daniel10

So the Boss wants to upgrade because he wants a bigger cabin and more range...we currently fly a CL-604.
From a pilot's point of view - which would you prefer? Hopefully I can get some insight from poeple who have flown one of them or both and not just the dry data, and maybe learn something new...
Thanks

challengerflyer

We're also evaluating the GLEX, G550 and 7X as an upgrade from our 605. Back of the plane standpoint for the boss, the width of the Global family is closer to the 604/605 and hard to beat. We're looking at doing a lot of India, UAE and Australia and are a bit concerned about some of the perceived long range performance issues that have come up with the Globals. Runway performance, DOCs and fuel burn on the 7X are really compelling when compared to the 550. I had the chance to demo a 450 and its handling and avionics are amazing. That being said, I'll fly whatever will continue to provide me with a paycheck.

550driver

We made the decision to go from a 604 to a 550 recently.

It comes down to pairing the aircraft with your specific operational needs.

Carl Spackler

Haven't flown the GLEX but quite a bit of time in the 550. From a pilot's point of view, it has beautiful flying characteristics and the avionics are top shelf. There's almost nothing it can't do. I flew a trip from HPN to NRT at max gross weight. Had plenty of runway left as we rotated out of HPN, and crossed the threshold at 119 knots in NRT...probably could have stopped it in 2,800 feet. Performance is just nuts. And Gulfstream's product support is pretty darn unbeatable.

Regarding the cabin, it is smaller than the GLEX. I think it's a must for your boss to walk around and sit in both cabins. He'll have to decide if he can live with a slightly smaller cabin for all the benefits of performance and product support.

Carl

galaxy flyer

The XRS handles far nicer than the CL 604, but Honeywell avionics are a generation behind R-C ProLine, 4 or 21. The G550 has an hour more range than the XRS, but the XRS cabin sells it to many who ride in the back. The G550 is an inch narrower than the CL 300. The cross section on the XRS is the same as the CL 604, but has 2" more headroom due to lowered floor. If you are looking at a new one, the Global Vision cockpit is a huge step up from the XRS.

Frankly, all these planes get old after 12 hours airborne, not sure why anyone wants to do 16+ in the G7000/8000 models. For the most part, there aren't too many legs that the G550 can do that the XRS can't. HKG-LON is one and HPN-NRT be another depending on wind. Neither can do LAX-SYD non-stop. At normal landing weights, Vrefs are about 10 knots on the XRS than on the G550. The XRS has about 500 foot shorter BFLs.

GF

FlyerJosh

New or used?

daniel10

Used, 2006 model or later

EatMyPropwash

How about a Falcon 7x? :-) Just to stir up the pot a bit...