Aviations Past and Future Unite at Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

This week near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina the jet that is poised to define the next century of flight, Eclipse Aviations revolutionary Eclipse 500 jet, stood face-to-face with the worlds most accurate 1903 Wright Flyer reproduction for the first time in a moment that signified the transition from the first century of flight to the second.

Kitty Hawk, NC (PRWEB) December 12 2003--This week near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina the jet that is poised to define the next century of flight, Eclipse Aviations revolutionary Eclipse 500 jet, stood face-to-face with the worlds most accurate 1903 Wright Flyer reproduction for the first time in a moment that signified the transition from the first century of flight to the second.

The milestone meeting took place at the First Flight Centennial Celebration, a six-day tribute to the past, present and future of aviation that begins today. To symbolically unite the past and the future of flight, Eclipse Aviation and EAA brought the 1903 Wright Flyer reproduction, which will attempt to fly on the 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers first flight, together with the Eclipse 500 jet in front of the Wright Brothers National Monument in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina.

As aviation enters its second century, it is at a critical inflection point," said Vern Raburn, president and CEO of Eclipse Aviation. The retirement of the Concorde and the struggles of aerospace leaders such as Boeing have many people wondering what the next 100 years of flight will hold. We see tremendous opportunity ahead for aviation and for air travelers, but realizing it will require us all to re-ignite the spirit of aviation innovation sparked by the Wright brothers on December 17th, 100 years ago."

The Eclipse 500 is a revolutionary new aircraft that will redefine jet safety, performance and value in the next century. Priced at less than $1 million, and providing twin-jet safety and performance, the Eclipse 500 is credited with spurring both the very light jet market and the growth of the emerging air taxi transportation model. The spirit of innovation sparked by the Wright brothers lives on in breakthroughs such as the Eclipse 500 jet, which are poised to change the way the world travels in the second century of flight.

About Eclipse Aviation

Eclipse Aviation is in the business of designing, certifying and producing modern, affordable jet aircraft that will revolutionize the transportation market. The company is applying advanced electronics systems, manufacturing and business practices to produce aircraft that cost less than a quarter of today's small jet aircraft, will be significantly safer

and easier to operate than those of today, and have the lowest cost of ownership ever achieved in a jet aircraft.

The goal of Eclipse is to bring the word "personal" into aviation, making it possible for commercial air passengers to move directly between cities on a quick, affordable and convenient basis. It will also allow pilot owners to enter the world of jet-powered aviation. Contact Eclipse at http://www.eclipseaviation.com.

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Press Contacts:                    

Kathleen Bowden                Andrew Broom

CXO Communication            Eclipse Aviation

617-247-0122                505-400-7577 cell Kitty Hawk Kathleen@cxocommunication.com        Andrew.Broom@eclipseaviation.com

Eclipse and Eclipse 500 are trademarks of Eclipse Aviation Corporation.