HGS Falcon 2000EX

[G100driver]

The company that I work for just bought a Falcon 2000EX. The airplane is still in completion and we are condsidering getting a HGS. My question is this to the folks who are using them: Do you actually use this for CATII approaches? Would you say that it was worth the 500K investment? If you have it, are you planning to upgrade to the EVS?

Thank-you in advance.

 

[banned username 2]

We have the HGS system in our 900EX's... Unless you are planning to get CAT III certified, I wouldn't spend the money. The Planes are capable of CAT II without it. We are probably going to go for CAT II certification in the not-to-distant future, but it will be a PICMA approach and will not utilize the HGS.

 

[2000flyer]

We've been going through the same in-house discussion at our department regarding HGS installation in our 2000EX and it's been complex. We've "surveyed" operators that have it and to what level they use it. It's reached both extremes, ie. "We do CAT II approaches and use it 100% of the time" to "yeah, some guys use it, some don't."

One important consideration, one that we're seriously conisdering in our decision making process, is the future of EVS (enhanced vision). So far, all the EVS and similar IR units are displayed on the HGS/HUD. Gulfstream is putting a "repeater" on a small screen for the pilot in the right seat but thats only for reference and not intended (so I've read) for operational use and decision making. It just gives the right seat pilot the same view the captain is seeing.

As I'm sure you've been reading, the FAA is considering allowing lower than standard CAT I minimums for EVS equipped aircraft. That may be something else to consider while making your decision.

2000Flyer

 

[TXDA2000]

HGS

We have the HGS in our 2000.

After two years, I can honestly say I'm glad we have it.

We use it on 100% of our trips 100% of the time. It is useful in all phases of flight, from taxiing to visual approaches. Probably the best use with regard to safety is night visuals into unfamiliar airports. The argument that you don't need it because you won't pursue Cat IIb capability is really not a valid point.

On the other hand, with the cost involved it would be very hard to justify it to the man dealing out the dollars. It will improve safety, but let's face it, your not going to crash if you don't get it!

Luckily when it came time for completion, our boss said spend whatever we want on whatever we want up front. It can be nice being involved with a flight department that has no budget. We didn't have to pass it by any bean counters or board members. Just one of the perks flying on the other (top) side of the Fortune whatever gang! But that's another discussion altogether!

 

[G100driver]

Do you plan on upgrading to EVS when it becomes avialable?

I have to make the agruement to the bean counter. Although a great boss, his response to making an airplane safer by adding HGS was we could always leave it the hanger and not fly. Accountant humor ... weak at best ...

 

[TXDA2000]

evs

I would say no to EVS if it becomes available for the 2000. We just don't have a need for it. Our trips are 70% Golf, 20% Lake. If the weather is going to be bad, we usually don't go. Just doesn't fit our operation now.

For the bean counters, I would lean the argument heavily to night operations, black hole visuals, and thunderstorm avoidance for other ways the HUD is useful for day to day operations.

You might even call Southwest Airlines and find someone who can give you reasons why they equip their 73's with the HUD and if they have realized any benefits.

If you get it, you won't regret it. Just be sure to use it all the time and you will quickly become familiar with it. The research we did showed more than half the people that have it would not ever use it, put it down for an approach and not like it, so they would fold it up and forget about it.

We have flown ILS's down to 50 feet, RVR 600 in the sim. It makes it VERY easy.

Daniel