Gulfstream’s G500 has received both its type certification and production certificate from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

These certifications pave the way for the first completed G500 delivery to a customer as planned later this year, Gulfstream says.

The FAA type certification verifies the airworthiness of the aircraft’s design, while the production certificate confirms that the company’s production processes comply with Federal Aviation Regulations.

Delivering the aircraft

Mark Burns, President, Gulfstream, said: “Receiving the type certification and production certificate on the same day speaks to the rigour inherent in the G500 program and the commitment to excellence of the entire Gulfstream team. The tens of thousands of lab hours combined with the more than 5,000 hours we’ve flown the five G500 flight-test aircraft will help ensure we deliver a high-performing, reliable, mature aircraft to customers.”

He added: “We’re excited to conclude the type certification effort, complete the production-certificate audit and move on to the next phase of this programme: delivering aircraft. We appreciate the FAA’s diligence and cooperation in certifying this aircraft and confirming the capabilities of our new manufacturing facilities. We look forward to seeing the G500 in our customers’ hangars soon.”

Safety

Gulfstream says it is “setting a new safety standard” as the first original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in business aviation to offer active control sidesticks, 10 touchscreens in the flight deck and a third-generation Enhanced Vision System, optimising pilot awareness in low visibility.

The G500 is the first aircraft certified to use enhanced vision to land and the first business aircraft certified to Stage 5 noise standards.

Gulfstream anticipates delivering the first G500 in the fourth quarter.

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