Who Is Buying Those 200 $65 Million Gulfstream G650s BizJets?

**Big Pimpin** · 11-06-2012, 08:18 AM

Amazing, isn?t it? The new Gulfstream G650 has an order book of 200 customers. A $65 million dollar price tag doesn?t seem to detract from the fascination with this incredible airplane. While the rest of the business aviation industry is battling the depressed economy, there seems to be a buoyant market in the U.S. and abroad for this ultra-high-priced, high-performance jet. And why not? With a top speed of 92% of the speed of sound (arguably the fastest civilian jet in the world), room for a basketball team, 8,000-statute-mile range and some of the most sophisticated avionics rivaling nearly anything in the sky, this airplane is perfect for doing business on a global scale. Because of its superlatives, including price, however, it also appeals greatly to the ?if you?ve got it, flaunt it? crowd.

For the rest of us who use private aviation as a business tool and don?t have a very large money tree growing in the backyard, less is not always better, but it is functional. After all, how many times would I need to fly 8,000 miles non-stop? And is saving 30 minutes on a coast-to-coast flight worth the $65 million dollar investment? I?m just happy not to be burdened with the indignities of commercial air travel, even if I?m flying in my fractionally owned Avantair Piaggio Avanti.

If I?m sounding a bit jealous, I am. It?s hard to talk yourself out of wanting the ultimate in private jet travel. On the other hand, there are many more-affordable options. If you really need an airplane that can handle 15 people, why not a used G550 or even a used G-IV? I?ve seen any number of low-time G-IVs for sale in the incredible $8 million to $10 million range! Certainly it?s not a match for the G650 in either speed or range, but when you put that extra $50 million in your pocket and still have a world-class airplane to get you anywhere you need to go, it has to feel pretty good!

For the rest of us, a light or midsize jet, which is only slightly slower, is probably a realistic alternative. Also keep in mind, all those advantages are available without having to own an airplane at all. With the countless fractional, lease, flight hour card options available, lots of us can still enjoy the myriad benefits of business aviation.

Remember, it?s the mission that counts, and the next time I need an 8,000-mile-range jet will be my first. Still, I must admit to having fantasies about owning one. It?s fun to think about those lucky (did I say ?lucky??) 200 folks, though, who can get into their G650 and say, ?Cairo please, and just wake me up when we get there.?

**LAM** · 11-06-2012, 10:04 AM

mostly those in entertainment or finance, would love to get the change to pilot one of those bad boys.

**Standard Donkey** · 11-06-2012, 10:05 AM

I thought your post was gunna say "YOU ARE" and then post an article as to how congressman are using taxpayer dollars to buy these aircraft

**Little Wing** · 11-06-2012, 10:11 AM

freaking sweet. i think anyone that says they wouldn't want one might be fibbing. or scared to fly

**Big Pimpin** · 11-06-2012, 10:59 AM

Originally Posted by Standard Donkey

I thought your post was gunna say "YOU ARE" and then post an article as to how congressman are using taxpayer dollars to buy these aircraft

Our military and gov't has plenty of Gulfstreams to chauffeur VIPs, MIL Brass and other .gov employees.

Factsheets : C-20

Factsheets : C-37A

**jay_steel** · 11-06-2012, 11:19 AM

If I could own any air craft it would be a P-51 I just think those are the most bad ass period.. Of course all the weapon systems would have to be active.

**LAM** · 11-06-2012, 11:28 AM

G650 Overview - Gulfstream

**Big Pimpin** · 11-06-2012, 11:29 AM

Originally Posted by jay_steel

If I could own any air craft it would be a P-51 I just think those are the most bad ass period.. Of course all the weapon systems would have to be active.

I agree. A cool $2+ million will get you a decent one too.

**Big Pimpin** · 11-06-2012, 11:31 AM

October 10, 2012
NTSB: Gulfstream Safety Culture A Factor In G650 Test Crash

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By Mary Grady, Contributing editor

The fiery crash of a Gulfstream G650 during flight testing in April 2011 was caused by an aerodynamic stall and subsequent uncommanded roll during a one-engine-out takeoff flight test, the NTSB determined on Wednesday. Those events were the result of several human failures, according to the NTSB: Gulfstream's failure to properly develop and validate takeoff speeds for the flight tests and recognize and correct a takeoff safety speed (V2) error during previous G650 flight tests; the G650 flight-test team's persistent and increasingly aggressive attempts to achieve V2 speeds that were erroneously low; and Gulfstream's inadequate investigation of previous G650 uncommanded roll events, which would have shown that the company's estimated stall angle of attack while the airplane was in ground effect was too high. Two pilots and two engineers died in the crash, in Roswell, N.M. The G650 was type-certified last month.

"Two prior close calls should have prompted a yellow flag, but instead of slowing down to analyze what had happened, the program continued full speed ahead," said NTSB chairman Deborah Hersman. "This crash was as much an absence of leadership as it was of lift." Later, she acknowledged that after the accident, Gulfstream recognized "that many changes needed to be made and began to implement them." The investigation showed that Gulfstream's flight-test schedule was "aggressive," with "pressure to get the aircraft certified," Hersman said. "Assumptions and errors were made, but they were neither reviewed nor evaluated when review data was collected." The board's conclusions and recommendations are posted online.

**Cgrant** · 11-06-2012, 11:39 AM

GulfStream is a fucking monster. Their competitors constantly say we wanna be like gulfstream. Noone knows how they do t, perhaps their marketing, advertising and branding make them culturally popular, but it's been known for YEARS their engineering department definitely leaves something to be desired. Their network of service centers is second to none, and all of their employees are extremely knowledgable in their respective fields and in aviation in general.

**Big Pimpin** · 11-06-2012, 11:44 AM

Home - HondaJet

Wonder if it has V-tec?

**Big Pimpin** · 11-06-2012, 11:47 AM

Originally Posted by Cgrant

GulfStream is a fucking monster. Their competitors constantly say we wanna be like gulfstream. Noone knows how they do t, perhaps their marketing, advertising and branding make them culturally popular, but it's been known for YEARS their engineering department definitely leaves something to be desired. Their network of service centers is second to none, and all of their employees are extremely knowledgable in their respective fields and in aviation in general.

No doubt that Gulfstream is the best in the business bar none.

One big thing that comes into play when an owner/corp chooses a jet to fit his ego and that is 'ramp presence'.

Gulfstream defines the term 'ramp presence'.

**Cgrant** · 11-06-2012, 11:52 AM

Originally Posted by Big Pimpin

No doubt that Gulfstream is the best in the business bar none.

One big thing that comes into play when an owner/corp chooses a jet to fit his ego and that is 'ramp presence'.

Gulfstream defines the term 'ramp presence'.

Without a doubt. There are certain traits you see in gulfstream owners though, being a bit cocky, showy or even just flashy douche bags, in my experience that is.

**Big Pimpin** · 11-06-2012, 12:17 PM

Originally Posted by Cgrant

Without a doubt. There are certain traits you see in gulfstream owners though, being a bit cocky, showy or even just flashy douche bags, in my experience that is.

...and dozens of Saudi Princes who have Gulfstreams...

**Cgrant** · 11-06-2012, 01:35 PM

Originally Posted by Big Pimpin

...and dozens of Saudi Princes who have Gulfstreams...

Exactly what I just said

**Cgrant** · 11-06-2012, 01:40 PM

Originally Posted by Big Pimpin

...and dozens of Saudi Princes who have Gulfstreams...

Exactly what I just said

**LAM** · 11-06-2012, 10:31 PM

Originally Posted by Big Pimpin

I agree. A cool $2+ million will get you a decent one too.

for 2M you can get an old 206B Jet Ranger II AND something like a Cessna Citation

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