Great Machines: Aircraft: Training Wings
June 1, 2006
By appealing especially to new pilots, Cirrus Design has become the
world’s largest manufacturer of personal aircraft in only a decade. The company
delivered 400 planes in 2005, and continues to ramp up production with an
ever-expanding order book. Its most popular model—and its fastest—is the SR22, a
fixed-landing-gear, four-seat composite airframe, with large windows and a
spacious cabin.; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
What differentiates the SR22 from older aircraft designs is its warm interior
environment. The seats are comfortable, and the control panels lack the
usual
clutter of arcane “steam gauges.” Instead, the SR22 features
three
straightforward display panels that rely on digital readouts,
simple graphs, and
plain language. Navigation, for instance, is
depicted on an easy-to-read moving
map. In addition to standard
instrument flight rules (IFR) equipment, the
SR22-G2 aircraft comes
equipped with all available options, including an
autopilot/flight
director; SkyWatch air traffic avoidance; C Max instrument
approach
plate display; XM Satellite Weather display and StormScope;
comprehensive fuel and engine monitoring; and aural situational
warnings. (Click image to enlarge)
; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
The SR22 comes with a standard six-cylinder 310 hp Continental 550 engine that
gives the plane a real-life cruise speed of 213 mph (185 knots). Cirrus
simplified engine management by employing a single power lever and eliminating
the prop controller from the throttle quadrant. The big Continental rewards a
push of the power lever on takeoff with a short ground roll, and a healthy
initial climb rate of 1,400 feet per minute at the SR22’s maximum weight. With
full fuel, the SR22 can transport passengers, weighing up to 640 pounds
collectively, 700 nautical miles (about 800 statute miles) in less than four
hours—a fine achievement for a fast fixed-gear single. (Click image to enlarge)
The Cirrus possesses a friendly flying performance with its benign stall and
crisp low-speed handling. The roll rate is pleasantly quick, and the side stick
controller requires low effort. Pitch and roll forces are easily trimmed out
with the control stick–mounted thumb button. Cirrus’ safety innovations include
multiple warning systems to enhance a pilot’s situational awareness and airbag
seat belts. Unique to Cirrus aircraft is the revolutionary Cirrus Airframe
Parachute System. This 55-foot-diameter airframe parachute can be deployed
during an in-flight emergency, lowering the entire aircraft to the ground and
sparing passengers from an uncontrolled collision with terra firma.
The SR22 has undeniable appeal for those who are just entering aviation: a comfortable environment that has more in common with an automobile than a conventional aircraft, reliable cockpit displays that have a familiar design, and an ingenious parachute for passenger safety. It is only natural that such an innovative approach would attract new pilots to the convenience and freedom of personal aircraft ownership.
Cirrus Design
888.750.9927
www.cirrusdesign.com
advertisement
; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();){kind=link}