Gulfstream G500 completes first flight

Gulfstream has flown its new $43.5 million G500 for the first time, seven months after the aircraft was first unveiled.

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The first aircraft, MSN 72001 / N500GA was flown by Gulfstream experimental test pilots Scott Martin and Kevin Claffy, with flight test engineer Bill Osborne provided on-board support.

The G500 took off for the first time from the airframers Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport homebase, on Monday May 18 at 10:39 local time.

During the two hour and 16 minute first flight, the G500 climbed to an initial altitude of 10,500 feet /3,200 meters, before climbing further to 15,000 ft / 4,572 m, where the flight the crew tested all primary flight control systems, tested all systems using the Symmetry touchscreen controllers, as well as performing a simulated approach and go-around.

“The successful first flight of N500GA represents the tremendous investments we have made in the G500 program,” said Gulfstream senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Dan Nale, “We have achieved this milestone thanks to Gulfstream’s world-class research and development teams and our commitment to setting new standards for business aviation.”

Gulfstream say that they are aiming for the G500 to gain FAA certification in 2017, with first customer deliveries to follow in 2018.