Gulfstream.com is best viewed with Flash Player 8. News Release
First Aircraft Manufacturer to Achieve This Authorization Level
SAVANNAH, Ga., March 28, 2008 – Gulfstream
Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE:
GD), achieved a significant regulatory milestone this week when
the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officially granted the
business-jet manufacturer Organizational Designation Authorization
(ODA) for initial phase manufacturing in Savannah. Gulfstream is
the first aircraft manufacturer to achieve this authorization level.
The designation allows Gulfstream to act on behalf of the FAA to examine
Gulfstream aircraft designs, production quality and airworthiness. The FAA
launched the ODA initiative to more effectively manage critical resources
in response to the growing needs of the aviation industry.
Gulfstream and the FAA cemented the cooperative effort during a ceremony at the company’s corporate headquarters in Savannah. President Joe Lombardo represented Gulfstream at the event, while John Hickey, director, Aircraft Certification Service, FAA, represented the FAA. Officials from FAA offices in Washington, D.C.; Atlanta; Chicago; and Kansas City, Mo., joined Lombardo and Hickey for the ceremony.
“After two years of planning and preparation, we’re delighted to celebrate this historic milestone,” said Pres Henne, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream. “This is a critical step in expanding and enhancing the positive relationship between Gulfstream and the Federal Aviation Administration.”
The Gulfstream ODA organization will oversee amended Type Certification, Production Certification and Major Repair and Alterations Airworthiness on behalf of the FAA. An amended Type Certificate (TC) is traditionally issued when a manufacturer receives FAA approval to modify an aircraft design from the original. A Production Certificate (PC) confirms a manufacturer’s production processes comply with FAA regulations. Major Repair and Alterations Airworthiness (MRA) ensures the aircraft’s suitability for flight following significant repairs or alterations.
While this is the first ODA for Gulfstream, the company is pursuing additional authorizations for Final Phase and Service Center/General Dynamics Aviation Services sites. Bill Whitton, who serves as vice president for the Gulfstream ODA office, will continue to lead the authorization effort.
Gulfstream has been working progressively closer with the FAA on certifications since 2000, when the two organizations completed a Partnership for Safety Plan that identifies the operating norms and key FAA and Gulfstream roles and responsibilities in the aircraft certification process.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®; the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G550® and the ultra-large cabin, ultra-long-range G650®. 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.|
Document last modified Friday, March 28, 2008 |