Cirrus Aircraft News

Cirrus Aircraft, a leading personal airplane manufacturer, and Red Bull Air Race announced today a global partnership for the 2010 World Championship at an exclusive event in Santa Monica, California. At Red Bull Air Race events around the world in 2010, guests will have the unique opportunity to experience Cirrus Aircraft, the world's best-selling four-place, single-engine piston airplane. Guests attending the races in either the Race Club or the High Flyers Lounge will have special access to both the SR22 series of piston aircraft, as well as the upcoming Cirrus Vision 'personal jet.'

In his comments to several hundred at the Santa Monica event, Cirrus Aircraft CEO Brent Wouters noted, "The Red Bull Air Race World Championship represents a passion for precision and performance in aviation. These same attributes are shared by the employees of Cirrus Aircraft, and thousands of Cirrus owners and pilots around the world. We are proud to join this world-class event in 2010 and bring together air race fans, pilots and a new generation of aviators for a season of the most exciting, skillful and technical aerial competition in all of flying." 

Wouters added, "The Red Bull Air Races and its select global venues are a spectacular aviation experience. These locations showcase the unique lifestyle of convenience, comfort and access Cirrus owners enjoy around the world. At Cirrus, we proudly redefine personal transportation as 'Flying 2.0', and because of our shared passion, we are excited to partner in the worldwide aviation phenomenon that is the Red Bull Air Race."

Red Bull Air Race CEO Bernd Loidl noted the synergy of the new partnership. “We are pleased to welcome Cirrus Aircraft on board as a partner of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship. As one of the leading and most innovative aircraft manufacturers in the world, Cirrus is constantly pushing the boundaries in the development and design of premium aircraft. This together with their passion for flying and focus on excellence provides a perfect synergy with the Red Bull Air Race World Championship.”

Cirrus Aircraft and Red Bull Air Race: World Class Lifestyle Meets World Class Racing.

Visit: http://www.cirrusaircraft.com/airrace/

Leader in Personal Aviation Aircraft Welcomes Key Training and Research Partner at Historic University

Cirrus Aircraft announced today the sale of 16 of its 2010 SR20 model aircraft to Purdue University’s Department of Aviation Technology. The 600 students currently enrolled in the Purdue program will utilize the new Cirrus fleet daily to obtain hands-on flying experience, earn a private pilot certificate, instrument rating and ultimately a commercial type rating.

"Purdue's choice of Cirrus Aircraft for its training and research programs speaks to its commitment to the best available combination of technology, safety and capability in general aviation,” said Cirrus CEO Brent Wouters.  “We, at Cirrus, are very pleased that an institution of Purdue’s global academic and research stature has chosen to partner with us.  The new Purdue fleet is just the latest example of an institutional customer choosing Cirrus as its training platform for many of the same reasons that have made Cirrus the most desired airplane in personal aviation."

Purdue University conducted a rigorous evaluation process before selecting the aircraft it would use to continue the program’s advancement in training the nation’s future pilots. After careful consideration of operating cost, safety, flight characteristics, research capability and proposals from other manufacturers, the university chose the Cirrus SR20.  With a whole airframe parachute recovery system as standard equipment, Cirrus is an ideal choice because of its safety features and outstanding safety record.  The new SR20's will provide recruiting benefits as well given the natural progression of avionics commonality and flight characteristics leading up to the Embraer Phenom 100, also a part of Purdue's state-of-the-art fleet of training and research aircraft.

"The collaboration between Purdue University and Cirrus Aircraft launches a new era of next-generation collegiate aviation education.  In approving the acquisition, University Trustees and officials noted the necessity for Purdue to maintain a globally preeminent aviation technology program" said Dr. Brent D. Bowen, Professor and Head of the Department of Aviation Technology at Purdue University.  "Our investment in Cirrus and the resulting technologies will provide us with data acquisition and flight training capability never before possible and allow us to advance aviation education to a new level."

Each SR20 is equipped with the Cirrus Perspective by Garmin™ avionics platform, Alaka'i Technologies data recorders and Garmin GDL-90 receivers to support ongoing research projects.  The first Cirrus SR20 deliveries will take place in March of this year with the last of the 16 aircraft scheduled to arrive on campus in July, replacing the University’s current fleet of Piper Warriors.

Cirrus Aircraft Maintains Share Leadership Position in Third Quarter
 
On November 4, 2009 the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) released the industry’s third quarter shipment and billings summary. Fluctuations continue in the general aviation new aircraft market yet Cirrus Aircraft maintained its strong share position with SR20, SR22 and TURBO. Through the first nine months of 2009, piston-powered GA airplane shipments stood at 679 units while total GA shipments were 1,587. Both figures represent significant declines from the same period last year.  

Overall Market Remains Contracted – Optimism Heading into Fourth Quarter

“In the third quarter, we continued to see the periodic variability in new aircraft sales that has been with us for the last 12 to 15 months. Obviously, the overall market remains quite contracted compared to several previous years” said Todd Simmons, Vice President of Marketing at Cirrus. “There were some notable bright spots in the figures for Cirrus.”   

GAMA Data Third Quarter 2009 Highlights and Notable Items: 

• In Q309, Cirrus shipped 68 aircraft. Through the end of Q309, Cirrus has shipped 189 total aircraft year-to-date. 
• As of Q309, for all Single Engine Piston Aircraft - Tricycle Gear, Cirrus Aircraft has 32 percent market share, representing a share increase in every quarter of 2009. In this category, this is Cirrus Aircraft’s highest market share position to date. 
• Through 3Q09 versus the same period a year ago, Cirrus Aircraft shipments are 3.5 percentage points ahead of the overall piston aircraft delivery rate. 
• Cirrus Aircraft maintained its market share leadership of nearly 60 percent through Q3’09 for all SR22 comparable aircraft.¹ 
• As of Q309, the Cirrus Aircraft SR22 (normally aspirated and TURBO) remains the best-selling model of SEP airplane for the seventh year in a row.  
• While not reported in GAMA data, sales of pre-owned Cirrus Aircraft through Cirrus Certifiedä – the Cirrus Aircraft pre-owned sales division – continue at a brisk pace. Through Q309, Cirrus Certified increased sales 51 percent versus the same three-quarter period in 2008. A total of 118 pre-owned Cirrus transactions had been conducted through the end of 3Q09, representing 40 more aircraft sales than through the same period than in 2008. 
   

Cirrus Aircraft a Smart Investment 

In publishing 3Q09 delivery data, GAMA Chairman Pete Bunce noted the importance of GA to successful businesses. “A recently released study shows the powerful connection between well-run companies and those that use business aviation. For example, Business Week magazine’s 2009 25 Best Customer Service Companies and the Corporate Responsibility Officer’s list of 2009 100 Best Corporate Citizens, both show that 90 percent of the identified S&P 500 companies are business aircraft users. For many small, medium and regional businesses, Cirrus Aircraft is providing safe, economical and efficient transportation solutions for owners and executives that previously relied solely on the airlines, larger turbine aircraft or automobile transportation for business travel.  Pete Agur, Jr. author of The Compelling Case for Business Aviation in the October 2009 issue of Business and Commercial Aviation noted the significance of high performance singles to small businesses in a companion study: The Economic Case for High Performance Single-Engine Piston Business Aircraft. Agur concludes, “The results of the analysis are dramatically clear. The economic benefit of using a high performance single-engine piston airplane for regional travel is compelling”.

Read entire article:  The Even More Compelling Case Agur.pdf (907.62 kb)

Cirrus Aircraft are an even stronger corporate transportation tool than previously with new product offerings and features, most notably Flight Into Known Icing protection for SR22 and TURBO models.  

Looking Ahead 

Approaching year-end, Cirrus sees early signs of recovery in both the traditional owner-flown market as well as in segments where previously Cirrus has been a quieter player - the regional and small businesses segments noted above.  Simmons concluded, “Our product enhancements for new aircraft, robust activity in our pre-owned business, and price discipline in both new and used markets are making a real difference. The latest GAMA numbers show it. Generous depreciation rules for 2009 domestically, the expiration of the VAT exemption in Europe at year-end and a recovering overall economy have the fourth quarter shaping up as the strongest quarter of 2009 for both orders and deliveries at Cirrus.”    

GAMA is an international trade association headquartered in Washington, DC representing 67 of the world's leading manufacturers of general aviation aircraft, engines, avionics and related equipment. GAMA's members also operate fleets of aircraft, fixed based operations, and pilot training and maintenance training facilities. For additional information, visit GAMA’s website.

Read More: GAMA Third Quarter Shipments 

Visit Cirrus Aircraft's website.

1  SR22/Turbo comparable aircraft includes the following four-seat aircraft:  182T Skylane, T182T Turbo Skylane, 350 Corvalis, 400 Corvalis TT, SR22, M20R Ovation, M20TN Acclaim.

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has announced regulatory approval for Cirrus Aircraft's newest capability and innovation, Cirrus Known Ice Protection. Earlier this year, FAA approval was granted and new aircraft equipped with the optional system - both normally aspirated and TURBO piston aircraft - have been shipping to customers since January of 2009.
 
Pat Waddick, Cirrus Aircraft Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, noted the importance of flight into known icing capability to customers globally and the innovation in the design of the new Cirrus system. "Reliable, safe and efficient personal transportation is the hallmark of Cirrus Aircraft. Proper training and good decision-making are always essential for flight safety, and now with Cirrus Known Ice Protection, flying on marginal weather days or when icing forecasts might otherwise preclude travel are now possible. This robust system separates Cirrus Aircraft from others when it comes to getting the most capability for your personal aircraft investment."

The Cirrus Known Ice Protection system - allowing flight into known icing (FIKI) – utilizes the TKS™ weeping wing technology in laser-drilled panels on the leading edges of the wings, horizontal and vertical tail surfaces and the elevator horns. New high-intensity LED ice lights on both sides of the airplane illuminate the wing’s leading edges and tail surfaces through a unique prism lens. An automotive style nozzle distributes TKS fluid evenly onto the windshield and a traditional slinger-ring provides ice protection on the propeller. The pilot interface is equally as innovative as the Cirrus Known Ice Protection system seamlessly integrates with Cirrus Perspective by Garmin™ avionics on 12-inch screens by displaying key operating and system status information on the multi-function display (MFD) including protection system range and endurance. The TKS fluid capacity is up to a maximum of 8 gallons and various pilot selected flow rates allow de-icing fluid flow for up to 2.5 hours.

Ian Bentley, Vice President and Managing Director - International Sales commented, “This is likely the most extensively tested known ice protection package ever developed for general aviation. The certification program had the same icing envelope and followed similar testing protocols as business jets and airliners under FAR Part 25. Customers ordering new aircraft in 2009 have shown a very strong preference for the Cirrus Known Ice Protection option.” Bentley also added a word of caution, “As capable as the system is, Cirrus Known Ice Protection does not create an ‘all weather’ airplane – a perhaps overused term in aviation. Even airliners, military and corporate aircraft cancel flights for weather – particularly winter weather. A broad knowledge of weather operations, recurrent training and flight experience in your Cirrus is always necessary.”

Cirrus now offers additional support for pilots with an on-line “Icing Awareness” training program focused on the Cirrus Known Ice Protection equipped aircraft. This training is required for all Cirrus pilots prior to flying into forecast or known icing conditions and recommended for all pilots. Additionally, Cirrus will offer supplies of TKS fluid in volume (33 and 50-gallons) for purchase, shipped directly to you.  Both the training program and TKS fluid are available for purchase at http://www.cirrusconnection.com/.

Cirrus Aircraft today announced that Avidyne's Entegra Release 9 integrated flight deck system is now available from Cirrus as an option on selected new SR20 and SR22 aircraft. 

"Cirrus and Avidyne launched the glass flight deck revolution back in 2003. Today, we are making Entegra Release 9 available as a post production option on new aircraft to meet the needs of those customers desiring the next generation Avidyne avionics platform," said Cirrus CEO, Brent Wouters.

"Cirrus has consistently been the industry leader in bringing safety-enhancing innovations to general aviation-from the parachute to the first all-glass flight deck for GA-and we are excited to have our Entegra Release 9 system added as a factory option at Cirrus," said Avidyne President Dan Schwinn. "There are over 4,000 Entegra-equipped Cirrus aircraft and prospective owners now have the option of moving up to a brand new SR20 or SR22 with Entegra Release 9."
 
About Entegra Release 9
With its fully-modular architecture, Entegra Release 9 represents the next generation of Avidyne integrated flight deck systems for general aviation aircraft. The Entegra Release 9 includes high-resolution IFD5000 displays, dual Air Data and Attitude Heading Reference Systems (ADAHRS), dual-redundant FMS900w systems with a QWERTY keypad, next-generation fully-digital 16-watt VHF NAV/COM radios, and dual WAAS/RNP-capable GPS receivers. Release 9's innovative Page & Tab user interface makes accessing data simple. Designed with a fully-redundant architecture, each IFD5000 is fully capable of performing the functions of the other. With Entegra Release 9, Avidyne has developed a truly integrated system that is specifically designed to eliminate complexity, reduce head-down time, provide a whole new level of redundancy, and dramatically enhance safety.

Pricing and Availability
Cirrus is accepting orders now for new Cirrus aircraft with Entegra Release 9 as a build-to-order aircraft, with a nominal lead time of around 12 weeks. For pricing and ordering information, including installation details, contact Cirrus Aircraft at http://www.cirrusaircraft.com/.

For more information on Avidyne Entegra Release 9, go to http://www.release9.com/. 

Even with the pressure on the current general aviation new aircraft market, Cirrus Aircraft saw significant share growth on a substantial rise in airplane deliveries in the second quarter versus the first quarter. 

“While the overall market remains very challenging and is at significantly contracted levels versus a year ago, we saw several bright spots in the second quarter GAMA delivery data” said Todd Simmons, Vice President of Marketing at Cirrus. “We have made substantial product improvements across our product line - SR20, SR22 and TURBO - in just the last 12 months. With this latest industry delivery information, the market is clearly showing its preference for new Cirrus Aircraft.”

Read the entire release here.

Chartis (formerly known as AIG) Light Aviation Division (LAD) today announced the waiver of the applicable in-motion deductible up to a maximum of $1,000 on light aviation insurance policies for damage to aircraft resulting from an emergency in-flight deployment of the recovery parachute.

“This is a critical new benefit for pilots who operate aircraft equipped with a recovery parachute system,” said Greg Sterling, Vice President and Division Manager of LAD. “In the interest of aviation safety, we want to eliminate any chance that a pilot might hesitate in deploying the recovery parachute in an emergency because of insurance or financial implications,” Mr. Sterling said.

Prior to this deductible waiver, aircraft owners who deployed the parachute system in an effort to minimize injury, prevent loss of life or save the aircraft from greater damage were responsible for 100% of their deductible. This new waiver applies to all general aviation aircraft equipped with an aircraft recovery parachute system, including our popular Cirrus SR20 and SR22 aircraft.

Cirrus Aircraft Co-Founder Dale Klapmeier noted the significance of this announcement as further validation of a safety system fundamental to Cirrus Aircraft. "We commend Chartis for its innovative thinking and for its recognition of the importance of this critical safety feature. We engineered the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS™) into our aircraft from the very beginning. With more than 3.1 million total hours to date on the worldwide Cirrus Aircraft fleet of more than 4,500 aircraft, 18 CAPS deployments resulting in 35 lives saved speaks volumes about its importance. Cirrus is the only certified airplane with the parachute as standard equipment, and this unique new benefit announced today by Chartis further enhances the experience for Cirrus Aircraft customers and pilots," Mr. Klapmeier commented.

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Air Safety Foundation President Bruce Landsberg also praised the announcement adding "Aircraft equipped with recovery parachutes provide pilots with an additional tool to reduce or prevent injury, and we applaud Chartis for encouraging pilots to use the parachute without fear of financial loss."

Aircraft owners can contact the Light Aircraft Division at 800.523.5266 or lad-e@chartisinsurance.com, or their aviation insurance professional for more information.

Cirrus Aircraft today named Patrick Waddick the Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer. Previously, Mr. Waddick served as Executive Vice President of Operations at Cirrus.

Brent Wouters, Cirrus Aircraft President and CEO, commented, "For many years now Pat's significant contributions to Cirrus have been instrumental to our success. Time and again Pat has delivered on-budget and on-schedule results within our major development and manufacturing programs. As COO, his increased role and scope of responsibility come at an ideal time as we transition the Vision Jet from strictly an Research and Development project into detailed design and initial preparation for serial production. It's fair to say that the entire Cirrus Aircraft community - our customers, employees, shareholders and partners - are going to benefit from Pat's leadership in his new position."   

Pat joined Cirrus in 1988 contributing on the VK30 composite pusher-configuration aircraft. Transitioning to ST50 Project Engineering Manager, Pat led a joint Cirrus/Israeli design team through to early flight testing stages. Later as Director of Engineering, Pat was instrumental in the development and certification of the SR20 and SR22. Pat was named Vice President of Engineering in 1997 and promoted to Senior Vice President, of Engineering in 2005.

Since September of 2008, Pat has served as Executive Vice President, Operations where he leads the Customer Support, Manufacturing Operations, Quality and Process Engineering, and Supply Chain organizations. As Chief Operating Officer, Pat's expanded role now includes oversight of both Product Development in addition to the Operations functions previously mentioned. Now with direct oversight of both Engineering and Manufacturing at Cirrus, organizational resources will be better optimized as several key development projects co-locate within core operations. 

In accepting the appointment to his newest role Waddick commented, "this is a great team that does great things, so this expanded role is a privilege. I am and always will be obsessed with airplanes and flying. Having been part of the early roots of this company I care deeply about the customer, our people, and the product. The drive and spirit of innovation is alive and well at Cirrus and, while we've accomplished some incredible things in the past, the future is even more compelling."

Mr. Waddick received a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Mechanics from the University of Wisconsin School of Engineering in 1989. Pat also has extensive hands-on experience with aircraft construction and assembly having worked with many early Cirrus prototypes as well as completion of an experimental 2-place aircraft. Prior to joining Cirrus, he was an engineer with IBM Corporation. In 2004, he was the recipient of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Hap Arnold Award for Excellence in Program Management. 

An active Private Pilot since 1988, Pat holds an instrument rating and is currently a member of AOPA, EAA and AIAA.

Cirrus Aircraft announced Lotus Air Corporation (Cirrus Japan), as the newest international Cirrus Sales Center.  Lotus Air will partner with Hirata Gakuen Kobe Air Center, Kobe Airport, Tokyo Japan, to serve as the sales and distribution center for Cirrus Japan.  READ full press release issued today.

L-R.  1) First Japanese Registered Cirrus SR22 - JA22KY.  2) Cirrus SR22 and Ferrari shown at the grand opening of the Kobe Air Center

L-R.  1) Hirata Gakuen Kobe Air Center.  2) Shiro Hirata, chairman of Hirata Gakuen, opening the new Kobe Air Center