ANN/Aero-TV Special Feature: Full Garmin Avionics Suite Now Offered On New SR22-G3s

ANN REALTIME SPECIAL REPORT 05.20.08 0500 EDT: We don't mean to overstate the importance of the following news item... but this is a marriage many in the aviation industry have been waiting for. Cirrus Design and Garmin International announced Tuesday at EBACE 2008 that the Duluth, MN planemaker will offer Cirrus Perspective -- an all-glass, fully-integrated flight deck tailored by Garmin specifically for the SR22-G3.

"Cirrus and Garmin have worked together since the development of the first SR20 in the late 1990s when the GNS 430 was selected for the SR20's panel, and we are very excited to expand our relationship," said Gary Kelley, Garmin's vice president of marketing.  "Both companies are equally committed to bringing customers a safe and quality aircraft, and we are confident Cirrus pilots will enjoy flying with Garmin's industry leading, all-glass integrated flight deck."

Check Out Aero-TV's FLIGHT TEST In The Cirrus SR22 G3-GTSX... With Perspective!!!

"As a pilot, you sit in a cockpit and experience the world in ways others can only imagine. So naturally, as leaders in technology and innovation, Cirrus and Garmin sat in the cockpit together and worked to truly redesign the pilot-airplane interface" said Cirrus CEO Alan Klapmeier. "Ultimately, with Cirrus Perspective pilots fly smoother, smarter and safer."

Cirrus Perspective isn't "just" a G1000 panel fitted to an SR22... but rather a fully integrated, model-specific avionics platform. All information -- from aircraft attitude and air data to engine instrumentation, real-time weather data link, traffic and terrain -- is integrated and digitally depicted on the 12-inch primary flight display (PFD) and multi-function display (MFD).

ANN Editor-In-Chief Jim Campbell test flew the fully-equipped airplane recently for ANN and Aero-TV and noted that, "This is the real deal... right here and right now, this has to be the most capable GA piston single in the business. The avionics/airframe integration is exquisitely executed and the airplane truly surpases our great expectations for the 'latest and greatest' of the Cirrus line. I really can't wait to see someone top this... but no matter who does it, the entire industry benefits when companies like Cirrus keep raising the bar. While some may call it a party trick, the addition of the "LVL" capability is going to be (at least) a major convenience and possibly a life-saver. The Dual AHRS, beefed up electrical system, magnificently monstrous displays, and those GREAT new seats make this a really cool way to fly. The airplane just plain defines what is now state of the art for GA."

The Perspective is the first single engine piston aircraft with an all-glass Garmin cockpit to utilize dual, solid-state Attitude and Heading Reference Systems (AHRS) that can align while in motion, including in-flight dynamic restarts. This turbine aircraft style architecture provides Cirrus pilots with an extra level of redundancy and safety.

Perspective cockpits also include seamless integration of Garmin's GFC 700 automatic flight control system. This standard two-axis autopilot (three-axis autopilot optional) makes it possible for pilots to maintain airspeed references and optimize performance over the entire airspeed envelope. New features of the autopilot system include increased roll and pitch engagement attitudes.

Cirrus Perspective will also come standard with Garmin's Synthetic Vision Technology, which presents a 3D depiction of terrain, obstacles and traffic on the PFD. SVT includes helpful features like a flight path marker (displays projected path of the aircraft), Pathways (Garmin's implementation of highway-in-the-sky), and unique runway highlighting and airport signs.

Other Cirrus Perspective system components include, but are not limited to:

• Dual integrated radio modules that provide ILS and Class 3 Gamma WAAS with the capability to execute LPV approaches; VHF navigation with ILS; and VHF communication with 16-watt transceivers and 8.33-kHz channel spacing
• GTX 32 Mode C transponder (GTX 33 Mode S transponder is available as an option)
• A pedestal-mounted, alpha-numeric keypad (GCU 478) that enables the pilot to control the avionics' functionality from a center console
• Digital audio control system
• Full reversionary capabilities, allowing all flight-critical data to transfer seamlessly to a single display for added safety during flight  
• Garmin SafeTaxi airport diagrams that simplify operation, enhance situational awareness and increase safety when taxiing
• Garmin FliteCharts for Terminal Procedures
• Optional Garmin ChartView (powered by Jeppesen)

With the system already certified by the FAA, Cirrus expects deliveries of SR22-G3 Perspective-equipped aircraft to begin next month. 

FMI: www.cirrusdesign.com, www.garmin.com