Airports are not always easy to reach. Short fields at high altitudes and old runways surrounded by urban sprawl require a veteran pilot to keep passengers comfortable while coming in hot. It is a delicate balance of speed, sink rate, and g-forces that demand the very best from the crew and their equipment. Places like Telluride, Colorado, and John Wayne in Orange County are nerve-racking for rookies, and they place incredible stress on the tires, brakes, and landing gear. That is why our friends at Gulfstream have set another steep approach record.
In a press release last night, they outlined the details of the event. On February 16th, a G280 left Burlington, Vermont en route to London City Airport. Because this field has strict noise regulations, pilots are forced to basically glide in with engines at idle. To stay above stall speed, a normal airliner is forced to aim for the earth before leveling out at the last minute. Thanks to saving weight and an efficient profile, the G280 can accomplish this with a more conventional angle of attack. Cruising across the pond at Mach 0.83, it made the trip in a record 6 hours & 10 minutes.
President of Gulfstream Mark Burns said: The Gulfstream G280’s combination of range, fuel-efficiency and performance, particularly on short runways, reinforces its place atop the super-midsize class. These latest city-pair speed records are further proof of the aircraft’s superior performance capabilities bolstered by its advanced wing, robust airframe and powerful engines.” Click the button below to learn more about the abilities of the G280, and stay with us for all your Gulfstream news.
