Raburn departs from Eclipse Aviation

Vern Raburn, founder and former CEO of Eclipse Aviation Corp., has announced his departure from the company.

Raburn stepped down as CEO in late Julyunder pressure from the company???s board of directors. His resignation was part of terms and conditions contained in a new round of financing for Eclipse.

Roel Pieper, founder and chairman of Dutch company ETIRC Aviation, replaced Raburn as acting CEO.

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When Raburn announced his resignation at the Experimental Aircraft Association???s AirVenture 2008 in Oshkosh, Wis., he said he would accept re-assignment as vice chairman of ETIRC Aviation, which is the company???s largest shareholder and head of operations in Europe and Russia.

However, in a media update sent today by e-mail, Raburn said he has decided to decline the vice chairmanship and depart from Eclipse entirely.

???Two weeks ago at AirVenture, I announced my departure from Eclipse Aviation, a move that was required by the investors to pave the way for a new round of financing. I also announced that I would become vice chairman of ETIRC Aviation,??? Raburn wrote in his statement. ???After further consideration of this position, I have decided not to accept it. As a result, I have no further relationship with Eclipse Aviation, either domestically or internationally.???

Raburn said he will remain close to the aviation industry through continued participation on the boards of ICON Aircraft, the Experimental Aircraft Association, and the Museum of Flight in Seattle. He will continue to serve on the board of the Albuquerque Economic Development Corp. as well.

???I???ll be in touch with my friends in the media when I determine what my next venture will be,??? Raburn said.