Hot Section: FAA Approves ODA for Multiple Gulfstream Facilities

Gulfstream Aerospace recently received an expansion of its
Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) to include final-phase manufacturing and service-center work at its headquarters in Savannah as well as its facilities in Appleton, Wis.; Brunswick, Ga.; Dallas; and Long Beach, Calif. Gulfstream received ODA authorization for Savannah initial-phase design, manufacturing and airworthiness in March last year and was the first aircraft manufacturer to achieve that authorization level.

The Gulfstream ODA organization, under the direction of Bill Whitton, consists of approximately 25 full-time employees as well as more than 200 engineering personnel and inspectors with the authority to approve new type certification designs; supplemental type certification designs (STC); parts manufacturer approval (PMA); production certification; and major repair and alterations (MRA) for Gulfstream aircraft.

The STC, MRA and airworthiness authorities also include other manufacturers’ aircraft and the STC and PMA are new authorities granted as part of the enterprise expansion. The MRA authority, previously limited to initial phase in Savannah, is now authorized for final-phase and service-center sites.