This National Aviation Day, we’re taking a moment to look back at how far Personal Aviation™ has come since Cirrus was founded in 1984. From the very first SR Series to the cutting-edge G7+, we’ve never stopped innovating along the way.
Table of Contents/Summary
G1 – 1998
SR20
The SR20, a single-piston composite airplane, changed the world of general aviation. The SR20 featured a 10-inch multi-function display, side-yoke flight controllers, a complete glass cockpit and of course, CAPS® – the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS). The SR20 was designed with people in mind, blending innovation with accessibility.
SR22
By 2000, Cirrus received a Type Certificate for a composite piston aircraft with a larger wing, larger fuel capacity, and more powerful engine – the SR22. The SR22 (and after its launch in 2010, the SR22T) has led piston aircraft sales worldwide since 2002, maintaining the best-selling general aviation airplane title every year since.
G2 – 2004
The SR Series G2 aircraft brought structural and design improvements. Key upgrades included a TKS fluid-based system for in-flight icing protection and the addition of XM satellite weather and terrain alerting capabilities. G2 also brought refreshed interior and exterior design options, offering a more refined and customizable flying experience.
G3 – 2007
G3 revolutionized the SR Series – again. The introduction of the Cirrus Perspective™ by Garmin® flight deck in 2008 brought greater automation and situational awareness, making flying more intuitive and streamlined for pilots. The major airframe redesign further prioritized both pilot and passenger comfort.
In 2010, the Cirrus lineup expanded with a turbocharged option. The SR22T delivered the ability to fly higher, faster, and farther than ever before.
G5 – 2013
2013 marked the introduction of the SR Series G5. The aircraft gained an additional 200 pounds of useful load, seating capacity increased to five, and enhancements like USB ports, tubeless tires, and ADS-B In & Out added modern convenience. The introduction of Flight Stream wireless connectivity and an angle of attack indicator further improved safety in every flight.
G6 – 2017
The SR Series G6 was all about refinement. The Cirrus Perspective+™ flight deck offered faster processing and expanded capabilities, while the new Spectra™ LED lighting system improved visibility and style. With Cirrus IQ™, pilots could connect to their aircraft from their phones, accessing real-time data with ease. Along with aerodynamic upgrades to reduce drag, the SR Series is the ultimate personal travel machine.
G7 – 2024
G7 brought the most comprehensive interior update in SR Series history. Designed with a focus on car-like comfort and convenience, the cabin featured refined materials, enhanced ergonomics throughout, and updated avionics with Cirrus Perspective Touch+ to offer larger, more colorful dual touchscreen displays with three times more resolution than before. Advancements in automation elevated the overall flying experience, making each interaction more seamless and modern.
G7+ – 2025
Most recently, the SR Series G7+ in 2025 introduced Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland, becoming the world’s first aircraft manufacturer to incorporate the system on a piston aircraft. With Cirrus IQ Pro as well, the G7+ now features automatic database updates, making it even easier to own and operate an SR Series aircraft.
Generation after generation, Cirrus has redefined what’s possible in Personal Aviation™. Every evolution continues to push boundaries, delivering unmatched innovation, luxury, and performance. With Cirrus, everything is within reach.
Discover what it means to live the Cirrus life for yourself with our Learn to Fly training programs.