Eclipse Aviation staff packing up

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Eclipse Aviation employees now counting themselves among the unemployed picked up belongings from the Albuquerque plant Wednesday as the company heads for complete liquidation.

While many employees moved with the company to Albuquerque in 2000 to help make light jet aircraft come, some relocated as recently as six months ago. Now the 850 workers are left with few options.

"Not angry," Jeff Sweet told KRQE News 13. "This is aviation. Anyone who has been in aviation knows it goes like this, especially right now."

After being furloughed last week, employees learned Wednesday they were being let go. Most interviewed by KRQE News 13 said they have already begun the search for a new boss.

They also told us this is how the industry goes... And weren't too surprised they were told to clean off their desk.

Former Eclipse employee, Norman Scott says, "Anger is kind of pointless in this industry," Norman Scott said. "It's not going to get you anywhere.

"(Aviation) is very cyclical. When you get into it, it should be for the love of the airplanes because otherwise you are just going to be disappointed."

Former Eclipse employee Dallas Egbert added, "I don't really feel like there are any answers anyone could give me that I couldn't come to a conclusion on my own."

Employees can look for some relief through unemployment benefits, something Gov. Bill Richardson is encouraging them to do.

Contrary to some early reports, the Federal Aviation Administration told News 13 it will not ground Eclipse aircrafts. Those reports said the jets would be grounded because there would not be anyone left to service them.