Flight testing is moving forward on the Cirrus SF50 Vision jet and customer deliveries are expected in late 2015, Cirrus officials said.
The $1.96-million, seven-seat, single-engine jet is expected to fly at 300 knots true airspeed at 28,000 feet with a range of 1,000 nautical miles.
“It’s been a long road,” said Pat Waddick, Cirrus COO. “I know you’ll be delighted with the product.”
The first production aircraft is in FAA flight testing, and two others are nearing completion.
Cirrus is putting together an extensive flight training and mentor program in which prospective SF50 pilots will undergo 10 days of extensive ground and simulator training in preparation for a type-rating checkride. After that, they will fly for a certain period of time with a highly experienced jet mentor.
Cirrus has about 550 jet deposits. The company based in Duluth, Minnesota, plans to produce about 90 SF50s in 2016 and 125 a year after that.
In other Cirrus news, the company said it’s on a pace to deliver 300 SR20 and SR22 piston aircraft this year, and the total fleet of more than 5,000 aircraft has amassed more than 6 million flight hours.
Cirrus pilots have used the emergency full airframe parachute system 46 times over the years saving a total 96 lives to date.
Dave Hirschman
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