Cirrus Aircraft Highlights: 2012 Aircraft Shipments

As a result of this collaborative approach, Cirrus is pleased to have not only certified its new fifth generation aircraft recently but to have enjoyed a very rare honor while doing so. The Aircraft Certification System Evaluation Program (ACSEP) is a FAA team-led evaluation that occurs every two years for this class of aircraft (14 CFR Part 21, sub-Part G.) For the first time, Cirrus earned a "perfect" score with zero non-compliance marks.

"For a company of this size and complexity, a zero non-compliance evaluation is uncommon," states Michael Coon, Quality Systems Manager at Cirrus Aircraft. "Our employees are proud to hold ourselves to the highest standards and we appreciate our partnership with the FAA."

LOOKING AHEAD: Generation 5 is "The Most Cirrus Ever"

Demand for new Cirrus aircraft has started strong in 2013. SR22's and SR22T's are "The Most Cirrus Ever" with important new customer requested innovations and capabilities now standard. These new benefits are the hallmark of the just-introduced fifth generation aircraft.

With the introduction of the 2013 Generation 5 aircraft and its increase in gross weight to 3600 lbs (1633 kg), Cirrus becomes the highest in-class useful load aircraft available today. A standard SR22 not only achieves a true "four-seat airplane that can carry four adults and full fuel," but SR22 and SR22T models now have five seats total and can carry all five FAA-standard passengers non-stop and in comfort over 700 nautical miles.

Generation 5 is the name given to the airframe change required to achieve the step-change improvement for the 2013 SR22/SR22T. The entire aircraft design was analyzed from spinner-to-tail and many parts and systems reengineered and redesigned to accommodate the increased airframe load, aerodynamic improvements, improved flight performance and the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System™ (CAPS). Substantial testing, including a new series of CAPS parachute test drops, was conducted for validation. Significant changes for Generation 5 aircraft have been made to the CAPS system including an increased canopy size to 65 ft. diameter, a new rocket extraction system that propels the parachute upon activation, an advanced technology electrical rocket igniter and lighter and stronger construction materials. Other airframe upgrades included strengthening the carbon fiber single part wing spar, strengthening the landing gear and designing a new flap system allowing extension to the first position at 150 knots.

This redesigned 2013 SR22/SR22T, the fifth generation of Cirrus aircraft, adds a load carrying exclamation point to recent Cirrus innovations including: Cirrus Perspective™ avionics by Garmin®; Cirrus Known Ice Protection™; Perspective Global Connect™ satellite communications; 60/40 FlexSeating™; and the totally unique Cirrus Airframe Parachute System™, standard equipment on every Cirrus ever produced.

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). To date, total time on the worldwide Cirrus Aircraft SR-series fleet surpassed five million flight hours with 65 lives saved as a direct result of CAPS being a standard safety feature on all Cirrus aircraft. The Cirrus Vision SF50 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 U.S. with a direct sales force in North America and authorized sales centers covering export markets in 60 countries around the world. Cirrus Aircraft is wholly owned by China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Co., Ltd (CAIGA). For additional information on Cirrus and its products please visit cirrusaircraft.com.