Feds investigate Eclipse jet grievance

Comments | USA TODAY, July, 2008 | by Alan Levin

WASHINGTON -- Federal officials are investigating claims that regulators approved the design of a revolutionary small jet in 2006 despite safety concerns raised by the engineers and test pilots who evaluated the plane, congressional officials said.

The Eclipse 500 jet holds three passengers and is being touted by a Florida charter carrier as an affordable alternative to corporate jet travel.

The Transportation Department's inspector general has been asked by Congress to investigate the claims of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees who said that the Eclipse 500 had safety problems when it was approved, said Jim Berard, spokesman for the House transportation committee. The panel expects a briefing on the investigation within weeks, he said.

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