Gulfstream Aerospace Corp now has FAA approval for touchdown and rollout using an enhanced flight vision system (EFVS) for its Gulfstream G650ER as well as the G650, G550 and G450. These aircraft join the company's new large-cabin G500, which was certified for this operational capability in December 2018, along with the super-midsize G280, which was authorised for this feature in April 2019. Gulfstream's other new large-cabin aircraft, the G600, will be certified for touchdown and rollout using an EFVS after the aircraft receives its type certification, which is expected in late June.

“This authorisation provides the capability for nearly 1,500 in-service Gulfstream aircraft to increase their operational efficiency and safety,” says senior vice president, innovation, engineering and flight Colin Miller. “EFVS greatly reduces the possibility of runway incidents, puts aircraft and passengers on the ground faster and saves fuel.”

EFVS is comprised of a combination of a cooled forward-looking infrared camera, also called an enhanced vision system (EVS), and head-up display (HUD), which work in tandem. EFVS is standard on all in-production large-cabin Gulfstream aircraft, is an option on the G280 and was standard on the G450.

Operators with the required training, a letter of authorisation from the FAA and the required EFVS equipment can land by using the EFVS imagery on the HUD without needing natural vision to see the runway. EFVS enhances safety by allowing pilots to land at airports in limited visibility because of haze, smog, smoke, fog or darkness, helping to minimise delays and rerouting.