Jet / Turboprop • Eclipse • Eclipse 500, Eclipse 500 Transition Trainer
| Manufacturer | Eclipse |
| Model | Eclipse 500 |
| Category | Jet / Turboprop |
| Variants | Eclipse 500, Eclipse 500 Transition Trainer |
| Production Years | 2006 – 2009 |
| Seating | 4, 5, 6 seats |
| Typical TTAF | 2,100 hours |
| Markets | United States, Canada, Europe, Japan |
| Price Range | $850K – $2.4M |
The Eclipse 500 is a single-pilot capable, very light jet (VLJ) that revolutionized personal and small-business aviation when it entered service. Designed and manufactured by Eclipse Aviation, the aircraft seats up to 6 passengers in a pressurized cabin and is renowned for its efficiency, affordability, and ease of operation compared to traditional light jets. The Eclipse 500 features twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PW610F turbofan engines, advanced avionics including a glass cockpit, and a sleek composite airframe. Its primary appeal lies in significantly lower operating costs—approximately 40% less expensive to operate than comparable light jets—making air travel accessible to a broader market segment. The aircraft gained popularity among fractional ownership programs, flight training operators, and owner-operators seeking economical jet performance. The Eclipse 500 can operate from shorter runways and cruise at altitudes up to 41,000 feet. Its reliability and relatively simple maintenance requirements have sustained strong demand in the used aircraft market, making it one of the most successful light jets in aviation history.
Maximum Speed: 430 knots
Cruise Speed: 380 knots
Maximum Range: 1,125 nautical miles
Service Ceiling: 41,000 feet
Engine Type: Twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PW610F turbofans
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 5,510 lbs
Payload Capacity: 1,650 lbs
Pressurization: 10,000 ft cabin altitude at 41,000 ft