GLEX XRS Range

[doublepsych]

For the global experienced (or anyone else):

New XRS early next year for our operation, any good rules of thumb, climb profile tips or techniques?

Also, anybody routinely get a block for driftup climbing? If so, hows that work out?

Many thanks...

 

[Valkyrie]

I have only 45 hrs on the XRS and was able to climb to FL430 direct twice.
If at very high weights and ISA++, expect to plan on 390 initial.
For both a 9-hour and a 10-hour trip, we started at 410 and after 3 hours or so, climbed to FL450.
Only once I climbed to FL463 (above Russia) but I honestly wasn't too confortable there.
To be able to cruise at FL 410-450 is already very nice.
Has for the block request, I don't think it is necessary. I select 300 or 400 fpm and advice ATC that I won't maintain the standard 500 fpm. Again, it's not a problem at such high FLs.
I believe the G-V/550 have better high altitude flying performance (but less cabin space).

Enjoy the XRS! I do. A lot of computers, but I understand the XRS is more and more reliable.

 

[AA717driver]

Valkyrie--Better quit saying nice things about the GLEX--they'll come and take back all your Gulfstream schwag...

TC

 

[Valkyrie]

(AA717)G550Driver,

For about 10 years, I always dreamed about flying Gulfstreams, even managed to have a few jumpseats on the IV and V.
I am of course very happy to fly the GLEX.
I can't say yet which one is the best. I will have first to get a few years experience on the GLEX, fly the Fusion version, then be typed on a G-V or 550 or 650.

But I have good news (unless it has been discussed here already): Bombardier is thinking about developing a 7000NM capable, lengthened GLEX with new wings and engines...

We definitely live interesting (not only financial) times!

 

[AA717driver]

Valkyrie--Just jerking your (and the Gv.B crowd!) chain.

Any large cabin job is a good thing these days. Hope you get the chance to do a direct comparison on the two types--soon!

I always felt a little cramped in the front of the 550/450--I toured my friend's 604 and it seemed to have a little more shoulder room.

Every aircraft has its good and bad points, though.

Enjoy!

TC

 

[semperfido]

I always felt a little cramped in the front of the 550/450--

cramped in a G550?.....Now TC, I think you may be a little spoiled from flying around in a Big Boeing.

 

[Freight Dog]

I have only 45 hrs on the XRS and was able to climb to FL430 direct twice.
If at very high weights and ISA++, expect to plan on 390 initial.
For both a 9-hour and a 10-hour trip, we started at 410 and after 3 hours or so, climbed to FL450.
Only once I climbed to FL463 (above Russia) but I honestly wasn't too confortable there.
To be able to cruise at FL 410-450 is already very nice.
Has for the block request, I don't think it is necessary. I select 300 or 400 fpm and advice ATC that I won't maintain the standard 500 fpm. Again, it's not a problem at such high FLs.
I believe the G-V/550 have better high altitude flying performance (but less cabin space).

Enjoy the XRS! I do. A lot of computers, but I understand the XRS is more and more reliable.

Valkyrie... you have less than 1000 hours and are flying a Global? Man, I'd go hit the lottery while you're at it...

Seriously though - good on ya!!! :beer:

 

[AA717driver]

cramped in a G550?.....Now TC, I think you may be a little spoiled from flying around in a Big Boeing.

Maybe I'm just expanding to fill the space allotted.

TC

 

[Valkyrie]

Valkyrie... you have less than 1000 hours and are flying a Global? Man, I'd go hit the lottery while you're at it...

Seriously though - good on ya!!! :beer:

Thanks.
I started flying the Citation Excel with 414H TT, 89 IFR and 62 ME.
I always thought I couldn't afford paying a CFI rating, and after that live with a CFI salary, so I waited (and worked hard) to be employed strait on a jet, while doing other jobs for 5 years after getting CPL-IR ME.

But luck has been a factor, of course.

 

[wa_flyboy]

I bet you've got some mad stick and rudder skills!!!

 

[fencitup]

I bet you've got some mad stick and rudder skills!!!

Uuuuh, What?

 

[GSXR600]

Hello,

Trying to revive this post, looks like a new Vision Flight Deck XRS is on the way to our ramp in a few months finally, we've been on the list for a few years. Now can any experienced guys out there share some info about this bad boy? I know its a new cockpit and probably not too many guys are available, but will be nice to know what are u experiences with it? Even the pilots flying the classic will love hear some experiences....

Can u share some fuel figures? Preferred cruise Alt/Speed/ Max range/LRC. Pilot Salary? FO/CA? Overall maintenance? Aircraft will be operated in 'HOT' wx all year around unless EU for some trips during winter.

 

[gutshotdraw]

Hello,

Trying to revive this post, looks like a new Vision Flight Deck XRS is on the way to our ramp in a few months finally, we've been on the list for a few years. Now can any experienced guys out there share some info about this bad boy? I know its a new cockpit and probably not too many guys are available, but will be nice to know what are u experiences with it? Even the pilots flying the classic will love hear some experiences....

Can u share some fuel figures? Preferred cruise Alt/Speed/ Max range/LRC. Pilot Salary? FO/CA? Overall maintenance? Aircraft will be operated in 'HOT' wx all year around unless EU for some trips during winter.

Good luck with that. Let us know how you fare....

 

[X-rated]

Hello,

Trying to revive this post, looks like a new Vision Flight Deck XRS is on the way to our ramp in a few months finally, we've been on the list for a few years. Now can any experienced guys out there share some info about this bad boy? I know its a new cockpit and probably not too many guys are available, but will be nice to know what are u experiences with it? Even the pilots flying the classic will love hear some experiences....

Can u share some fuel figures? Preferred cruise Alt/Speed/ Max range/LRC. Pilot Salary? FO/CA? Overall maintenance? Aircraft will be operated in 'HOT' wx all year around unless EU for some trips during winter.

GSXR,

I've been flying the XRS for about 2 1/2 years. The boss wanted to trade for a 6000, but since we have so few hours and so many cabin upgrades, I actually talked him out of it. We have an early 7000 ordered, and as far as I'm concerned, it' just doesn't make sense. I am very much looking forward to getting my hands on those new avionics though.

We have had very few problems with our plane, and it's reliability has been great. However, I know of another plane a couple serial numbers from ours that has been a nightmare for it's operator. I think most of their issues were caused by a completion center that is no longer in business though.

We pretty much always fly at M.85. We can almost always climb to 410 or 430 unless it's hot and we have max fuel. Bombardier says max range is 6150 nm. I think that's that's pretty darn optimistic.

LRC speed is about M82. You actually need to get into the LRC tables and turn off the auto throttles if really want to stretch the range. Holding about a 2-2.5 degrees AOA on the HUD is a pretty good cheat if you don't want to go into the book to decide when to climb, but for max range, go into the LRC table. Climbing too early will kill your range.

I fly out of Dubai, so we see plenty of hot wx. You'll be amazed by the packs and how quickly they cool a hot cabin. Unfortunately, there is a limitation prohibiting Bleed Air extraction above 45 deg C. (I hear, ahem... It can be difficult to precisely read a thermometer in the shimmering heat above that temp)

The performance on the airplane is staggering. Typical landing distance is 2200 feet and that includes actual distance plus 1500' for certification. Even at max landing weight of 78,600, landing distances are around 2700-2800'. When the plane is a max Gross it's like a different airplane, but it still has reasonable T.O. performance. When it's light or even at medium weight, it's a rocket ship.

Rule of thumb fuel flow numbers depend on how much fuel you're carrying. The plane holds 45,100 lbs of fuel which provides an endurance of about 13.5 hours plus reserves. So, 1st hour, second hour flows depend significantly on how much you're carrying.

Salaries obviously vary depending on location, rotation, private vs Charter, and who the operator is. I frequently hear of expat Captain jobs paying between 180-240K.

Feel free to pm me if you have more specific questions.

 

[GLEXPilot]

Amazing airplane. Pretty much everything x rated said is spot on. One thing to add with the fuel for a trip of less then 3 hours and temps close to ISA I have had no issue going to 470-490 to get above weather, was surprised how easily it made it up there.