The Eclipse 500 performed its first flight on Aug. 26, 2002. Aviation Week & Space Technology reported that the Williams International EJ22 turbofan-powered twinjet was pictured lifting off from Albequerque International Sunport, with chief pilot Bill Bubb at the controls. 

If you're a subscriber you can read the rest of the story on page 21 of the Sept. 02, 2002 issue. 

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