Wow. JAA Cert Expected Anon

Thursday was exciting at Gulfstream. Gulfstream's ultra-long-range, large cabin G550 has received its Type Certification from the FAA. In an uncanny case of good timing, the Production Certificate for that aircraft was also awarded, just a couple hours later. Those milestones pave the way for the first customer delivery, slated for next month. By the end of the year, Gulfstream should have JAA certification under its belt, as well.

In what is believed to be a "first" in the company's more than 40-year history, Gulfstream received both the Type Certificate and the Production Certificate from the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) for the new ultra-long-range, large-cabin Gulfstream G550 business jet.

At eleven o'clock Thursday morning, in front of more than 500 employees, the FAA's Airworthiness Certification Office (ACO) presented Gulfstream president Bryan Moss with the Type Certificate for the G550. This means the new aircraft has met all the airworthiness requirements as defined in Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Parts 25, 33 and 34.

At one o'clock the same afternoon, the FAA's Manufacturing Inspection District Office (MIDO) presented Gulfstream chief operating officer Joe Lombardo with the Production Certificate for the G550. This means the engineering production and quality systems which Gulfstream has in place have been audited and approved by the FAA to enable full production of the aircraft in compliance with FAR Part 21.

"The time lapse between receiving the Type Certificate and the Production Certificate is usually from four to six months," said Bryan Moss, president, Gulfstream. "The fact that we have received both certifications the same day is a direct result of the extraordinary collaboration between the FAA and our engineering, flight test, certification, production and quality organizations."

Gulfstream has now completed the last steps required before a new model series aircraft can enter into service. It will begin G550 customer deliveries in the third quarter of this year.

"Special thanks should be given to those employees who applied their energy and talent to the G550 program," said Joe Lombardo, chief operating officer, Gulfstream. "Today's certification milestones are a credit to their dedication and constant desire to improve the processes that have made Gulfstream a world-class manufacturer."

Powered by two advanced Rolls-Royce BR710 engines, each producing more than 15,000 pounds of thrust, the G550 can fly eight passengers and four crewmembers 6,750 nautical miles - the longest range available in a business jet. This range is a 250-nautical-mile increase over the GV and was accomplished with advanced aerodynamic improvements. For instance, the G550 can fly non-stop from New York to Tokyo in 14 1/2 hours at altitudes up to 51,000 feet -- high above commercial air traffic, weather, and adverse winds -- and permitting even more direct routings.

FMI: www.gulfstream.com