Jet

(S. Pope, Flying, 03/25/14) In subfreezing temperatures and buffeting winds, a Cirrus Aircraft test pilot yesterday flew the first production conforming Vision SF50 jet, taking off from Duluth International Airport at around 5 p.m. for the one-hour shakedown test. "The Vision Jet handled and performed very well and all systems functioned properly – just what you want in a first flight," said Cirrus chief test pilot Mike Stevens.