Cirrus Aircraft News

Hetzel and Morris Win the 2011 Air Race Classic in a Cirrus SR20

 

Congratulations to Jacksonville University’s Leah Hetzel and Sarah Morris for becoming the first collegiate team ever to win this historic race!

The Air Race Classic (ARC) is the only all female, transcontinental air race and it can trace its roots back to the first Women’s Air Derby in 1929 which became known as the “Powder Puff Derby” during the Depression. This year, 51 teams entered the 2722-mile race which began on June 21 in Alliance, Nebraska and finished June 24 in Mobile, Alabama.

For more information, go here.

Congratulations!

 

Earlier this month we received news of this fantastic story through our social network. Congratulations Cameron Doody and Hannon Kirk and thanks to Ashley Zeiger for the photo!

In Cameron’s words:

Hannon and I knew we were meant for each other from the beginning, but it wasn't until my birthday that first year that I realized exactly how badly I had out-punted my coverage. She had begged her best friend's father to take me up on a surprise sortie in his baby; Aint Misbehavin', a P51-D Mustang. Game over. Two years later, after a thorough pre-flight, I was ready to kick the tires and light the fires! I begged my dad for the keys to his baby, a Cirrus SR20, and flew Hannon to a remote airstrip outside of Birmingham where both of our families were waiting unbeknownst to her. I parked, army-rolled under the fuselage and came to a rest on a knee. Best day of my life.

Plane and Pilot Magazine Features the Cirrus Vision SF50

 

Wondering what it will be like to get behind the controls of the Cirrus Vision SF50 personal jet? In the June issue of Plane and Pilot magazine, Vision test pilot, Mike Stevens, describes a typical flight in the “What It's Like To Fly The Cirrus Vision Jet: Chief test pilot Mike Stevens tells us why he has the best job in the world.”  

CIRRUS AIRCRAFT, CAIGA COMPLETE MERGER

 

Duluth, MN and Zhuhai, China - (June 28) - Cirrus Aircraft and China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Co., Ltd. (CAIGA) today announced that the two companies have completed their merger. With the previously announced merger now finalized, Cirrus Aircraft, a global leader in general aviation, joins China's leading general aviation product and services company to form a worldwide general aviation enterprise. 

"We're very excited to have joined forces with CAIGA," said Brent Wouters, Cirrus President and Chief Executive Officer. "This partnership will benefit our business and our customers; we share with CAIGA a vision of worldwide growth. CAIGA has the resources that will allow us to expedite our aircraft development programs and accelerate our global expansion." 

Wouters also said that he expects the merger to deliver benefits in terms of jobs and job growth in the United States: "Our partners at CAIGA understand the strength and the talent of Cirrus's workforce who have made the Cirrus brand so successful and prominent in the general aviation marketplace. CAIGA will continue to invest in our employees and in our world-class production facilities in Minnesota and North Dakota."

"We are very impressed with Cirrus' performance in the global general aviation industry" said Meng Xiangkai, CAIGA president. "It has a very strong record of consistent product excellence, comprehensive safety features, an outstanding management team and a highly skilled workforce who operate from advanced production facilities. We look forward to working with Cirrus' management team to build upon its success and to expand production volume to further cement Cirrus' leadership position in the global general aviation industry."

Cirrus Aircraft Co-Founder Dale Klapmeier said the completion of the merger was an important milestone in the company's history: "This is a very positive development that allows us to continue our mission to develop and build the best, most exciting aircraft in the world. Through our merger with CAIGA Cirrus will continue to lead the industry in bringing increased safety, performance, and comfort to the general aviation community."

Known for incorporating luxury automotive ergonomics, pilot-friendly avionics and advanced safety features into its high performance airplanes, Cirrus has delivered nearly 5,000 new piston airplanes over the last decade. For nine years in a row, the Cirrus SR22 family of aircraft has been the best-selling four-place airplane in the world. Cirrus pioneered the use of the FAA-certified Cirrus Airframe Parachute System™ that is standard equipment on all Cirrus aircraft.

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About Cirrus Aircraft

Cirrus Aircraft is a recognized leader in general aviation.  Its all-composite line of personal aircraft - the SR20, SR22 and the turbocharged SR22T - incorporate innovative and advanced performance, electronic and safety technologies, including Cirrus Perspective™ by Garmin® avionics and the unique Cirrus Airframe Parachute System™ (CAPS). As of mid-2011, total time on the worldwide Cirrus Aircraft SR-series fleet surpassed 5 million flight hours with 48 lives saved to date as a direct result of CAPS being a standard safety feature on all Cirrus aircraft. The Cirrus Aircraft Vision Jet, with nearly 500 production positions reserved, will provide a new personal and regional business transportation solution - the 'personal jet'.  All Cirrus aircraft are made in the USA with a direct sales force in North America and authorized sales centers covering export markets in 60 countries around the world.  For additional information on Cirrus and its products please visit cirrusaircraft.com.

About CAIGA

Headquartered in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province in China, China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Co., Ltd. (CAIGA) is a leading solution provider in the general aviation industry of China. As a company with diversified shareholders, CAIGA controls four listed companies in China and the total revenue in 2010 reached US$2.9 billion. Its main businesses include the R&D and manufacturing of light piston aircraft, turboprop aircraft, jet, amphibious aircraft as well as their parts & components. It also provides services including general aviation operations, pilot training and aviation clubs.

 

Editors, for more information, contact:
Todd Simmons, VP of Marketing
218.788.3302

The 2011 SR22

 

The 2011 SR22

Great Plane - Great Price  - Great Warranty

You know there’s more to getting from point A to B than a straight line. There’s the view from 10,000 feet, the thrill of speed and the convenience of spontaneity – it’s why you don’t want to drive or fly commercial.

But did you know you can get an SR22 with all the hallmarks of a Cirrus and many of the technological innovations we’ve become famous for starting at just $449,900? That’s less than the cost of many older used aircraft. And for a limited time, you can also get Cirrus’ unprecedented five-year, spinner to tail warranty.

Learn more.

Contact us today for details or to schedule a demonstration flight.

info@cirrusaircraft.com or +1 218.529.7292

 

 

EASA Approves ESP

 

Cirrus Aircraft is excited to announce that the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has approved Electronic Stability and Protection (ESP™) by Garmin, found optionally in Cirrus aircraft equipped with Cirrus Perspective™ by Garmin. Now, for the first time, ESP will be available to Cirrus aircraft owners in Europe. The FAA approved ESP for use in the US in December of 2010.

ESP is a highly innovative new technology that addresses both prevention and recovery. It passively and unobtrusively corrects unusual flight attitudes, assisting without distracting from flying quality or enjoyment of the flight experience.

Key components and features of the Perspective ESP system are:

• Operates when the Garmin GFC 700 autopilot has been disengaged, when hand flying the aircraft
• Activates automatically whenever the airplane exceeds one or more flight parameters
• Uses autopilot servos and sensors, yet operates even when the autopilot is turned off
• Recognizes and helps correct excessive pitch attitude, roll attitude, or airspeed
• Augments pilot vigilance; assists, but does not take control
• Can be overridden by the pilot at any time
• Increases corrective pressure as exceedances move beyond safe limits
• Gently returns the aircraft  flight within normal operating envelope
• Operates unobtrusively and simulates aircraft’s natural flight stability

Go here for more information.

Independence Aviation Achieves Cirrus Platinum Training Center Designation

 
They join an Elite Group Recognized as Leaders in Aviation Training

 

Englewood, Colorado, June 15, 2011— Independence Aviation LLC (IA), based at Centennial Airport (KAPA) in Englewood, Colorado, has been designated a Cirrus Platinum Training Center by Cirrus Aircraft of Duluth, Minnesota. The prestigious appointment recognizes IA as a training center that “epitomizes premium quality service, exceptional training, outstanding support and state-of-the-art technical skill.”

“At IA we take aviation seriously while also having fun. Our objective has been to craft the best flight school and rental operation available. Being recognized by Cirrus as such is a great compliment to our team and organization,” said Robert “Bob” Stedman, President and Chief Pilot of IA. He and Chief Instructor Pilot Charles “Chuck” Gensler are both Cirrus Platinum Certified Standardized Instructor Pilots (Platinum CSIP.)

In order to achieve Platinum status, IA has to meet and maintain stringent requirements, including training in Cirrus’ newest and most advanced aircraft utilizing Perspective by Garmin™ avionics. They also must use Cirrus-accepted training syllabi to promote a high level of standardization and safety during flight training. Both the available rental fleet and instructor corps reflect the business focus on safety and fun.

Currently one of a select few Platinum Training Centers in the world, IA is proud to be recognized as a leader in flight training, both in the Rocky Mountain region and the nation.

About Independence Aviation

Independence Aviation (IA) provides aircraft rentals, aviation instruction and pilot mentoring programs, plus aircraft and hangar management. Founded in 2007 by two veteran Certified Flight Instructors, the firm is guided by a philosophy that relationship-based flight instruction produces superior private pilots. Key elements of IA’s approach are to teach students in airplanes they’d be willing to fly cross-country, and mentor them as they evolve to aircraft that fly faster and higher. All IA planes are used for instruction and rentals to qualified pilots. The entire fleet is equipped with modern avionics and current databases, and each aircraft is impeccably maintained in both mechanical operations and appearance.

Contact

Independence Aviation, LLC

12780 East Control Tower Road, # J-15

Englewood, CO  80112

www.ia-kapa.com

303.858.1600

 

Coast Flight Training and Management Inc. Sets Cirrus Fleet Record

Recently designated a Cirrus Platinum Partner, Coast Flight Training and Management now manages the largest fleet of Cirrus Aircraft on the West Coast.   

 

San Diego, Calif. (PRWEB) June 8, 2011 – Coast Flight Training and Management Inc. (Coast Flight) of San Diego, Calif., recently designated as a Cirrus Platinum Partner, is about to take delivery of two new Cirrus aircraft bringing their fleet total to 18 and allowing them to proudly boast the status as holder of the largest fleet of Cirrus Aircraft on the entire West Coast of the United States.

 

Cirrus Aircraft is a recognized leader in personal aircraft aviation. Its SR20 and SR22 family of composite airplanes incorporate innovative and advanced performance and safety technologies, including the unique Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS™). The SR22 has been general aviation’s best-selling four-seater airplane for the last ten years. The fully-loaded SR22T exemplifies all the features and character that Cirrus has introduced into general aviation in the last decade such as Flight Into Known Icing (FIKI); Cirrus Perspective by Garmin™ avionics with Synthetic Vision; Enhanced Stability and Protection (ESP); Stall and Over-speed protection; Hypoxia check/automatic descent; Traffic and Terrain (TAWS) warnings; EVS (combination infra-red and visible light vision for night use); paperless cockpit; ADS/B support; air conditioning and an individualized interior and exterior (known as “Xi” in Cirrus parlance).

 

The honor of becoming a Cirrus Platinum Partner is reserved for members of the worldwide Cirrus network who consistently maintain and display the highest levels of customer service, technical skills and training standards. Cost exemplifies these standards with its highly trained technicians, wide-range of services, outstanding customer support and satisfaction and impressive fleet of state-of-the-art Cirrus SR20s and SR22s.

 

Where Coast Flight really shines, however, is pilot training. As the finest and best-equipped Cirrus training center on the West Coast, Coast Flight counts on top tier Professional Pilot Instructors dedicated to Scenario Based Training (SBT), also used by the military and commercial airlines, that focuses on providing the student with critical decision-making skills necessary to exercise the duties and responsibilities of the pilot-in-command.

 

Additionally, earlier this month Will Dryden, President of Coast, was approved and designated as a Platinum Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot (CSIP) by Cirrus. This elite Platinum group includes the top CSIPs that have stood out as the best of the best. With Will’s years of experience and Coast Flight’s fleet of Cirrus airplanes, no other flight school is better equipped to prepare pilots for the future of aviation.

 

This unmatched combination of a Cirrus Platinum service and training center, modern Cirrus aircraft,  The best available Professional Pilot Instructors and SBT gives students a complete training package not found anywhere on the West Coast.

 

About Coast Flight Training and Management Inc.

Coast Flight deploys its business in a state of the art facility composed of six fully equipped classrooms and a large auditorium. Flying lessons taught in new and modern Cirrus SR20s and SR22s fleet are complemented by theoretical instruction carried out in a brand new, full motion RedBird flight simulator. For more information, visit iflycoast.com or call 858-279-4359.

 

Contact:

Coast Flight Training and Management Inc.

3753 John J. Montgomery Drive

San Diego, CA 92123

(858)279-4359 

 

CIRRUS AIRCRAFT THANKS AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER ON REFERRAL

This past month, I had the pleasure of traveling to our Authorized Service Center, Classic Aviation, located in Pella, Iowa to present referral checks earned from the Cirrus Referral Program. Shane Vande Voort earned $6000 cash plus an additional $6000 in Cirrus Bucks for Classic Aviation.

 From left to right: Jeff Edberg, Gary Poelma, Shane Vande Voort and Mike Prince

Shane has been maintaining a Cirrus SR20 for an owner who had the aircraft since new and was looking to upgrade to a Cirrus SR22. The owner was considering a 2008 used aircraft when he started discussing his upcoming decision with his long-time technician he has trusted to maintain his current aircraft for the past 3 years. In their discussion, Shane discussed the owner’s mission needs and presented the options available in a new Cirrus SR22 equipped with the Cirrus Flight Into Known Ice System (FIKI) that would give him better mission capability than the 2008 model under current consideration. In addition, Shane mentioned the unprecedented coverage available in the spinner-to-tail warranty available with the new Cirrus SR22. 

The conversations that happen with an owner and the trusted team at their Authorized Service Center are something we are proud to be included in the discussions on buying decisions. We regularly make an effort to keep our Authorized Service Centers informed of product and company updates. Shane Vande Voort and Classic Aviation are an excellent example of trusted service.

Cirrus Aircraft thanks Shane for the support and hope we can visit again with more super-sized checks! Information on our referral program can be found on our website at:

http://cirrusaircraft.com/contact/sales/referral.aspx

Gary Poelma,

 

Executive Director, Customer Support

Electronic stability protection helps make Cirrus immune to loss of control

 

In an article on flightglobal.com from May 27, John Croft goes into deatil about the safety advantages of ESP in Cirrus aircraft.

“Pilots of Cirrus aircraft equipped with Garmin's electronic stability and protection (ESP) system and other new speed-related safety aids should be virtually immune to a variety of loss-of-control accidents with the software protections.”

The complete article can be found here.