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Don Taylor is the principal of Cumulus Consulting Inc. An early member (employee #9) of the original Eclipse Executive Staff he served for 8 years as Vice President of Flight Operations and Training. During that time the aircraft was developed, the original engine program was canceled (the Williams engines only flew one flight) and Pratt & Whitney produced the engine that made the aircraft what it is today. The highly successful Eclipse pilot training program with the upset training and mentoring program were all done under his watch. He left Eclipse Aviation one year prior to their bankruptcy. Cumulus was established at that time and since then has concentrated on customer delivery services and, after bankruptcy, sales of used Eclipse aircraft. Cumulus delivered over 75 new aircraft for original Eclipse buyers and was at the factory delivering Eclipse serial #260 (the final factory built aircraft) when bankruptcy was declared and the aircraft was seized. Although this delayed delivery of the aircraft by many months, it did not stop delivery to the original buyer. Eclipse serial number 260 still flies today. Eclipse Aerospace is the new company. After purchase of the assets of the original Eclipse Aviation Corporation out of Chapter 7, they now have responsibility to maintain the type certificate and provide service and parts. Pratt & Whitney Canada is still responsible for the engines and they maintain and offer a power by the hour program, if desired. Eclipse Aerospace is concentrating on upgrades to the aircraft that provide FAA approved icing capability (although all Eclipse aircraft have more than adequate anti icing equipment) and more complete autopilot functionality. They are also selling re-furbished aircraft they call a total eclipse. They are not manufacturing any new aircraft, but that is an announced goal. Recently, they announced a tentative deal for an investment (minority stake) in the company by Sikorsky Aerospace. Sikorsky is an excellent, old line company owned by United Technologies of Hartford. AKA Big Pratt, they produce the large jet engines used by Boeing and Airbus. If this investment is completed, it will provide increased credibility and a better prospect of long term survival of the company. Total Eclipse aircraft are being re-marketed by Eclipse Aerospace. The price has varied from $2.15 million to $1.75 million. Eclipse Aerospace is also the only place to do upgrades to the original 260 aircraft. The price for their 1.5 to 1.7 upgrades has varied and will not be quoted as it has changed numerous times. The market for the Eclipse 500 is getting better. A recent article and cover photo of the aircraft by Flying Magazine will help spread the word. Aircraft are selling to educated buyers that are willing to accept the aircraft and fly it as delivered by the factory, or perhaps do an upgrade at some point in time. If you are in this category as a prospective buyer, please call us and we can discuss how you can become a satisfied owner. Call or e-mail us in ABQ. We are always available to buyers or existing owners to discuss the merits of this unique very light jet. |
 6109 Copper Rose Street NE djt13@comcast.net 505-858-0005 |