Deal would help keep Eclipse 500 flying

ALBUQUERQUE (AP) - A group of Eclipse 500 owners are in negotiations with Hawker Beechcraft Corp. to maintain and upgrade about 260 jets that were produced by the former Eclipse Aviation Corp., which filed for Chapter 7 liquidation in late February.

David Green, chairman of the steering committee for the Eclipse Owners Group, said Tuesday the group has signed a nonbinding letter of intent with the Wichita, Kan.-based airplane maker.

The two groups are now trying to reach a binding agreement.

Green says the deal would give Eclipse owners confidence that their aircraft will be flying in the future.

The owners group would be responsible to the Federal Aviation Administration and other regulatory agencies for complying with the very light jet's type certification.

Hawker Beechcraft would supply at its service centers.