Unique Airplane Honored for Contribution to Aviation History

CIRRUS Design has had a good week at Oshkosh... but took a little time to look back as the 'first-ever CIRRUS aircraft' - the kit-built VK30 - was inducted into the Experimental Aircraft Association's AirVenture museum located at the organization's home base in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

The VK30 made its debut to the public in 1987 at the EAA's AirVenture Air Show, held annually in Oshkosh, was termed a "revolutionary design" by ANN Editor-In-Chief, Jim Campbell, who flew it a number of times and got to know the aircraft rather well.

"When the VK30 first appeared in 1987, who could have imagined that in less than 20 years, Cirrus Design would evolve into one of the world's largest manufacturers of single engine aircraft," said EAA President Tom Poberezny. "The VK30 represents the spirit of design and innovation, and highlights the heritage of Cirrus Design's innovation in design and performance that have been the company's foundation from the very beginning."

"To overcome and achieve, the innovators have to tune out the naysayers, keep working, and sustain their dedication to the dream," said Poberezny. "From the VK30 to the present fleet of over 2,000 SR20's and SR22's, Alan and Dale Klapmeier were able to keep their dream alive, and build CIRRUS into the thriving company it has become."

"EAA provided the stage and opportunity for us to take a homebuilt airplane, turn it into a production airplane, and in the process create a very successful company," said CIRRUS co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Alan Klapmeier. "EAA exists as the keeper of the flame - an organization that preserves dreams and passions, allowing them to take root."

Dale Klapmeier (below, with Alan, on the right), co-founder and Executive Vice President said, "to be honored by EAA is truly a thrill for us because without them, the industry as we know it would not exist. By encouraging creativity and pushing people to go forward, EAA was our guide and our inspiration on this journey."

CIRRUS is the recognized global leader in the manufacturing of personal aviation aircraft that provide unprecedented levels of performance, quality and safety. Their popular SR20 and SR22 composite airplanes incorporate innovative advanced technologies into their design, including the unique Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS).

FMI: www.cirrusdesign.com