FAA Certifies Cirrus Vision Jet’s Safe Return Becoming the First Jet Aircraft to be Certified with Garmin Emergency Autoland.

Cirrus Aircraft and Garmin International, Inc. announced Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification of the Cirrus Vision Jet Safe Return system. The system enabled by Garmin’s emergency autoland technology that enables passengers to land the aircraft with just the touch of a button. The certification follows tremendous growth of the Vision Jet, including it becoming the world’s best-selling jet in general aviation earlier this year and delivery of the 200t Vision Jet last month. Now, with Safe Return Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS), the Vision Jet provides the most comprehensive, must-have total safety solution in general aviation.

“With Safe Return, we are making personal aviation more accessible, elevating the passenger experience and taking the next step towards autonomous flight,” said Zean Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer at Cirrus Aircraft.

The Safe Return activation button is strategically located on the cabin’s ceiling for easy access by passengers in the Vision Jet cabin and can be activated, if needed, within minutes of the aircraft’s take-off. Once activated by the touch of a button, Safe Return assumes control of the aircraft and transforms the Vision Jet into an autonomous vehicle that navigates to the nearest suitable airport for landing, communicates with air traffic control, lands and brings the aircraft safely to a complete stop, allowing passengers to exit the aircraft. This revolutionary system is powered by the Cirrus Perspective by Garmin flight deck, which uses all available aircraft data to calculate a flight plan, avoid terrain and weather, initiate an approach and complete a fully autonomous landing without pilot or passenger intervention.
Additionally, the flight deck provides visual and aural updates to the passengers, including current location, remaining fuel, airport of arrival and estimated time of arrival. Safe Return can be easily disengaged by the pilot with a simple press of the Autopilot disconnect button on the yoke if a passenger inadvertently activates the system.