So, today both Flying and AOPA Pilot had tests of the new jet. Especially Flying were tossed the keys to it and told to keep if over a weekend, so it has more real world input from the journalist (as he took his wife on a vacation trip in it). As expected, the extreme performance isn’t what’s going to sell this plane, it’s the other stuff: the clean cabin layout, the little modern touches of formed aluminum around the yoke cut-out, the stitched leather, the modern car-like interior and spacious cabin is what will make this a hit. Impressive attention to detail and design on the interior – and that’s what will woo new owners. Doesn’t hurt that it’s a single engine and has a chute, which will spark the interest from newer pilots, businessmen and owner-flown crowd who are cash rich, but time poor. These are people who might not have the time to set aside to get a multi IFR rating in their busy lives. And it will also inspire the 18-year old with a brand new PPL, just like a Lamborghini will for a new driver’s license holder.
As for performance, it’s as mentioned, expected. But we knew this was not going to be it’s selling point. It was designed to carry 800lbs 800miles, as Cirrus said, and will do that in god comfort. The fuel burn around 65-68gal/hr at FL 280 is as anticipated, but just as comparison a Turbo Commander will do the same speed on 5gal/hr less. A P180 will burn 80gal/hr, but also go 380kts, so end up costing a lot less per mile to operate. Even a Cessna Mustang up at altitude will go faster on the same fuel burn. So all of these will cost less in fuel despite having two engines. And perhaps even in engine reserves, too, as Williams is not a cheap engine to maintain. Climb rate was 1250ft/min in the article, and this is certainly adequately respectable, but more in the TP range, not traditional jet numbers.
In any case, I wish them the best. Aviation needs new blood and this certainly is new blood. They have 600 pre-orders and this already makes it a success. We’ll see if it keeps it’s numbers up as the years go by. Cheers to the Cirrus Jet!
The moment I win the Euromillions-lottery I’m buying one of these. Not because it is the best jet around, but because the company made the effort to FINALLY build a plane where the pilot and its passengers can sit in comfort. I know the Mustang and Avanti are faster but I’d never fit in there…
You’d certainly fit in an Avanti – it has stand up cabin. If you’re short. 
Yes but you probably need to be made of T-1000 liquid metal to get behind the controls
The only jet I ever got really claustrophobic about was a Lear Jet. I feel they should sell those with a shoe horn, especcially getting into the cockpit.
Thanks for the summary Adam. I think I’ll go out and buy the copy of Flying once it has made it to this side of the Atlantic ocean.
I think where all other aviation companies need to pay very close attention to is how Cirrus do their marketing and how they make their product appeal to people. In that segment, nobody does as well as them. And that is despite the fact that none of their airplanes are excelling in anything particular but by gosh they can sell them because the complete package simply comes across as one reasonable one.
I agree with you, that jet will be a huge success. Not because it is the best jet out there, but it comes in one heck of a good package.
airways wrote:
I know the Mustang and Avanti are faster but I’d never fit in there…
How big are you?? The Mustang can easily hold a 6ft plus pilot….
6’7. Yokes can ruin the day for me.
Mooney_Driver wrote:
The only jet I ever got really claustrophobic about was a Lear Jet. I feel they should sell those with a shoe horn, especcially getting into the cockpit.
Learjets (and most other jets) are not purchased by the people that end up piloting them and whether the pilots feel comfortable is the least of all concerns. Same holds true for the Avanti P180 which has a cramped cockpit (one reason for its stellar performance) but it is not an owner-flown aircraft. The Citation Mustang and Cirrus Vision are clearly owner-flown single pilot aircraft and they are designed as such.
achimha wrote:
Learjets (and most other jets) are not purchased by the people that end up piloting them and whether the pilots feel comfortable is the least of all concerns.
Sure. I simply found the cabin of the Lear (24 I believe it was) not very comfortable either.
AdamFrisch wrote:
You’d certainly fit in an Avanti – it has stand up cabin. If you’re short.
You don’t have to be short! I am 6"2’ / 188cm and by chance came across a sort of ’airplane fair for those who can afford it’ at Carlsbad KCRQ airport. Landed there for a coffee and got treated to a show of toys I, ahem, would never be able to afford….. Cirrus Jet, Eclipse, Honda Jet – all were there. Here’s a pic of the interior of the new Avanti:
PS: the best thing was the ground controller, who said: “the transient parking is closed, just pull in behind the little Gulfstream”. This was G IV……..
