GV Pilots Can Earn G550 Type Rating After Completing 5-day Course

Gulfstream has disclosed that the company's newest large-cabin, ultra-long-range business jet aircraft, the Gulfstream G550, will share the same type rating as its predecessor, the Gulfstream V (GV). The Flight Standards Board, composed of pilot representatives from the FAA and the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA), has ruled that GV pilots will be authorized to fly the G550 aircraft upon completion of a five-day "differences" course that highlights the PlaneView flight deck and is offered at FlightSafety International in Savannah.

GV pilots also are required to complete 14 additional hours of training on the Head-Up Display (HUD) and the Gulfstream Enhanced Vision System (EVS), both of which are standard equipment on the G550. GV pilots who are already HUD- and EVS-qualified are not required to complete the additional 14 hours of training. Conversely, pilots who train to fly the G550 aircraft also may elect to take a two-day GV differences course to earn a GV type rating.

"Because initial pilot type rating on a new aircraft is usually about three weeks, GV operators who are adding or considering adding a G550 to their existing fleet have benefited significantly from the FAA's decision," said Bryan Moss, president, Gulfstream. "Essentially, their pilots can spend more time in the air where they are most valuable and less time in the classroom."

Flight Standards Board pilots spent four weeks in March in the air and at the FlightSafety training facility evaluating crew training and workload for the pilots of the new aircraft. The seven Flight Standards Board pilots - five from the FAA and two representing the JAA - began flying the G550 test aircraft in January.

"When the pilots first entered the PlaneView cockpit, they were impressed with the size and clarity of the displays," said Randy Gaston, vice president, flight operations, Gulfstream. "After quickly adjusting to the CCD (Gulfstream's Signature Cursor-Control Device) and its flight display functions, they were able to fully appreciate the grace and power of the aircraft in flight."

The first to complete the G550 pilot-training course, the FAA pilots who served as training program evaluators will assess new G550 pilots seeking their type ratings.

The G550's sister-ship, the ultra-long-range Gulfstream G500, is expected to receive FAA type certification in the fourth quarter this year. As the G550 and G500 feature nearly identical cockpit design, it is expected that the G500 also will share the same type rating as the GV.

Introduced in 2002, the G550 comes fully equipped and includes the comprehensive 5-year Exclusive Gulfstream Maintenance and Training Package, the PlaneView cockpit, Head-Up Display and the Gulfstream Enhanced Vision System (EVS). With the longest range in its class, the G550 can fly 6,750 nautical miles nonstop. It can accommodate up to 18 passengers, fly at a maximum speed of .885 Mach and cruise at a maximum altitude of 51,000 feet. Owners of the G550 can choose from multiple cabin layouts and several customer-preferred option packages. Customers can also choose to customize the interior to best meet their individual needs.

Also introduced in 2002, the G500 is equipped with the PlaneView cockpit and offers the Gulfstream EVS and Head-Up display as added features. The large-cabin, ultra-long-range aircraft can accommodate up to 18 passengers. The G500 can fly 5,800 nautical miles nonstop, reach a maximum speed of .885 Mach and cruise at a maximum altitude of 51,000 feet. Customers can choose from six cabin layouts as well as a variety of additional options.

Introduced in 1992, the GV is the holder of more than 80 world records the GV seats up to 19 passengers and offers one of the longest ranges in its class - up to 6,500 nautical miles. At speeds up to .885 Mach and a cruising altitude of 51,000 feet, the GV entered service in 1997. The same year, the aircraft won the prestigious Collier Trophy. The GV fleet includes 182 aircraft that have logged more than 263,000 flight hours and more than 120,000 takeoffs and landings.

FMI: www.gulfstream.com, www.generaldynamics.com