Gulfstream is test flying one of its GV aircraft fitted with a synthetic-vision system (SVS) designed to improve pilot awareness and prevent controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) accidents. Gulfstream is working closely with NASA on this project, who are using the system to develop advanced safety technologies that could one day be used in civil aviation.

CFIT accidents occur when an aircraft is accidentally flown into terrain, obstacles or water, usually with no prior awareness by the crew. NASA and Gulfstream test pilots have been flying a series of approaches ‘blind’, using only the SVS for visual guidance. Development will continue throughout the summer, before moving on to the next stage, with test pilots flying with SVS near buildings and mountains.