I had an opportunity to tour the Cirrus facility in Duluth MN this past Friday. A very interesting tour I must admit. What did I learn?
I learned that the airplane is put together like a plastic model. Put some glue on the tabs and put the pieces together and hold them there for a couple hours. The airplane can be assembled from two fuselage halves to flying in a matter of days. The process is very interesting.
We had a chance to get up close and personal with the flying test model of the Cirrus Jet. The airplane is bigger than I thought it would be. Substantially bigger. I'm skeptical of it being a success though. Maybe I'm too biased and old school though. Time will tell. The whole Twin vs Single issue is clearly a debate that will be debated when signing up for this aircraft. Admittedly, I'm in the twin camp, and probably always will be. I get the whole turbine/jet engine reliability claims. However, in my experience, most turbine engine failures/shutdowns aren't engine failures per say, but a failed component that is attached, or a fuel or fuel controller related issue. I won't beat this horse though, as I understand the counter points as well.
I think the Cirrus jet would look much better with a pair of engines on it, and have more appeal to the existing aviation community. However, they are going after the existing Cirrus owner crowd that is generally a newer pilot, and the single eng jet provides a pathway to a bigger ticket sale. Obviously there are exceptions, but the exceptions are not who the product is being marketed towards.
The airplane is only being certified for FL280 or below. They were suggesting it will probably be hard pressed to exceed 300kts. This seems obvious when you see how big it is, and how thick the wing is. Does it look good.........I think so. Would I step in line to have one. Nope. If I want a jet, I want jet performance. The airplane is competing with single engine turbo props, some of which will deliver better performance.
I applaud Cirrus for their innovations. It's obvious why they are selling airplanes. State of the art production materials and techniques, along with strong targeted marketing.
If only the other brand B, or the other brand C would recognize the missed opportunities and do some updating of their legacy products.
It was refreshing see GA alive and kicking, and provides some confidence that innovation is alive and well in the upper Midwest. Unfortunately the money is being sent to China.
