Cirrus- The new leader in modern aviation?

A few days ago, I had the opportunity to fly the Cirrus SR20 and so far I am pleased with every aspect of my experience.

Up until now, I've seen that there are unquestionably blended reviews with regards to the Cirrus aircrafts.

A few people depend on their flawless design and thoughtful engineering, while others don't even consider Cirrus pilots as 'real pilots' because of contradicting views on the issue of the automation paradox.

I without a doubt have consistently been an admirer of Cirrus and I'll tell you why.

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Cirrus Aircraft Corporation was established in 1984 by brothers Alan and Dale Klapmeier. Throughout the years Cirrus has progressed from being a kit building company to a developed aircraft manufacturer. They have constantly refined their products and delivered the most secure aircrafts conceivable.

In 2001, they delivered the aircraft that they are most recognized for, the SR22.

The SR-22s immediately turned into uncontrollably mainstream aircrafts. The Cirrus SR22 then became the world's best-selling single engine aircraft, a title it has held each year since, and presently holds.

So what makes Cirrus aircrafts stand out?

Well, they're known as the 'Cirrus Airframe Parachute System' (or CAPS for short), and they've already saved numerous lives.

1,5 seconds is all it takes for an electronically fired rocket to dispatch a parachute that can take the full power of weight of the aircraft. All the pilot has to do is pull a handle that’s on the roof to activate the system.

It doesn’t get more James Bond than that if you ask me :D

Safety has consistently been a guiding principle at Cirrus and they're continually searching for approaches to reduce pilot workload.

Innovation previously made by NASA (discontinuous leading edge) was embraced by Cirrus to decrease the potential for aircraft spin after an inadvertent stall.

Unlike other aircrafts where parachutes can be installed post-production, all Cirrus aircrafts are designed around the parachute as it is a fundamental aspect of the design.

Other specifications that were precisely intended to make the aircraft safer include composite landing gear, a 4 point harness/ airbags in the safety belts, a side stick and honeycomb seating; all designed to reduce impact in the event of an emergency.

All of these approaches produce sound and resilient aircrafts – ‘’ probably the best general aviation airplanes ever produced ‘’.

Indeed, even pilots with thousands of hours of experience can still make mistakes. That’s why it’s called human error.

This is the reason Cirrus automates a portion of tasks with the goal that the pilot can do the actual job of flying the aircraft. It doesn't remove the fun from flying. It just makes it more secure.

My thoughts on this aircraft are that, it doesn't generally seem to be something that was only a technical vision. I think there was a greater amount of a desire to make something intriguing. I think that truly just originates from a place of passion; a desire to redefine safety in aviation.

To me the Cirrus aircrafts are revolutionary and are one of the many reasons why I fly.

(All cockpit photos & videos taken for educational purposes or by a passenger during non-critical phases of flight. With approval and in accordance with SACAA guidelines).