Eclipse Aviation's Eclipse 500 jet missed its June 30 deadline for FAA certification, which has now slipped by several weeks, according to the company. Eclipse attributed the delays to suppliers.

"While the majority of our certification program has been completed," said the company, "we have faced ongoing supplier delays in obtaining TSOs for their systems." The 500 will be the first Very Light Jet (VLJ) certified by the FAA.

Eclipse also said final performance numbers include a max cruise speed of 370 knots, a stall speed of 69 knots, a useful load of 2,400 pounds, a two-engine climb rate of 3,314 feet per minute and a range of 1,125 nautical miles (with four occupants, NBAA IFR, 100 nm alternative). Company Founder Vern Rayburn said the useful load and climb rate have exceeded company estimates, although speed and range numbers are slightly off the numbers predicted in early 2003. The Eclipse 500 is scheduled to enter service with DayJet in its Florida operations later this year. (RAN, June 26).