Gulfstream flagship gets EASA certification and production go-ahead

The company received the Production Certificate (PC) from the FAA and a Type Certificate for the G650 from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

The PC was obtained on December 20, 2012, and confirms that Gulfstream’s production processes for the G650 are in compliance with FAA Part 21 rules. The audit examines Gulfstream’s engineering, supplier, manufacturing and quality systems to assure the aircraft are produced in accordance with their design.

The EASA Type Certificate was awarded on December 21. By securing EASA certification, the G650 can be registered in the 27 member states that form the European Union.

 “The EASA certification allows us to begin our first G650 deliveries to customers based in Europe,” Larry Flynn, president, Gulfstream.said. “We look forward to getting the G650 certified in many other countries.”

The G650 earned its FAA Type Certificate on Sept. 7, 2012. The aircraft also has Type Certificate validations from Bermuda and the Isle of Man.

Gulfstream was at the MEBA show in Dubai earlier this month and were promoting the G650 as having the largest cabin in its class and able to fly farther and faster than any other purpose-built business jet.

The aircraft can travel 6,000 nautical miles (11,112 km) at its high-speed cruise of Mach 0.90. This is a 1,000-nm (1,852-km) increase over the original target of 5,000 nm (9,260 km).

At its long-range cruise speed of Mach 0.85, the G650 can fly 7,000 nautical miles (12,964 km). The G650 has a maximum cruise speed of Mach 0.925, making it the fastest certified civilian aircraft in production.

The G650 is also environmentally efficient.

Each of its two Rolls-Royce BR725 A1-12 engines provides 16,900 pounds of thrust, yet the aircraft burns less fuel and produces fewer emissions than other aircraft. It is also extremely quiet, with certified noise levels 17.2 decibels below Stage 4 noise regulations.