Aircraft

Eclipse Aviation last week ended its rocky relationship with Avidyne, provider of the primary and multifunction flight displays and associated software for the Eclipse 500 very light jet (VLJ), writes John Croft.

Delays in Avidyne avionics had been a source of contention between the two companies since late in 2005.

"We have agreed it is in the mutual best interest of both companies, and our customers, to wind down our relationship and go separate ways," says Eclipse, adding that the company has a new team of "proven, reliable suppliers" in place.

Eclipse says the issue will have "no effect" on production and delivery. Avidyne was unavailable for comment.

Eclipse plans to continue producing aircraft with Avidyne equipment until the new supplier's equipment is ready for the assembly process, and then retrofit the new displays and software this summer, says Mike Press, chief executive and president of Single Pilot Jet Management, broker of Eclipse delivery positions. He is also an Eclipse investor and owner of the fourth aircraft to be delivered, expected in March.