High Like A G6?

The recent popularity of Far East Movement’s single “Like a G6” infuriates me.   I’m maintaining complete ignorance that they could possibly be referring to something other than physically getting high in the air due to flying in a G650. This leads to the source of my contention… the G6 isn’t even publicly available yet!  But Ke$ha is singing the chorus right? NO?!  WTF this is a terrible song. As a plane aficionado, I’m outraged no one seems concerned with the blatant lies this song is selling.

For those of you that aren’t familiar with the private jet lifestyle, let me school you. The "G" stands for Gulfstream and the “6” refers to the in-production 650 model.  Gulfstream’s G650 is the company’s largest and fastest fleet, creating the gold standard in luxury business travel. The G650 can carry eight passengers and four crew members on a nonstop 7,000 mile flight. It’s powered by a Rolls-Royce BR725 engine reaching maximum operating speeds of Mach 0.925. It can travel 610mph compared to the current model, the G550, which maxes out at a laughable 564mph. I could ramble on with the impressive technical specs of this plane, but honestly who cares? If you own a Gulfstream airplane you aren’t concerned with the state of the art 3-D weather radar in the cockpit.  You’re focused on indulging in the lavish amenities as you pop bottles on the way to Dubai. Fortunately the G650 dawns the largest cabin in its class with 12 different floor plans to satisfy any business executive’s needs. You can configure the cabin to include conference tables, wider seats, or a stateroom to sleep away the stress of international travel. Your flights will also be more productive with on-board business essentials like high-speed internet and satellite phone service. The G650 is truly redefining the good life at 30,000 feet.

I know what you’re thinking… how do I get my hands on one? When Gulfstream announced the development of the G650 in 2008 they sold 100 in just three months with the affordable price tag of $58.5 million. Gulfstream has a valid value proposition “If time is money, then the time saved jetting from continent to continent is money in the bank.” Stop fixating on the price; you have some time to get your money right. The fifth and final flight-test concluded on January 24, 2011. Certification from the FAA and European Aviation Safety Agency are still underway with completion expected by the end of the year. That puts customer delivery dates somewhere in 2012, which should give you just enough time to scrape together those last pennies. 

This plane sounds less than desirable. I think I will stick to my Marquis jet card at the economical price of $115,900 for 25-hours of flight time (look for my upcoming blog documenting my attempts to sell my friends on fractional-aircraft-ownership). Okay so I’ve never flown private in my life. I bet it’s 100 times more awesome than I’ve imagined. I respect Far East Movement for being ahead of their time; so I will be ahead of mine and say there’s a good chance I will own a G750. Meanwhile I’m going to listen to the new Ke$ha album (sike)… on Delta… in coach… with two layovers.