PlaneDeck Enhances Aircraft’s Safety, Efficiency and Reliability

SAVANNAH, Ga., June 22, 2012 — Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. announced today that it recently received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to retrofit Gulfstream GV, GIV, GIV-SP, G400 and G300 aircraft with the cockpit upgrade known as PlaneDeck ™.

The optional upgrade, an exclusive for Gulfstream operators, converts the primary flight display from cathode ray tube to liquid crystal.  Gulfstream’s six-panel display configuration remains the same.  Along with improved clarity of the displays, PlaneDeck offers operators enhanced safety, efficiency and reliability with the integration of XM graphical weather; electronic charts and maps, which will be certifiable as paperless; and video displays, accessible through all-new dual cursor controls.  Minimal pilot training is necessary.

“This is great news for the more than 700 GV, GIV, GIV-SP, G300 and G400 operators worldwide,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream Product Support.  “PlaneDeck’s advanced technology offers many safety benefits and improves an aircraft’s efficiency and reliability.” 

The PlaneDeck installation complements upcoming FAA NextGen requirements, such as the Future Air Navigation System 1/A data link, Wide Area Augmentation System-Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance and Required Navigation Performance.  According to the FAA, which projects increased business jet and airline travel in the next 20 years, the use of satellite-based technology will help reduce gridlock, in the air and at airports.

The installation of PlaneDeck on Gulfstream GV, GIV, GIV-SP, G400 and G300 aircraft has already begun. Installation time is 10 to 12 business days. 

Source and photo: Gulfstream Aerospace