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GIV vs. CL604?

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cvoav8r

Tube Dude
Joined
Dec 5, 2003
Posts
81
My owner...(sounds like I'm a dog huh!) has decided to upgrade into either the GIV or CL604. He asked which aircraft I would rather fly, and I having not flown either one am seeking advice as far as which is more pilot friendly to fly...and which type with experience has better long term employment advancement opportunities?
 
G IV...............................Hands down. Reliable, powerful and a blast to fly. Plus, the support for the airplane is awesome.

-fatburger-
 
**CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED**, I need an owner like yours.... I've never flown either one but I would say GIV no question.
 
Get a Gulfstream...in this order of preference: g550, gv, g450, gIV sp----it is a no brainer GO GULFSTREAM (if you have the choice)--a lot of training choices too.
 
The only problem with the GIV is fitting the pilots head through the door...

you see....about 25 years ago.... this was THE state of the art corporate machine, and the guys who flew it will let you know this - over and over again....

hence the nickname "Jesus 4"....

You were like a GOD if you flew one..

:D .
 
I agree with Fatburger - The -IV is an absolute DREAM to fly. Although I'm in NO WAY an expert on the 604, my friends that drive one sure like it, too, as any aviator thinks his machine is the best on the block.

The Gulfstream has loads of power - so much that the engine is de-rated to 13,800 lbs. thrust. I believe the Tays on the Fokker 100 are 18,000 lbs - isn't that right, Fokker drivers? I flew Lear 20 series for 10 years, and always got a kick out of the acceleration and ability to climb straight to FL410 in 17 - 20 minutes at GW. The -IV can do it also, with more room in the cockpit for the guy looking out front.

Don't know what kind of missions your boss has in mind, but for International, Gulfstream's the way to go. About 4,200 mile range, virtually bullet-proof engines and airframe, and great product support just in case of Murphy's Law stuff happens.

For the pilot, I think the Honeywell FMS and SPZ 8000 or 8400 is an awesome, easy-to-get system. Sure makes life easy for you, and keeps you from making the inevitable oops! during a long day. The auto-throttles are nice, and during those long, over-water trips keep the speed set as you get lighter.

All in all, I think it's a great machine if the boss can cough up for the initial expense. As an aside, you'll build up healthy biceps from the controls - kinda reminds me of those days when I drove an 18-wheeler.

Guess I sound like a salesman, but gotta put in my nickel response in favor of the G IV - hope you're happy with whatever the boss winds up with!
 
Go for the GIV, but before I go...

let's see you roll over a few times! (Good Dog!)
 
The IV's and V's are both very reliable. From my own experience, they are the easiest airplanes I have ever worked on...Very maintenance friendly.
Do some homework on customer service...You'll find that Gulfstream is always #1 on those surveys.
You have to admit, the Gulfstream is one of the sexiest looking business jets on the ramp.

As far as the CL aircraft? I know very little about them. I do know they don't like any kind of ice on their wngs.

If you're owner is looking at cost, don't forget about the F2000. Comparible in size to the G's and the CL's, but less range.
 
cvoav8r-

I fly both, and like both airplanes. The IV has better performance, better range and better looks. If you're looking to move on to bigger and better things having IV experience is more valuable.

The 604 however has a lot to offer. They are generally cheaper to buy and cheaper to operate. Cockpit is far more comfortable than the IV, and it still has good legs. In my experience, dispatch reliability is better than the GIV, but I will mention our GIV's are old.

Personally I prefer the Challenger avionics over those in the GIV but they are both excellent.

As far as flying characteristics go: GIV vs. 604 is John Deere vs. Ferrari, totally different. The IV is easier to fly.

In a nutshell: whichever one you end up with, you'll fly an exceptional airplane, and you'll be happy in either.

Hope this helps,
FF:cool:
 
GIV vs CL604

Mates,

The man said "My owner asked asked me which one I would rather fly?" or words to that effect. So I say ... forget which one the owner "should" buy, this guy should go out to the airport, find some guys with one of each, sit down in them and decide which one "trips his trigger".

Now, if the boss asked which one he should buy, that's another whole question.

TransMach
 
Falcon, Falcon, Falcon......... Get the DA-900EX instead, you boss will like the cabin much better than the Gulfstream cabin. So will you. I would not but anything from Canadair.
 
Guys this is a trick question. What he was being asked is what do you think I should buy. What type of trips are presently being done and what does the next two years of trips look like. Unless you are carrying more than 8 passengers or doing a great deal of international flying on a very regular basis, there isn't a major benefit to getting those aircraft. At a former company, I recommended a much smaller aircraft than the boss wanted. They made the purchase based on that recommendation, they still have the aircraft, they are very happy with it and the department is still operating, despite 9/11 and a business down turn. And the aircraft recommended is capable of doing 100% of all the trips non-stop.

If it comes down to the mentioned two aircraft, GIV hands down. If for no other reason than customer support. Ski-doo Jet doesn't know the meaning of customer support. I have had excellent support from Gulfstream worldwide.

For the G4, get an SP with the SPZ8400 and the hydralic brakes. Avoid Brake by Wire if at all possible. Two galleys is the best cabin setup. One galley and lav for the crew and one galley and lav for the passengers.
 
TransMach said:
Mates,

The man said "My owner asked asked me which one I would rather fly?" or words to that effect. So I say ... forget which one the owner "should" buy, this guy should go out to the airport, find some guys with one of each, sit down in them and decide which one "trips his trigger".

Now, if the boss asked which one he should buy, that's another whole question.

TransMach

Didn't you know, TransMach, it doesn't matter what the guy in the back wants (or needs), it's all about what the pilots want to fly. I mean, c'mon, who really cares what's best for the guy writing the paychecks ;)

Ace
 
sleepy said:
Falcon, Falcon, Falcon......... Get the DA-900EX instead, you boss will like the cabin much better than the Gulfstream cabin. So will you. I would not but anything from Canadair.



boooo!!!

900's are complete dogs. Not even in the same game as GIV...

fill up the 900EX, go right to FL410 and reach redline....

not a chance.
 
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sleepy said:
Falcon, Falcon, Falcon......... Get the DA-900EX instead, you boss will like the cabin much better than the Gulfstream cabin. So will you. I would not but anything from Canadair.


Gotta give this one to Sleepy. The Falcon cabin is MUCH roomer and more quite than the G-IVsp (unless all you look at is length :D ). It also has a much smaller footprint and can manuver on the ground in places that the G-IV cannot. Not to mention lighter weights that can restrict you at some airports.

These were the reasons for our purchase of the 2000EX(new) vs the then new G-300.

All that red line stuff is for pilots and such. Not for guys who write checks.
 
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