Cirrus, known as the first FAA-approved aircraft to include a built-in parachute, has added a new level of safety to its piston fleet with the new SR Series G7+ model that features Safe Return Emergency Autoland.
“The Cirrus SR Series G7+ is the world’s first single-engine piston aircraft equipped with an FAA-approved autonomous emergency landing system,” stated a release from the Duluth, Minnesota-based manufacturer.
How It Works
In an emergency situation, a push of a button activates the Safe Return Emergency Autoland by Garmin feature. When activated, algorithms and sensors work to fly the aircraft to the nearest suitable airport, a process that includes notifying air traffic control (ATC) while navigating away from terrain, obstacles, and weather. It even communicates with the passengers as the aircraft comes to a full stop and shuts down the engine.
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In addition, the company notes the SR Series G7+ includes new features such as automatic database updates powered by Cirrus IQ PRO, runway occupancy awareness, and smart pitot heat powered by the Perspective Touch+ flight deck for reduced pilot workload.
“We’re excited to introduce the SR Series G7+, the aircraft that anyone can land in the event of an emergency with the touch of a single button,” said Zean Nielsen, CEO of Cirrus, in the release. “The addition of Safe Return Emergency Autoland on a single-engine piston aircraft brings technology previously only available on larger turbine and turboprop aircraft to a greater number of pilots, spouses. and their passengers for added peace of mind.”
Cirrus delivers approximately 600 SR series aircraft per year. Since 1999 Cirrus, famous for the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS), has been touted as the “spouse airplane” as it is known for giving the nonpilots aboard (often the spouse of the pilot) extra confidence due to the innovative safety features.
According to the company, worldwide flight time on Cirrus aircraft is 18 million hours, which includes some 270 people returning home safely after the activation of the CAPS.
