So what are they getting, and how closely does it match the early claims of the SF50 being the slowest, lowest and cheapest jet available?Ī few weeks ago, we finally got the call, so we headed for Knoxville, Tennessee, to Cirrus’ new customer experience and delivery centre, to fly the much anticipated aircraft. But the early adopters who ponied up $100k all those years ago are now reaping their reward. There were, of course, people who lost faith and asked for their deposits back, a process which must have caused more than a few sleepless nights at Cirrus, when times were at their hardest.
#CIRRUS SF50 VISION JET WINDOWS#
I don’t know if it was perseverance, bloody mindedness, the lack of any better options or just a belief in doing the right thing but, towards the end of 2016, the FAA certified the SF50 (EASA followed this May) and the first examples were delivered.ĭuring the intervening decade, the SF50’s windows got a little smaller (although they remain huge), one of the doors didn’t make it through, bluntly, neither did Alan or Kate, both of whom haven’t been with Cirrus for a few years now. But then I’m not sure many people foresaw the global financial crash, troubled times for GA manufacturing, a much reduced Cirrus workforce and, ultimately, its change of ownership.īefore the world went a little crazy, Cirrus’ other co-founder, Dale Klapmeier, told me that they would be first to market a single-engined personal jet. I’m not sure that anyone expected it to take over ten years to develop, certify, manufacture and deliver the SF50. “I’m not sure that anyone expected it to take over ten years to develop, certify, manufacture and deliver the SF50” Numbers-wise, Cirrus said it’d cruise at 300kt at FL250 and cost around $1.4m. Before too long, the Jet was announced publicly with a promise of it being the slowest, lowest and cheapest available. So there it was, a huge (by small-jet standards) cabin with seven cleverly arranged seats, massive windows and two entry and exit doors.
I’m not sure I’d even go that far – it was essentially an enclosed space with seats on rails. I can’t remember if I had to sign an NDA or just agree not to divulge anything, but eventually Alan and Kate led me into a small room where there was a very, erm, rustic looking cabin mock-up.
The tour through the SR assembly line was interesting enough, but the industry buzz was all about the company’s rumoured jet and, like everyone else, I was intrigued and wanted to know more. Back in February 2006, I was shown around the Cirrus factory by co-founder Alan Klapmeier and PR Manager, Kate Dougherty.
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