Cirrus gets FAA nod on new safety features

Cirrus Aircraft has received FAA approval and has begun delivery of new aircraft equipped with its latest safety and pilot assistance features: Perspective Electronic Stability and Protection (Perspective ESP) and Hypoxia Recognition and Automatic Descent Mode.

“Just as the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System brought the equivalent benefit of automotive airbags to general aviation, Perspective ESP now provides the protection in personal aircraft that traction and stability control offers in nearly all cars today,” said Jon Dauplaise, vice president of domestic sales. “Similarly, a Cirrus can now safely fly itself unassisted to lower altitudes in the rare case that the pilot is non-responsive for a period of time at altitudes where oxygen is required.

“These latest Cirrus innovations continue our multi-layered approach to safety that put pilot and passenger security first,” he continued. “We believe that Perspective ESP is not only the next safety feature, but also an enhancement as important as the parachute itself. That’s why we have worked closely with our partners at Garmin to be the first and to date the only airplane in our class to offer them.”

Key components and features of the Perspective ESP system are:

• Operates when the Garmin GFC 700 autopilot has been disengaged, when hand flying the aircraft
• Activates automatically whenever the airplane exceeds one or more flight parameters
• Uses autopilot servos and sensors, yet operates even when the autopilot is turned off
• Recognizes and helps correct excessive pitch attitude, roll attitude, or airspeed
• Augments pilot vigilance: Assists, but does not take control
• Can be overridden by the pilot at any time
• Increases corrective pressure as exceedances move beyond safe limits
• Gently returns the aircraft flight within normal operating envelope
• Operates unobtrusively and simulates aircraft’s natural flight stability.

Both Perspective ESP and Hypoxia Recognition are available immediately on Cirrus Aircraft equipped with the Cirrus Perspective by Garmin avionics suite and the all-digital Garmin GFC 700 autopilot.

For more information: CirrusAircraft.com