Gulfstream EVS Set for Third Quarter Certification

Gulfstream Aerospace will begin the final flight test phase of its Enhanced Vision System within the next 60 days, and said it expects U.S. FAA certification in the third quarter.

FAA last month ser forth additional requirements that the manufacturer will have to meet before EVS can be certified. "Even though we don't agree with the FAA on the need for a special condition, this requirement is not going to delay the program, and we do not anticipate any problems," said Mike Mena, Gulfstream V-SP program manager.

Gulfstream will begin final EVS flight testing in June, with FAA certification flights starting the following month. Completion of Phase 1 (to 100-foot minimums) will be obtained in the third quarter. Initial certification on a customer aircraft is expected in the fourth quarter.

Mena expects approval for 50-foot minimums within 24-36 months of initial approval.