Seeing an opportunity to improve on their fleet, engineers in Savannah decided to modify the GIV into something a little better. For that occurrence, they decided to rename the GIV into the GIV-SP. The SP portion of the name implies that something special had been done, and sure enough it had. the SP added weight capabilities to the airframe by strengthening the landing gear, as well as altering the wing and tail.
These changes were implemented in serial numbers 1214 and beyond. Now, here comes for the neat part. Since Gulfstream engineers had done such a good job on the regular GIV, the modification implemented with the SP are available to be carried out with the earlier GIVs.
Adding 1,400 pounds of takeoff weight, the GIV-SP can carry that many more people and or bags to your destination, all with the confidence and security of the knowing Gulfstream has made it right. Also, the ability to land with 7,500 pounds more weight opens up more airports that might make the mission do-able on that particular trip, instead of having to land somewhere else for fuel. The option to tanker that much more fuel adds to the flexibility of the GIV-SP.
Several differences make the GIV-SP different from the GIV. Firstly the brake by wire system employed on the GIV was replaced with a hydro-mechanical system that improved dispatch reliability and added stronger brakes in the mix. More robust wheels and tires add to the confidence inspiring nature of the GIV-SP. Improved damping in the landing gear system itself kept the butter-smooth landings, when the increased landing weight was tacked on to the aircraft. Upgraded avionics were part of the package later in life with the GIV-SP as well, the Honeywell SPZ-8400 system replaced the 8000 version that added reliability as well. As always, the GIV-SP is another shining example of how Gulfstream gets it done.
Had a great flight yesterday. The pilots were amazing. Got us thru a storm and wind with hardly a bump. Very impressive.
The trip was great. We were scheduled to depart at 9:00am. My parents arrived at the Bermuda Dunes Airport around 8:15. The pilots were ready a long time before that. They asked if we wanted to leave early and we got my father loaded up in the jet and left 8:30am. You couldn’t do that with a commercial flight. The pilots were very courteous and professional. They made us feel safe and comfortable before the flight and during the flight.
I used to charter from other companies, until I met the personnel from Desert Jet. I haven’t flown with anybody else in the last 10 years. Desert Jet is an organization that puts safety first, and I appreciate their professionalism.
They are professional; they care about what they do. It’s a top notch organization right here in our backyard.
Thanks for the super crisp, professional, and friendly service…will definitely use you guys again!
Thanks for taking care of (my associate), he was delighted.
I just wanted to send an email about our wonderful flying experience with the company. We booked a flight for four to San Francisco for April 15 – 18… What an absolutely great holiday getaway. Your staff are so wonderful, the pilot was great and the overall experience was above expectations. We are hoping to go again this fall and sure hope we can make our dates work to fly with you. Thanks for making our weekend such a memorable holiday for all us.
We had a great trip and hope to be able to do it again. Love the pilots!
Thank you all so much for a fabulous flight! What a first class operation! Archie panted the whole way but T-bone acted as though this was “normal” for him! We loved the two pilots….what great guys! I look forward to a long relationship! Thank you again for everything….especially the Bones and Scones cookies.
Thanks again for making the past year of charters truly a great experience. It’s enjoyable to business with such a well-organized and professional company. You and the team at Desert Jet make the following business statement a reality – “committed to excellence in customer service”.
