Believe it or not, I learned to fly in high school.
I transitioned to the G550 after flying earlier models of the Gulfstream line of business jets for 25 years, including the GII, GIIB, GIII, and GIV. My initial G550 training was accomplished at Flight Safety International's Gulfstream training facility in Savannah, Georgia. The Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation's manufacturing facility, where our G550 was built in 2007-2008, is also in Savannah.
The G550 is a pleasure to fly. In fact, there is nothing not to like. The airplane can fly 6,750 nautical miles and it has a cruise speed of .85 mach, burning about the same fuel that the GIV burned doing .80 mach. Avionics integration and displays have increased data volume and presentation level to increase the pilot's situational awareness in all realms of flight. The Enhanced Vision System (EVS) has made low visibility approaches easier and safer, and the quiet cockpit and cabin leave the crew and passengers feeling much more rested at the end of even the longest international flights.
Even though we are flying the most advanced integration of aviation technology, I like to review and accomplish the fundamental tasks that have marked safe flight operations from the beginning of aviation, i.e. verifying weather conditions, maintenance status, and fuel state. The automation in the new cockpits is a great tool for accomplishing the many "housekeeping" chores, allowing the pilots to focus on the bigger issues involved in safe travels. But there is no substitute for basic airmanship skills like looking out the window to clear airspace ahead or before pulling away from the blocks to taxi. The situational awareness in the glass displays is no substitute for the situational awareness in the pilot's head.
While corporate aviation has grown extensively over the past 30 years, it is still a relatively small industry made up of personal relationships. Fundamental flying skills should be learned from the first lesson and then honed in all subsequent flying positions. Build a reputation for knowing how to fly, and learn the social skills to work as a crewmember. Expect to be judged on what you can do, not on what you say you can do.
The best thing about working at Solairus is that everyone works together here. We have a structured environment, but we're not micromanaged. With experienced and competent people throughout the company, the Solairus management team has ensured that the flight crews have everything we need to provide high-touch, first class service to our clients. As a pilot, I couldn't ask for more.
