The Gulfstream Hospitality:
Started production in the 1950’s with the G1, putting excellence and customer satisfaction. It is evident that they’ve consistently maintained the originality of their mission since inception as a company in the 1950’s which is to put customer satisfaction ahead of profits. Private jets are an elite’s toy for comfort, style and luxury. For most business corporations, it is a machine that aids time efficiency. Time is money and a lot of the big businesses run time sensitive transactions. There are some destinations that airliners have non-daily or no scheduled flights to, and some of those locations may be of business interest to big companies. Sometimes it’s the timing of their appointments and meetings, for some business men, every hour in a day is a critical resource for business continuity and to meet up to their obligations. In as much as the Private jet life is stylish, luxurious and comfortable, it is most importantly an efficient way for time management. Some of the most popular corporate jet manufacturers include Gulfstream Aerospace, Bombardier Aviation, Dassault Aviation, Embraer, Textron Aviation. I’ll leave out Airbus Corporate Jets(ACJ) and Boeing Business Jets(BBJ). Each manufacturer brings unique strengths to the table, whether it is range, cabin luxury, or advanced avionics. A lot of factors determines the customer’s choice on the private jet to buy, some factors are; travel needs, budgets, range/performance, operational costs, cabin comfort/amenities, maintenance support provided, geopolitical allegiance and more.
For those that have seen my previous blogs, you can tell my background is Bombardier aviation. I’ve been flying Bombardier aircraft since 2013 and have a strong connection to the brand. On one of my posts, it was evident that I currently fly a Global 7500 being the newest in the Bombardier Global series as of today, it’ll be the same type-rating and qualification with the Global 8000. My articles caught the attention of a senior member of the Gulfstream Aerospace team. Applauding my work and commitment to sharing my flying experiences, giving safety enhancing tips with real life scenarios, I was elated because my publications were primarily to inspire those that may need it and a pass time hobby to let aviation enthusiasts see through our working lenses. Then came the offer. “If you like, when I next bring one of the new Gulfstreams to Lagos I’d love to show you on board..! Or if you find yourself in London for some time, we could host you for a flying session in our symmetry flight simulator”. Of course I jumped on the opportunity to learn about the Gulfstream airplanes. The plan was for me to get in contact when I’m off work and available for this exciting opportunity. After a very busy tour and finally home for a well deserved rest, I reach out as agreed and a small team was immediately put in place to harness the plan. Just noteworthy, the gentleman(Gavin Thompson) that coordinated this experience is easily one of the best humans I’ve encountered. We’d a great conversation on the group. From aviation related matters to football and other subjects, amazing first impression and great personality. A few days after, the arrangements were concluded and I got a notification with details of my transportation arrangement. A Mercedes S-class with a chauffeur and a schedule, the Gulfstream way! This elevated my anticipation and excitement, the arrangement was excellent.
A day to our appointment, I got a notification of an emergency addition to the simulator schedule as a result of crew duty this led to a slight time adjustment. The intentionality from the coordinator was impressive, He understood that their guest needed to be kept informed. I waited a few days for this slot, I guess a few hours had nothing on my excitement. Travel day finally came, my pick up was here early and the Gulfstream hospitality started immediately. Chris was an exceptional professional, very experienced and warm. I paid attention during our conversations to have an understanding on how passionate He was about His job. When He mentioned that He’s worked with Gulfstream for more than 8 years, it all made perfect sense. His conduct wasn’t just that of a happy associate, but a great ambassador of the Gulfstream brand. I was impressed as it reiterated the importance of keeping your staff and associates happy. They are the best promoters of your business, and Chris was that guy. I felt honored already from the first physical contact with Chris. Our long ride to Farnborough airport was smooth with lots of great conversations and learning. I already started understanding more about what I’ll call the Gulfstream culture. It wasn’t just about making great airplanes, there was more to the brand. You could tell they are passionate about excellence regardless of the cost, customer satisfaction and quality service was definitely on top of their list.
First stop was Flight safety international for the flying part of my experience. I was welcomed warmly by Gavin Thompson and the FSI team(Megan Grigg and Tim Lewis), did some catching up with Gavin and then proceeded to a briefing with my instructor(Tim). Oh so I don’t forget to mention the FSI setting was an amazing extension of the FSI facilities in the States. Being my first time in an FSI facility outside the US, I was impressed. The instructor was a super great guy, very grounded and knowledgeable about the airplanes. Got in the simulator and instantly loved the flight-deck. I was surprised at the simplification of the flight-deck, it was nothing like I’d imagined. I’ve been in the airplane’s flight-deck once in Lagos, but I guess a glance is totally different from settling in with an open mind to learn and fly. With brief instructions, I lined up on JFK’s Runway 04R and advanced the throttles, took-off with the Head Up Display(HUD) and we were airborne nicely. Hand-flew the airplane with no automation to have a feel of it, then the 60 million dollars ($60m) reveal was experienced first hand. ‘THE ACTIVE SIDE-STICK TECHNOLOGY’. During our briefing session, the instructor praised this technology saying it’s so genius that to Him it is worth $60m of the total jet cost. Oh yes! I agree. From a pilot’s point of view, the active side-stick is superb. It retains our natural feel of the aircraft, that gives the ability for real-time adjustments, improved situational awareness which increases safety and enhances performance.
We shot the first instrument landing approach(ILS 04R) and I had a nice first landing of the Gulfstream 600. I was amazed and wanted to do it again to be sure it wasn’t a fluke. Wanting to taxi off the runway and I realized the tiller was in an unnatural position, that was meant to be my first ‘gotcha’ moment, in my head “I knew I’ll find a flaw”. I queried Tim about this and He told me to use the rudder for my turns, really? That’s awesome, the last time I steered with the rudder during taxi turns was in flight school. The rudder steering during taxi is amazing, I liked it and the airplane was very stable on ground taxis. Went on for the next flight and again, this airplane is so simplified and great to fly that I kept wondering until the lightbulb moment “Oh that’s true, it’s an American airplane” For context, the Americans like to keep it simple and yet make it make sense. I love it!. The second Landing was what Captain Sam will call a Super greaser. I’m sure my instructor enjoyed the ride as much as I did. I don’t think the awesomeness of this new Gulfstreams are being spoken enough of. I give the design engineers and the entire team their flowers. Oh lest I forget, the dual option Go-Around button is a game changer for the Go-Around maneuvers and I know pilots will love it. An electric rudder pedal adjustment would be a nice addition though. From a cockpit standpoint, the G-600/700 is arguably top of the line.
Flying concluded and a debrief with my instructor was completed, had a photograph with the team and they also gave me a bag of souvenirs. Next stop was the biggest Gulfstream maintenance facility outside the United States, the size and location of this facility clearly shows Gulfstream aerospace is about excellence. I met with the General Manger(Mark Bates), who showed me amazing features of the facility. Apart from the large ramp, fuel farm, amazing lounges, offices and state of the art maintenance hangars, something stood out. The security protocol led by Mr. Eric Bell, was definitely a part of the organization that showed top quality. Every member of the Gulfstream team showed an admirable level of motivation and passion for excellence. I was glad when I got welcomed to be a part of the Gulfstream Aerospace Family. It’s all based on facts, Gulfstream doesn’t just build great jets, their customer service support is excellent.
Thank you Tim Wood (Regional Vice President- Africa, Turkey & South Asia) and Gulfstream for the enlightening experience and souvenirs.
Crew Lounge 