The Gulfstream G600 has earned its FAA type and production certificates, which means the first deliveries can proceed as scheduled this year.
“Getting both authorisations on the same day is evidence of the maturity of our G600 production processes and speaks to the safety and reliability of the aircraft’s design,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “Even more remarkable is the fact that we achieved these simultaneous certifications less than a year after completing another major programme, certifying and delivering the G500, another testament to the engineering expertise and manufacturing excellence that are hallmarks of Gulfstream. The hard work by our team, including nearly 100,000 hours of ‘flying’ in our labs and more than 3,200 hours of flying in the air, shows our dedication to safety and our customers. These rigorous and thorough certification processes ensure we deliver a first-rate aircraft that exceeds expectations.”
The FAA grants type certification after an aircraft’s design proves compliance with aviation regulations. The FAA issues a production certificate once an aircraft manufacturer demonstrates its manufacturing facilities and quality management system meet the agency’s safety and reliability requirements.
The G600 is the third Gulfstream model to get its type and production certificates simultaneously. The first was the G550 on August 14, 2003. The clean-sheet G500 duplicated the feat on July 20, 2018.
The G600 flies 6,500 nautical miles (12,038km) at its long-range cruise speed of Mach 0.85. At its high-speed cruise of Mach 0.90, the G600 travels 5,500 nautical miles (10,186km). The aircraft has already earned 11 city-pair speed records, all at Mach 0.90. Its maximum operating speed is Mach 0.925.
The aircraft features the Symmetry Flight Deck, which includes active control sidesticks and 10 touchscreens. The cabin can be configured for three living areas and a crew rest. It features 14 panoramic oval windows and 100% fresh air.
