Airline Pilot Forums

Flight,

It is now public that my flight department is in the process of converting our Falcon fleet to a mostly Gulfstream fleet (we are keeping the F2000LX). Out with the F900C and the 7X and in with a new Gulfstream 450 and Gulfstream 550. Having no experience in Gulfstreams, I would like to solicit comments from those with knowledge who care to share their experiences and expertise with operating procedures, performance, training (SAV) and support.

Any input is appreciated,

Kevin

Flight,

It is now public that my flight department is in the process of converting our Falcon fleet to a mostly Gulfstream fleet (we are keeping the F2000LX). Out with the F900C and the 7X and in with a new Gulfstream 450 and Gulfstream 550. Having no experience in Gulfstreams, I would like to solicit comments from those with knowledge who care to share their experiences and expertise with operating procedures, performance, training (SAV) and support.

Any input is appreciated,

Kevin

I have that T-shirt. We went from a Falcon 50EX to a GIV-SP. From a product support standpoint, both Dassault and Gulfstream are top notch so you should be pleased.

As far as flying the airplane goes, you couldn't have any two more different airplanes. Everything on the gulfstream is big and heavy. The Gulfstream school of thought is heavy and big. Flying the airplane will take some getting used to because you have to muscle it rather than the finger tip flying you're used to from your falcon. From a performance standpoint you will be pleased because there's really nothing the G450/550 doesn't do well..... Great takeoff performance, stops on a dime, will out climb any falcon. Your G550 will have very slow ref speeds and your G450 will have faster ref speeds due to the different wing. Short field landings will be much more stress free on the 550. You will find the brakes on both the 450 and 550 VERY grabby and they'll take some getting used to. Much harder to brake smoothly in a Gulfstream than a Falcon especially after they get warm after landing. But that being said the brakes are EXTREMELY powerful and there's not really such thing as "Max Braking" unless you want to hurt people.

Overall I'd say Gulfstream makes a better airplane, but it took me quite a while to admit that because I did love the Falcon and think they're also great airplanes.

You won't find a more knowledgeable group than FSI in SAV for training on any Gulfstream.

Good Luck!

FSI DFW is bringing the 450/550 training online the beginning of next year. My thought is that is will shift some of the load/backlog from Savannah.

Flight,

It is now public that my flight department is in the process of converting our Falcon fleet to a mostly Gulfstream fleet (we are keeping the F2000LX). Out with the F900C and the 7X and in with a new Gulfstream 450 and Gulfstream 550. Having no experience in Gulfstreams, I would like to solicit comments from those with knowledge who care to share their experiences and expertise with operating procedures, performance, training (SAV) and support.

Any input is appreciated,

Kevin

The most important question to ponder is what your new avatar will be.

The Dude is pretty much spot on but I think he's speaking from a GIV standpoint. The GV (G550) is much lighter on the controls that a GIV. When I first checked out in the GIV I though "Oh my goodness, what have I done!" The GIV drives like a Sherman tank. The later GV (G550) has much improved control feel (still not like a Falcon) and is a real pleasure to hand fly. The G350/450 share the improved GV control feel and the same hydraulic system.

Having lots of time in Falcons as well as G-Strings, the G-Monsters are truly superior airplanes to the Dassault product but they cost lots-n-lots more bucks to buy and operate.

TransMach

The Dude is pretty much spot on but I think he's speaking from a GIV standpoint. The GV (G550) is much lighter on the controls that a GIV. When I first checked out in the GIV I though "Oh my goodness, what have I done!" The GIV drives like a Sherman tank. The later GV (G550) has much improved control feel (still not like a Falcon) and is a real pleasure to hand fly. The G350/450 share the improved GV control feel and the same hydraulic system.

Having lots of time in Falcons as well as G-Strings, the G-Monsters are truly superior airplanes to the Dassault product but they cost lots-n-lots more bucks to buy and operate.

TransMach

Definitely true, but the 450/550 will still feel heavy and sluggish for a guy coming from a Falcon.

Having lots of time in Falcons as well as G-Strings, the G-Monsters are truly superior airplanes to the Dassault product but they cost lots-n-lots more bucks to buy and operate.

TransMach

G-Monsters?...now theres a new Gulf-ism...:confused:...:-)

He flies a 7X....G550s are cheaper to buy. Up to 5Mil cheaper as off a year or 2 ago.

Where the Falcon shines is the cost of operation. Much cheaper than the Gulfstream, 35%...but you get what you pay for - much longer range in the 550. The 2 airplanes aren't really much of a comparison as they do very different missions. No Falcon is targeted at the G550 market.

Falcon also seems to really target the individual as compared to the large department...and have has some issues as of late with customer service (from my experience for sure) They are rabid about "Market Preservation." They were hangaring green airplanes all over Europe and the US when Gulfstream was selling them for 10mil discounts. This is the type of thing that attracts wealthy individuals looking to protect their investment. The vast majority of new Falcon buyers are previous Falcon owners.

I think the OP will be happy with a fleet change, as I can imagine dispatching a 7X as often as a large department will do can occasionally be a real headache...this I know. I have yet to fly an airplane that flies as nice, not even close...but that does you no good if you cant get off the ramp.

Not that this wont happen with every new airplane...

;)

The most important question to ponder is what your new avatar will be.


Ha! yeah that will be the hardest part to figure out ;)

Flight,

I really appreciate the comments, thank you!

Kevin

G-Monsters?...now theres a new Gulf-ism...:confused:...:-)

He flies a 7X....G550s are cheaper to buy. Up to 5Mil cheaper as off a year or 2 ago.

Where the Falcon shines is the cost of operation. Much cheaper than the Gulfstream, 35%...but you get what you pay for - much longer range in the 550. The 2 airplanes aren't really much of a comparison as they do very different missions. No Falcon is targeted at the G550 market.

Falcon also seems to really target the individual as compared to the large department...and have has some issues as of late with customer service (from my experience for sure) They are rabid about "Market Preservation." They were hangaring green airplanes all over Europe and the US when Gulfstream was selling them for 10mil discounts. This is the type of thing that attracts wealthy individuals looking to protect their investment. The vast majority of new Falcon buyers are previous Falcon owners.

I think the OP will be happy with a fleet change, as I can imagine dispatching a 7X as often as a large department will do can occasionally be a real headache...this I know. I have yet to fly an airplane that flies as nice, not even close...but that does you no good if you cant get off the ramp.

Not that this wont happen with every new airplane...

;)

Now, ....er Now, you know me and the situation so you know I will miss the 7X. I only wish Dassault support was better. Then I could have retired not having to go through one more 4 week type rating course :)

Cheers!

Kevin

Now, ....er Now, you know me and the situation so you know I will miss the 7X. I only wish Dassault support was better. Then I could have retired not having to go through one more 4 week type rating course :)

Cheers!

Kevin


Yup!...agree 100%..usually pay or lifestyle does not change so the excitement of a new airplane wears off halfway through the flight to the 4 week intial...:(

Im sure you will have fun either way, sometimes change is good!

and hey, dont you guys know the rule of no training at centers you cant drive to?

:)