VLJ leader honored for innovation in the advancement of general aviation

ALBUQUERQUE, NM — May 22, 2006 — Last week at a gala ceremony held in Washington, DC, Eclipse Aviation was honored as the recipient of this year’s Robert J. Collier Trophy. The prestigious trophy, considered by many to be the “Oscar of aviation,” was presented to Eclipse president and CEO Vern Raburn by David Ivey, president and CEO of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA).

Since 1911, the NAA has awarded the Collier Trophy each year for the greatest achievement in aeronautics and astronautics in America. Past recipients have included Orville Wright, Glenn Curtiss, Kelly Johnson, Scott Crossfield, Chuck Yeager, Neil Armstrong, John Glenn and Burt Rutan. This year, the NAA selection committee, comprised of the most respected and accomplished aviation professionals, chose Eclipse as the Collier Trophy recipient “for innovation in the advancement of general aviation through the design, development and manufacture of the Eclipse 500 – the world’s first very light jet (VLJ).”

“I am truly humbled to be here tonight, and to see Eclipse Aviation join the company of such an inspiring and historic group of aviation pioneers,” said Vern Raburn, president and CEO of Eclipse Aviation. “As someone who has had a passion for aviation since I was a very young boy, this is an unforgettable moment that I am proud to share with the amazing team of employees, customers and partners who have made the dream of this company and this airplane a reality.”

More than 1,000 people in Washington and Albuquerque witnessed the presentation of the Collier Trophy to Eclipse Aviation. While Eclipse employees and their families gathered in Albuquerque to enjoy the event via satellite, hundreds of attendees celebrated at the trophy presentation banquet at the Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center in Washington, DC. Attendees of the Washington event included Senator Pete Domenici, Congressman Steve Pearce, Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne, Air Force Vice Chief of Staff John Corley, United Technologies President Louis Chꮥvert and FAA Administrator Marion Blakey.

The trophy is named for publisher Robert J. Collier, the first person to purchase a private airplane from the Wright Brothers. Collier believed that the “flying machine” should be developed for “America’s economic advancement and preservation.” Announcing Eclipse as the 2005 winner, NAA president and CEO David Ivey said the selection included recognition of the rich heritage of the Collier Trophy, and “the spirit of entrepreneurship, technical innovation and impact on American aviation,” embodied in the Eclipse 500.

About Eclipse

http://www.eclipseaviation.com.

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Andrew Broom
Original Release