Your G800 Is Ready—Just Venmo Gulfstream $72.5M

Good morning! Nothing new from my end on the aviation front, but there’s no shortage of aviation news to cover this week.  Let's get right to it. 🛩️

-Rob Roy

In today’s email:

• Meet the Certified Jet That Can Fly 8,200 NM

• Around the Skies: Students sue United’s flight academy, AirVenture will get a visit from the Dragon Lady, Allegiant pilots one step from strike, Aviation leaders demand FAA funding, FAA grounds charter operator after tragedy, Join the 2025 AirVenture crew

• PilotTube: How to Fly the B-26 (Straight From the Silver Screen)

THE BUSINESS OF AVIATION

The G800 Is Here (And It’s a Game-Changer)

The Gulfstream G800 just cleared a major milestone, earning certification from both the FAA and EASA—marking a green light for deliveries to U.S. and European customers. Touted as the world’s longest-range business jet, the G800 can fly an incredible 8,200 nautical miles at Mach 0.85, or 7,000 nm at a brisk Mach 0.90. Even more impressive, Gulfstream says the aircraft is outperforming initial expectations, including a bump in max speed to Mach 0.935. Of course, all that speed, range and luxury doesn’t come cheap—the G800 rings in at around $72.5 million.

Behind that performance is a powerhouse combination of Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines and a Gulfstream-designed aerodynamic wing and winglet. This sleek jet also impressed with shorter-than-expected takeoff and landing distances, expanding the number of airports it can access. According to Gulfstream President Mark Burns, the G800 is more than just a range champ—it’s a next-gen business jet that sets new standards for efficiency and flexibility.

Inside, the G800 offers serious luxury, with the industry’s lowest cabin altitude (2,840 feet at 41,000 feet) and up to four customizable living areas. Sixteen panoramic oval windows and a “whisper-quiet” interior seal the deal for a cabin experience that’s as impressive as the jet’s performance.

With certification in hand and customer deliveries on the horizon, Gulfstream’s G800 is poised to make a high-speed entrance into service. As FAA Acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau put it, this aircraft will soon take its place among the elite class of ultra-long-range business jets—proving once again that Gulfstream isn’t just meeting the bar, it’s raising it.

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AROUND THE SKIES

🛩️ United Aviate Academy is facing a lawsuit from former students who say the school overpromised and underdelivered. The students claim they were sold on a one-year path to the airlines but encountered long delays, limited resources and inconsistent instruction. Some spent more than two years in the program, while others were dismissed after raising concerns. The case is now headed to court, with plaintiffs seeking damages under Arizona’s consumer fraud laws.

🛩️ The legendary “Dragon Lady” is set to make an appearance at EAA AirVenture this July, as the U.S. Air Force brings a Lockheed U-2 to Oshkosh. Celebrating its 70th anniversary, the high-flying spy plane is famous for cruising above 70,000 feet and requiring a chase car to assist with landings. Joining the U-2 will be the T-38 Talon, a sleek supersonic trainer used to prepare pilots for frontline fighters. Visitors can expect a rare, up-close look at two of the Air Force’s most iconic jets.

🛩️ Allegiant Air pilots have asked to be released from mediation, bringing them one step closer to a possible strike. The Teamsters union says the airline’s latest contract proposals raise serious concerns about pilot fatigue and job security. Allegiant says it has offered strong pay and benefit increases, but pilots argue the company keeps shifting its position. After more than two years of talks, tensions are clearly still in the air.

🛩️ A group of 46 aviation organizations, including pilots and air traffic controllers, has sent a letter to U.S. senators urging emergency FAA funding and major upgrades to the National Airspace System. Their wish list includes modernized ATC facilities, improved staffing and training and one big ask: exempting the FAA from government shutdowns. The coalition warns that even a brief shutdown could worsen the controller shortage and stall progress. Their bottom line is clear—keeping the system safe and efficient requires stable funding, not turbulence from Washington.

🛩️ The FAA has grounded New York Helicopter Charter Inc. following a tragic crash into the Hudson River that claimed six lives. The agency cited serious safety concerns after the company’s director of operations was fired shortly after agreeing to suspend flights during the investigation. With no qualified replacement in place, the FAA determined the operator lacked the necessary oversight to continue flying. A comprehensive review of the company’s practices is now underway as investigators work to determine what led to the fatal midair breakup.

🛩️ The EAA is gearing up for AirVenture 2025 and putting out a call for over 750 temporary workers to help keep the aviation party running smoothly. While volunteers are the backbone of the event, the EAA is looking to fill paid roles in everything from retail and parking to camper check-in and even bartending. It’s a great gig for students, retirees or anyone looking to earn a little cash without committing their whole summer. Onsite interviews kick off soon, so if your summer plans include airplanes and adventure, now’s your chance to join the crew.

PilotTube

This vintage World War II training film is a rare gem, blending military instruction with classic Hollywood flair. Featuring the sleek and temperamental Martin B-26 Marauder, it stars actor Don Porter as the pilot, guiding viewers through the bomber’s systems and quirks. It’s a fascinating mix of wartime history, cinematic style and old-school cool that you won’t find in any modern flight manual.

Also, why did they always talk like that in those old films? 😎 

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