Impressions & Opinions of G150

[Heavy Set]

The other day my boss mentioned that he toured a G150 and he really liked the airplane. We are currently flying a Lear 45 and no doubt the cabin comfort difference made a positive impression for him. I have seen some of the previous posts about the G150 using the Search function, but I'd like to get some updated information. I have actually seen the G150 a few times as I travel around the West Coast - I know there are a few in the area. So a few questions for those who are in the know:

1. Overall impressions of the G150 as an operator? Positives/negatives.

2. How do you like the office up front? Comfort, Pro Line 21, etc.? Is it a comfortable ride up front on longer flights?

3. How does it compare to previous aircraft (maybe the aircraft it replaced)?

4. If you had the decision to buy it again, would you? If not, what aircraft would you buy instead?

As far as operating characteristics, we would not require many short runways - we tend to fly to airports with decent length (VNY, LAS, BFI, TEB, etc.). Although important, the cost is not a huge deal (within reason of course). I am particularly interested in hearing from current operators vs. just getting suggestions on other aircraft to consider (i.e., Falcon 50, Sovereign).

The boss was favorably impressed with the G150 and I have been asked to get some information - it may never go beyond that (but I will keep my fingers crossed). PMs are also welcome - Thanks!

 

[johnsonrod]

Looks like a nice airplane. I hear the Pro Line 21 is a nice set-up.

 

[ultrarunner]

The G150 and LR45 are completely different classes of aircraft, which explains the impression of your boss.

The G150 will fly 4-5 folks 3000nm no-sweat. And unlike some home-builds and cheapo Proline 21 experiments, Gulfstream, as one would expect, fully integrated the Proline 21 package.

The plane runs under the radar, IMHO, and if you can't tolerate the price-point that a large-cabin plane will cost you to go that far, a G150 or G200 can't be beat for the money.

If you want "new" anything else that flies that far in a large-cabin is going to cost nearly twice as much and be availble 4 year from now.

 

[lnm22]

I am flying the CL30 and the pro line 21 is the best. i know you are looking at the G150, but since one person mentioned the G200, you must look at the CL30. IT IS WELL WORK THE WAIT!!! just compare the performance data and it will be an easy decision.

 

[ultrarunner]

A G150 can be had in a year. If you're willing to pay a comple mil premium on a CL300, there are one or two available now.

Of the birds mentioned, the CL300 is the best of the bunch if you're willing to tolerate Bombardier's customer support issues.

If it were me, I'd snag a 150 now, and wait for Gulfstream to announce the G300.

 

[lnm22]

Absolutely if you need something now, go for the G150, but I don't know how much of a hurry they are in. If you can wait, go for the best.

 

[snow-back]

Absolutely if you need something now, go for the G150, but I don't know how much of a hurry they are in. If you can wait, go for the best.

You mean the new G200 replacement right.

 

[ultrarunner]

You mean the new G200 replacement right.

Yep, a new wing, more thrust and new avionics. That's going to be a nice bird. And it will have Gulfstream behind it. It's my pic vs. a Bombardier product.

 

[lnm22]

If it is important to say you have a "Gulfstream" go for it. The new CL30 program by Bombardier is spectacular.

 

[ultrarunner]

If it is important to say you have a "Gulfstream" go for it. The new CL30 program by Bombardier is spectacular.

Nope, not important at all. And If I could get Gulfstream to support the CL300, we'd have one!

I don't deny the CL is a GREAT bird. It's the product support behind it that's the problem.

YMMV.

 

[GEXDriver]

If it is important to say you have a "Gulfstream" go for it. The new CL30 program by Bombardier is spectacular.

It's surprising to see a fellow Bombardier customer characterize their support as "spectacular". I can think of other nouns, and most certainly, adjectives that would be more appropriate.

We have both Gulfstream and Bombardier aircraft in our fleet. We enjoy Gulfstream support and suffer Bombardier's alleged support.

I'm sure that the G250 is coming, but right now the G200 and CL300 are comparable products.

We looked at them as replacements for our Hawkers.

The G200 is cheaper, has a larger cabin and galley, more baggage space and IRSs (not available on the CL300).

The CL300 has better field performance and a better initial cruise altitude.

If it were my decision, I'd go for the Gulfstream support.

 

[snow-back]

Best in the business...so I've heard.

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Untitled/Untitled/1312254

 

[mzaharis]

If it were me, I'd snag a 150 now, and wait for Gulfstream to announce the G300.

To be really pedantic, Gulfstream already released a G300 in 2003 - it was the reduced-range G-IV derivative that preceded the G350.

http://www.gulfstream.com/news/releases/2003/080603.html

 

[ultrarunner]

To be really pedantic, Gulfstream already released a G300 in 2003 - it was the reduced-range G-IV derivative that preceded the G350.

http://www.gulfstream.com/news/releases/2003/080603.html

Yeah, I meant G250

 

[G100F16]

Best in the business...so I've heard.

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Untitled/Untitled/1312254

I've heard the same thing, Snow-Back. Nice pic - I saw that plane just yesterday - isn't it an Astra?

Bombardier was starting up a program called "Parts Express" with a LJ. What's the status there??

 

[sleepy]

I see that Guflstream painted the rubber deice boots silver. Why not just give it the real thing? How well do those boots work?

 

[snow-back]

I've heard the same thing, Snow-Back. Nice pic - I saw that plane just yesterday - isn't it an Astra?

Bombardier was starting up a program called "Parts Express" with a LJ. What's the status there??

I believe it's a well used Astra SP that's maintained impeccably...kind of like some of those old MMT Vipers.

 

[hawkerjet]

We were researching a new aircraft a year ago and the G150 was in the mix. Performance was an issue with us as we went into a couple of 5000 ft strips regularly. Boots didn't deter us as we had flown westinds for years and they worked well. What did deter us was the Hawker 900XP. For similar pricing we got more cabin space, similar, 2900nm range and better short field performance. I'd let him look at one to compare. Baggage space is still not as good as the G150, however even with 2 rafts on board we still have plenty of space provided not more than 2 of those over sized pan pacific suitcases are brought along. The Hawker 750 gives you an external baggage compartment but reduces range to 2200nm.

 

[lewis flyer]

Now flying a G200. Its not only a runway pig, I think it handles terribly on the ground. It is not a Gulfstream except the product support is excellent. I hear the G250 will be much better and more Gulfstream influence.

However, Its great if you are a G200 NetJets Captain making 140K.

 

[G100F16]

...kind of like some of those old MMT Vipers.

Ouch, that hurts!

I guess I'd better start surfing FI more often...took me 2+ months to see your reply, Snow-back. (Okay, I'll admit, I'm a bad geek.)

Actually, the MMT Vipers are late models - '95-97s! Pretty "young" for the fleet...and had several face lifts!

As for Astras...great planes and great value. I just wish more G100 operators would trade up to the -150 so I could get their "hand me downs!"

-G