Duluth, Minn. (25 August 2015) – Cirrus Aircraft today announced the FAA issued Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) for the Vision SF50, marking another significant milestone in the aircraft certification program. TIA initiates formal FAA flight evaluation of the Vision SF50 type design, airworthiness, performance and handling properties. This TIA allows Cirrus to move forward with FAA Conformity Inspections and Certification Flight Tests with an FAA pilot on board the aircraft, one of the final elements needed for Type Certification.
“Cirrus Aircraft’s goal of transforming personal travel and regional transportation is close at hand as the Vision SF50 enters the TIA phase of certification,” said Pat Waddick, President of Innovation and Operations at Cirrus Aircraft. “This milestone highlights the maturity of our SF50 program and the FAA’s confidence in our ability to cross the finish line. It also speaks to the remarkably talented team at Cirrus that has devoted countless hours over many years to reach this milestone.”
The TIA comes after intensive scrutiny of engineering designs, structural testing and flight test results that demonstrate compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations. To achieve TIA from the FAA, Cirrus’ first conforming flight test aircraft, C-Zero, was thoroughly analyzed in airframe structure, stability in flight controls and stall performance. The accumulated test hours and results deemed it safe to fly by the FAA and ready for compliance validation, a clear indicator of substantial progress along the Vision SF50’s multi-year march toward first customer delivery.
Three conforming Vision SF50 prototypes are working to demonstrate Type Certification compliance to requirements, already completing a wide range of company tests including the recent flyover noise levels. Recent successful completion of ultimate load drop testing for the signature Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®) paves the way for aircraft in-flight deployment testing this fall. Wing and stabilizer cyclic lifespan and stress testing are currently underway, updates to an advanced new avionics system, plus interiors and paint schemes are also being finalized. With the first Vision SF50 units entering the production line, Cirrus’ goal is to achieve Type Certification by the end of 2015 and begin customer deliveries shortly thereafter.
“Our employees and partners are rightfully proud of this accomplishment,” continued Waddick. “Our customers and the entire aviation industry should be excited – the Vision Jet is on its way!”
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 seven million flight hours with 107 people returned to their families as a direct result of CAPS being a standard safety feature on all Cirrus aircraft. The Cirrus Vision SF50®, with over 550 production positions reserved, will provide a new personal and regional business transportation solution: the personal jet. The Vision Center in Knoxville, TN will be the flagship location for all Cirrus Aircraft Customer Experience activities including sales, delivery, training, maintenance, support, personalization, fixed base operations and more. 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.
CONTACT: Ben Kowalski, Vice President, Marketing +1.218.788.3435