I have seldom flown the EA500 at 410 because it is actually more efficient at 360-370; but you are correct, the AD limits the ALT to 370 for now. Eclipse and PW are working on this problem but like I said, except for weather I stay lower as the airplane actually goes faster notwithstanding the slightly higher fuel burn. It runs out of wing at 410 despite not having the classic "coffin corner" issue with stall speed significantly lower than cruise at that altitude.
I have been checked out on a TBM700c2 and I would be looking for a Cj or Cj1 in the correct price range. Why?
Because the support is so good. Which is exactly why I wouldn't buy an E500.
Of course I had this conversation 3 years ago with someone that was thinking about the A500 A700. They didn't listen to me and now they have an A500 door stop and a Cj1.
No question that you are right if you have the money to buy a Cessna there are lots more of them out there and better support. The Eclipse is a starter jet newly manufactured and with that comes a lower price and unfortunately, less support base.
For me, I can't afford the CJ or I would be there with you! But I can say in all of the hours I have flown the Eclipse I have not been grounded but twice due to maintenance issues. Pretty reliable machine and very cheap to operate.
"Guess this is why I love the internet, full of information, and even fuller of misinformation."
Ditto that sentiment. Personally I refrain from offering my opinion if I haven't flown the machine, but that is just me... I am a Pilot Examiner in the Eclipse 500 with over 1000 hours in type; my opinion is that for the money, it is the best value going today. Hey, if you have $3MM there are other, better equipped options out there - THAT IS WHY THEY CALL THIS A VERY LIGHT JET! It is light in weight and light on the pocket book. 65 GPH / 440 PPH total burn at FL410. Pretty damned efficient!
Yes, the original Eclipse went bankrupt, and lots of investors/vendors got screwed in that process, but the new Eclipse Aerospace is up and running under different management, parts are readily available from numerous sources, and most of the start-up problems of the first few years are behind the airplane now. Great technology, P&W power is fantastic, FIKI 1.7 solves nearly every problem in the early development of the airplane and from my seat, no better value out there for missions requiring less than 1000 miles and 4 seats. If you want to see for yourself - I have an airplane you can fly in California! gw
1. WOW!!!! Thats seriously impressive!!! I burn 4x that at idle on the ground.
Do you have an email that I could pass on to my client? He is still interested in the plane and really wants some first hand knowledge of the pro and the hang-ups.
I would PM you but it appears you haven't had enough posts yet.
"Guess this is why I love the internet, full of information, and even fuller of misinformation."
Ditto that sentiment. Personally I refrain from offering my opinion if I haven't flown the machine, but that is just me... I am a Pilot Examiner in the Eclipse 500 with over 1000 hours in type; my opinion is that for the money, it is the best value going today. Hey, if you have $3MM there are other, better equipped options out there - THAT IS WHY THEY CALL THIS A VERY LIGHT JET! It is light in weight and light on the pocket book. 65 GPH / 440 PPH total burn at FL410. Pretty damned efficient!
Yes, the original Eclipse went bankrupt, and lots of investors/vendors got screwed in that process, but the new Eclipse Aerospace is up and running under different management, parts are readily available from numerous sources, and most of the start-up problems of the first few years are behind the airplane now. Great technology, P&W power is fantastic, FIKI 1.7 solves nearly every problem in the early development of the airplane and from my seat, no better value out there for missions requiring less than 1000 miles and 4 seats. If you want to see for yourself - I have an airplane you can fly in California! gw
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