The Eclipse 500 is a twin-engine very light jet that serves the Dallas short-haul market at a rate below most entry-level jets, built by Eclipse Aviation with Pratt and Whitney Canada PW610F engines. For four or five passengers on quick intra-Texas hops, it is an economical option for clients who need jet speed but not a full-size entry-level cabin.
Eclipse Aviation built the 500 with two small PW610F turbofans, a Garmin Avidyne glass cockpit, and a four-to-five-seat cabin intended for the very light jet segment. Range is 1,125 nautical miles, cruise is around 370 knots, and the aircraft holds single-pilot certification. Eclipse Aviation ceased operations in 2008; the fleet is maintained by third-party support networks. Every Eclipse 500 we arrange flies with an operator certified under FAR Part 135, the FAA rules for on-demand, for-hire charter.
Performance and Cabin
- Category: Entry-Level Jet
- Manufacturer: Eclipse Aviation / Eclipse Aerospace
- Year introduced: 2006-2008
- Seating: 4 to 5
- Crew: 1 to 2
- Range: 1,125 nautical miles
- Cruise speed: 369 knots
- Service ceiling: 41,000 feet
- Length: 33.1 feet
- Wingspan: 37.9 feet
- Height: 11 feet
- Baggage volume: 16 cubic feet
Why the Eclipse 500 Fits Dallas
The Eclipse 500’s 1,125-nautical-mile range covers the Texas regional market from Dallas cleanly. Houston at roughly 240 nautical miles, Austin at about 180, San Antonio near 245, and Midland at approximately 300 are all straightforward single-leg trips. For an energy company executive flying from the Metroplex to a Permian Basin meeting and back the same day, the aircraft does exactly what the mission requires.
Fleet maturity is the planning variable to address. Eclipse Aviation closed in 2008, and the 500 fleet runs on third-party parts and maintenance support. Every operator we put forward holds a current FAR Part 135 certificate; we review the operator’s safety and incident history and confirm the crew are current on type before any Eclipse 500 goes on a Dallas quote.
Dallas Executive Airport (KRBD) in south Dallas and Arlington Municipal Airport (KGKY) are both practical departure points for Eclipse 500 operations. These smaller fields have lower traffic density than KADS or KDAL, which can simplify scheduling for clients based in the southern Metroplex or the mid-cities area between Dallas and Fort Worth.
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Vetting Behind Every Trip
Every operator, aircraft, and crew goes through our internal due diligence before we present any options. Our internal standards meet or exceed what the FAA requires:
- FAR Part 135 charter operators for traditional private aircraft, or FAR Part 121 for airliner-size and group trips (or the foreign equivalent on international legs)
- Operator subscription to Wyvern and ARGUS reviewed where the operator participates; reports may be provided on request.
- Pilot experience and operator incident history reviewed before we recommend an aircraft.
- Fewer than 60 brokers worldwide hold Premium Wyvern Broker Member status, and Air Charter Advisors is one of them.
Charter Pricing Reference
Industry hourly rates for the Eclipse 500 run $2,500 to $3,500 per hour as of 8/2026. Actual quotes vary by operator, routing, positioning, and date.
The Eclipse 500 quotes among the lowest of any jet in the Dallas entry-level category, and for a short Texas regional trip with four passengers it is one of the most cost-effective jet options on the market.
Other Entry-Level Jets Available
- Cessna Citation CJ1
- Cessna Citation M2
- Cessna Citation Mustang CE-510
- Cirrus Vision Jet SF50
- Embraer Phenom 100
- Honda HA-420 HondaJet
The full entry-level jets category page lists every entry-level jet we arrange for Dallas departures.
Contact
For a quote on a Eclipse 500 charter from Dallas, TX, call +1 (888) 987-5387 or visit our contact page. For the vetting work behind every trip, see our safety page. To browse cross-category options for the same trip, visit the aircraft directory.
The hourly rates provided are estimates based on 2026 market data and are for informational purposes only. These figures are subject to change and do not constitute a final offer. Final pricing is dynamic and depends on real-time factors including, but not limited to, specific itinerary requirements, aircraft positioning (“ferry” fees), fuel price volatility, and current market availability. These estimates exclude all applicable taxes, de-icing, landing and handling fees, special event fees, international surcharges, overnight crew expenses, and premium catering. Please contact Air Charter Advisors directly for a firm, all-inclusive quote tailored to your specific travel needs.