The article doesn't mention anything about a flight attendant, only an "trained crewmember". However, rather than have a third pilot in back, why not make it a flight attendant?
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G550 To Require Evacuation Crewmember
Gulfstream, in what is apparently the resolution of a dispute with FAA concerning its traditional four elliptical window emergency exits, will require “an evacuation crewmember” on all G550 flights carrying 10 or more passengers. The company describes the decision as an “equivalent safety finding” granted by the FAA before issuance of the primary type certificate, in compliance with the latest regulatory amendments.” Gulfstream had anticipated certification of the G550 with the same four-window emergency exit system as the G500 from which the new airplane is derived. The FAA, however, asked Gulfstream to redesign the G550’s emergency exit system to include a Type III exit, 36 inches high by 20 inches wide. The elliptical window exit is 19 inches high by 26 inches wide. The proposed operating manual is specific in the training required of the evacuation crewmember, saying that he or she must be “trained in the optimum method of evacuating exits and procedures for directing passenger flow to prevent someone who does not fit through an elliptical window from blocking it so that others cannot use it.” Gulfstream says this solution “was supported by feedback from our customers as well as training organizations that appreciate the effectiveness of the Gulfstream design.”
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Now, how long has Gulfstream been building this fuselage type with that standard Gulfstream window? 1960's when the first G1 came out. If I'm not mistaken, the Navy has GIV's (C37s??) that can seat 19 or 20 pax. Also, isn't the GIV certified for 19 in civil use? Why don't they require an evacuation crewmember? You'd think with the smaller cabin (length), it would be more cramped thus making an evacuation more difficult. Sounds to me like someone at the Fed level went out to make a name for themselves.
Regards,
2000Flyer
