News Release
GULFSTREAM OFFERS AIRCRAFT FLIGHT DATA MONITORING SERVICE TO ENHANCE OPERATIONAL SAFETY
Demonstrated Flight Data Monitoring / Flight Operations Quality Assurance Information Now Accessible for Gulfstream Operators
SAVANNAH, Ga., February 18, 2008 – Gulfstream has developed a Flight Data Monitoring /Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FDM/FOQA) program to enhance flight safety. The Flight Operations Risk Management Service (FORMS) is now available for all in-production Gulfstream business-jet aircraft as well as out-of-production GIV/GIV-SP and GV jets.
Gulfstream FORMS analyzes and accurately measures exposure to known risks, including unstable approaches, limiting events of the aircraft and maintenance issues. The program is the first of its kind to be offered by a large-cabin business-jet aircraft manufacturer and is tailored for business-jet operations.
“Gulfstream FORMS builds upon the safety tools already employed in the flight deck,” said Pres Henne, senior vice president, programs, engineering and test, Gulfstream. “By evaluating risk exposure, FORMS provides aircraft owners and operators with solid data that identifies areas for improvement for pilots, air traffic controllers and aircraft maintenance. This awareness allows operators to enrich their internal and external training programs to address these types of issues before they become more serious.”
In use for a number of years in the commercial airline industry, FDM/FOQA analysis has resulted in significant reductions in the number of unstable approaches while at the same time improving compliance with the pilots Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
With the number of in-service Gulfstream business jets surpassing 1,600 aircraft, combined with the fact that pilot type ratings are now common between five Gulfstream aircraft models, this type of research data can provide statistically significant findings to operators, resulting in even safer flight.
The Gulfstream FORMS program comprises the installation of a Quick Access Recorder (QAR) via an Aircraft Service Change; a FORMS service subscription and a tailored Implementation and Operations plan. The QAR captures Flight Data Recorder data and is uploaded periodically onto a secure server for analysis. Data access protocols are chosen in advance by operators to satisfy their data privacy requirements. Gulfstream has partnered with Austin Digital Incorporated, a leading FDM/FOQA analysis company, to supply FORMS services. Austin Digital currently provides services to a number of major commercial carriers including American, Continental, Lufthansa, Northwest, Southwest, and United airlines.
Gulfstream FORMS participants receive quarterly reports in a customer-friendly graphical format that features analysis of their aircraft operations. At the end of the year, they receive a comparison of their aircraft’s performance to that of the entire reporting fleet. FORMS information also can help identify areas for improvement with Air Traffic Control procedures. In such cases, Gulfstream will apprise the Federal Aviation Administration.
NOTE TO EDITORS
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), designs, develops, manufactures, markets, services and supports the world’s most technologically advanced business-jet aircraft. Gulfstream has produced some 1,600 aircraft for customers around the world since 1958. To meet the diverse transportation needs of the future, Gulfstream offers a comprehensive fleet of aircraft, comprising the wide-cabin, high-speed Gulfstream G150®; the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G200®; the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G350®; the large-cabin, long-range G450®; the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G500® and the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G550®. Gulfstream also offers aircraft ownership services via Gulfstream Financial Services Division and Gulfstream Pre-Owned Aircraft Sales®. The company employs more than 9,100 people at seven major locations. We invite you to visit our Web site for more information and photos of Gulfstream aircraft at www.gulfstream.com.
General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 83,500 people worldwide and reported 2007 revenues of $27.2 billion. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies. More information about the company is available on the Internet at www.generaldynamics.com.
