News Release
GULFSTREAM AND FAA COMMIT TO IMPROVE COOPERATION, COLLABORATION AND CONSISTENCY
Gulfstream and the Federal Aviation Administration Standardize Interrelated Processes to Enhance Business Aviation Safety
SAVANNAH, Ga., Oct. 21, 2003 -- Gulfstream Aerospace and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today signed a formal agreement establishing mutual guidelines for both parties to follow to improve the aircraft certification process and service-related initiatives across all Gulfstream sites conducting aircraft completion, service and maintenance activities. Specifically, the two entities co-authored a plan that explains how each of the aircraft manufacturer's completion and service sites and the corresponding FAA field offices will operate, communicate, identify and resolve issues to ensure consistency between organizations, sites and field offices.
"Through this FAA-Gulfstream agreement, we will improve the aircraft certification process and standardize the relationship between our two organizations, creating an even more consistent and reliable product," said Pres Henne, senior vice president programs, engineering and test, Gulfstream.
Setting the industry standard of cooperation between the public and private sectors, the FAA and Gulfstream have completed a Partnership for Safety Plan (PSP) that serves as the authoritative standard for both the FAA and the international business jet manufacturer in conducting the business of building the safest aircraft possible. It is the first Partnership for Safety Plan to include both the service and manufacturing concerns of an aircraft producer and the certification and flight standards offices of the FAA.Accomplished in two phases, t he PSP identifies the operating norms and key FAA and Gulfstream roles and responsibilities in the aircraft certification process. It provides guidelines to improve planning on projects that require close FAA and Gulfstream collaboration and outlines the necessary steps to resolve problems as they arise.
Implemented three years ago, the first phase of the PSP involved Gulfstream/FAA work processes during design, development and the initial phase of manufacturing (the stage of aircraft production from primary assembly to receipt of an initial FAA Certificate of Airworthiness).
This current agreement, which completes the second phase of the plan, resulted from the collaboration of FAA and Gulfstream representatives who met over a five-month period from May to September in cities located at or near Gulfstream's service and completion centers. At each meeting, the attendees focused on work processes within the final phase of manufacturing - the production stage when an aircraft is outfitted and painted - and within the after-market aircraft service and maintenance activities. Additionally each meeting worked to resolve site-specific issues between Gulfstream and the local FAA representatives.
Attendees of the meetings addressed each specific issue and categorized them into one of six areas -- Operating Norms; Planning & Communication/Coordination; Delegation and Trust/Operating Issues; Issue Resolution; Quality Systems and Introductory Items.
Working groups, made up of Gulfstream and FAA representatives, were then assigned a specific topic they had to work together to resolve. They addressed each of the issues raised and developed the framework to improve their working relationships. Their collective work is the foundation for the Partnership for Safety Plan."We are excited about this phase of our Partnership for Safety Plan and how it will enhance our working relationship with the FAA," Henne added. "This recent plan adds to what we began nearly three years ago with the first phase. It serves as the authoritative source for each of our sites and the FAA offices that support them. By striving to create 'One Gulfstream and One FAA,' through this partnership , we have come a long way in making our respective organizations more effective and efficient."
The FAA attendees included representatives from FSDOs, Aircraft Certification Offices, Manufacturing Inspection District Offices and Aircraft Evaluation Groups that work with Gulfstream's Savannah; Dallas; Appleton, Wis.; and Long Beach, Calif., sites.
Signing this FAA-Gulfstream PSP agreement is the beginning of an ongoing process. Oversight and steering committee teams will work closely to implement the plans, maintain the agreements reached and amend the plan as necessary to ensure its success.
NOTE TO EDITORS
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), designs, develops, manufactures, markets, services and supports the world's most technologically advanced business jet aircraft. Gulfstream has produced more than 1,400 aircraft for customers around the world since 1958. To meet the diverse transportation needs of the future, Gulfstream offers a comprehensive fleet of aircraft, comprising the mid-cabin, high-speed Gulfstream G100 (TM); the wide-cabin, high-speed Gulfstream G150 (TM); the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G200 (TM); the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G300 (TM); the large-cabin, long-range Gulfstream G400 (TM); the large-cabin, long-range Gulfstream G450 (TM) ; the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G500 (TM) and the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G550 (TM). Gulfstream also offers aircraft ownership services via Gulfstream Financial Services Division and Gulfstream Pre-Owned Aircraft Sales ®. The company employs more than 6,750 people at seven major locations. We invite you to visit our Web site for more information and photos of Gulfstream aircraft at www.gulfstream.com.
General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, employs approximately 66,900 people worldwide and estimates 2003 revenues of $16.1 billion. The company has leading market positions in mission-critical information systems and technologies, land and amphibious combat systems, shipbuilding and marine systems, and business aviation. More information about the company can be found on the World Wide Web at www.generaldynamics.com.
