What’s the latest on the timeline for production of the first G650, and
then getting into next year with the first flight?
We are preparing to start the initial phases of assembly for the first G650. We have done some of the early panel assembly that will ultimately make up the fuselage. It will start out rather slowly because there is an awful lot of integration that’s going to take place with some of the components coming from our suppliers. So not only will the structural work take some time, but also the logistics of getting everything here in Savannah, putting the airplane together and getting prepared for first flight in the second half of next year will take time. We’re still holding to that plan, and we still look good on it. There has been a lot of good activity at our suppliers. They’re going to be going through the same certification hurdles as we are–fundamentally, the airframe is going to be going through a lot of certification–but certification is still planned for 2011 with deliveries starting in 2012.

How comfortable are you with the certification schedule given that this is a completely new airplane on a new type certificate?
We’re still very comfortable with it. I’m always a little bit careful when I look at programs because I’ve been involved in so many new ones. Knowing all the things we have to do in a major certification like this, there are so many different steps involved, not only flying the various flight-test airplanes but also the structural testing that has to take place, as well as the certification not only here but also
the certifications at our suppliers, with engine and wings and so forth. You know there are going to be issues; that’s just inevitable. But we have a pretty good track record of managing our way through them and I think we are going to be able to do the same thing here.