FAA and EASA approve Gulfstream cockpit upgrade

Gulfstream Aerospace
announced that it recently received approval from the FAA and EASA to retrofit
Gulfstream GV, GIV, GIV-SP, G400 and G300 aircraft with the cockpit upgrade
known as PlaneDeck.

The optional upgrade, an
exclusive for Gulfstream operators, converts the primary flight display from
cathode ray tube to liquid crystal.  Gulfstream’s six-panel display configuration
remains the same.

“This is great news for the
more than 700 GV, GIV, GIV-SP, G300 and G400 operators worldwide,” said Mark
Burns, president, Gulfstream product support.  “PlaneDeck’s advanced
technology offers many safety benefits and improves an aircraft’s efficiency
and reliability.”

The PlaneDeck installation
complements upcoming FAA NextGen requirements, such as the Future Air
Navigation System 1/A data link, Wide Area Augmentation System-Localizer
Performance with Vertical Guidance and Required Navigation Performance. According
to the FAA, which projects increased business jet and airline travel in the
next 20 years, the use of satellite-based technology will help reduce gridlock,
in the air and at airports.

The installation of
PlaneDeck on Gulfstream GV, GIV, GIV-SP, G400 and G300 aircraft has already
begun. Installation time is expceted around 10 to 12 business days.