Gulfstream Jets Get Auto-Speed Brakes: FAA Dive Rules Updated
Published Date: 2/4/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA is setting new safety rules for Gulfstream’s GVII-G400 airplane because it has a cool new feature: an automatic system that protects the plane from going too fast during dives. These special conditions make sure this tech is just as safe as current standards. If you want to share your thoughts, send comments by March 21, 2025—no extra costs, just safer skies ahead!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
New Dive-Speed Testing Requirements
If the plane has an automatic recovery that acts before the 20-second period in Sec. 25.335(b)(1), the design dive speed (VD/MD) must be set using the higher speed from two specified maneuvers. The maneuvers include (a) a 7.5° nose-down upset with up to full pilot pitch authority and a 20-second timing and a 1.5 g recovery, and (b) acceleration through VC/MC at a 15° nose-down path (or the steepest nose-down attitude the system allows), with recovery allowed no earlier than 3 seconds after the high-speed warning or upon reaching VC/MC, and a 1.5 g recovery.
Reliability Limit: Failure Rate Must Be Improbable
Any failure of the high-speed protection system that would affect the required speed margin must be ‘improbable,’ defined as occurring at a rate less than 10^-5 per flight hour. That numeric reliability requirement must be met as part of certification.
Applies Only to Gulfstream GVII-G400
These special conditions apply to the Gulfstream Model GVII-G400 airplane and would also apply to any other model added to the same type certificate that uses the same automatic high-speed protection feature. The rule becomes part of the airplane's type certification basis under 14 CFR 21.101.
Pilots Must Be Warned and Speeds Reduced After Failures
Failures of the high-speed protection system must be annunciated to pilots, and the flight manual must instruct operators to reduce maximum operating speeds (VMO/MMO). The reduced operating speed must maintain the same speed margin as required by the special conditions without relying on the automatic protection.
MMEL Relief and Cockpit Display Requirements
The FAA may consider Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL) relief for the high-speed protection system if the flight manual shows reduced operating speeds and no additional hazards arise with the system inoperative. The cockpit must display the reduced operating speeds and provide overspeed warning equivalent to the normal airplane when the system is operative.
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