Gulfstream Aerospace says the Gulfstream G550 will share the same type rating as its predecessor, the Gulfstream V. The Flight Standards Board, composed of pilot representatives from the FAA and JAA, has ruled that GV pilots will be authorised to fly the G550 aircraft upon completion of a five-day ‘differences’ course that highlights the PlaneView flight deck and is offered at FlightSafety International in Savannah.

GV pilots are also required to complete fourteen additional hours of training on the head-up display (HUD) and the Gulfstream Enhanced Vision System (EVS), both of which are standard equipment on the G550.

GV pilots who are already HUD- and EVS-qualified are not required to complete the additional training.

Conversely, pilots who train to fly the G550 may also elect to take a two-day GV differences course to earn a GV type rating.

Gulfstream president Bryan

Moss said: “Because initial pilot type rating on a new aircraft is usually about three weeks, GV operators who are adding or considering adding a G550 to their existing fleet have benefited significantly from the

FAA’s decision.

“Essentially their pilots can

spend more time in the air where they are most valuable and less time in

the classroom.”

The G550’s sister ship, the G500, is expected to receive FAA type certification in the fourth quarter

this year.

As the two aircraft feature nearly identical cockpit design, it is expected that the G500 will also share the same type rating as the GV.