G150 - Initial Impressions?

[johnsonrod]

I know that the G150 is relatively new and there might not be too many operating at this time. Anyone seen one up close? Any initial impressions? I had heard that it was runway restricted and not a great performer in the climb (unlike the Sovereign). I am aware that Netjets cancelled a big order for G150s as well. Has anyone on this board looked at the G150 or compared this aircraft with competing aircraft for your own flight departments?

BTW, Flying Magazine has a good article about flying the G150 on a few transcon flights. Not surprising that Flying would praise this aircraft like it was the best aircraft ever - Gulfstream buys a lot of advertising in Flying.

Anyone have any initial impressions of the aircraft beyond the fact that it is probably much more comfortable than the Astra?

 

[LR60BOY]

It's ugly.

 

[Hopeless_in_GA]

Agreed, it's not the cutest kid on th ramp.

 

[sleepy]

I looked inside one when Gulfstream brought it by our hanger. I was not really impressed with the cabin. Never flown it, so I can't say anything about that. I have been flying a Sovereign a little lately. The cabin is nicer than the 150, it handles like a truck, but for the money has pretty good performance (same as a Hawker 800XP but with a nicer cabin and much more baggage space).

 

[hawkerjet]

Sleepy, you've got a run on sentence going on back there. Are you saying the sovereign has the same performance as the 800XP ? I thought the 680 was a beast!

 

[snow-back]

It's a fast, fuel efficient, de-Astra-ized, mid-size jet...plus it comes with Gulfstream Product Support. It's not a large cabin Gulfstream, nor was it designed to be. It was designed to replace the Astra SPX/G100 and hopefully be a stepping stone aircraft up to the G200, 450, 550, etc. I haven't flown it, but from all accounts, it easily meets all it's advertised numbers.

http://www.airliners.net/open.file?...FP&photo_nr=6&prev_id=1047148&next_id=0916994

 

[svcta]

I fly a 100, and say what you will, it does what it is supposed to. It's fast, efficient, ugly, small cabin, gets in and out of small runways well for a swept wing a/c, is dead simple to fly, and ours has proven to be pretty dam reliable.

The de-astraizing that would take place with the 150 would probably make it better. I don't know much about what they did to it, but I seem to remember upgraded FMS(?) I saw a mock up once that had Collins if memory serves.

 

[On Your Six]

It's a fast, fuel efficient, de-Astra-ized, mid-size jet...plus it comes with Gulfstream Product Support. It's not a large cabin Gulfstream, nor was it designed to be. It was designed to replace the Astra SPX/G100 and hopefully be a stepping stone aircraft up to the G200, 450, 550, etc. I haven't flown it, but from all accounts, it easily meets all it's advertised numbers.

http://www.airliners.net/open.file?...FP&photo_nr=6&prev_id=1047148&next_id=0916994

Can someone explain two things:

1. Why did Netjets drop its order?

2. What was the hub-bub regarding runway restrictions?

 

[LJ45]

I looked at the G150 the other day. I didn't like:

- the baggage compartment size and having to stand on a ladder.
They should have put fold down steps on the door like the G200 or Excel.

- Baggage still a little small, ok for some folks.

- the akward latches on the baggage door.

- low clearance thru the main cabin door.

- the cabin should have been long enough to hold a double club.

highlights:

-really nice cockpit avionics.

 

[ttflyer]

Can someone explain two things:

1. Why did Netjets drop its order?

2. What was the hub-bub regarding runway restrictions?

I don't have any direct knowlege, but I think it's a ground loving SOB (like the G-200) particularly hot + high....

Maybe someone can correct me...