The Cirrus Vision Jet, a groundbreaking personal aircraft, has been honored with the esteemed Collier Trophy, recognizing its significant impact on aviation. Known as the SF50, the Vision Jet is the world’s first single-engine personal jet, blending advanced technology, innovative design, and exceptional safety features.
One of the Vision Jet’s standout attributes is its unique “V-Tail” design and the inclusion of the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS), which enhances passenger safety by deploying a whole-airframe parachute in emergencies. Also, the “Safe Return”, a fully autonomous system capability to land the aircraft in the nearest airport in case of an emergency, such as pilot incapacitation. Powered by a Williams FJ33-5A turbofan engine, the aircraft boasts a cruise speed of 311 knots and a range of approximately 1,200 nautical miles.
The Collier Trophy, awarded by the US National Aeronautic Association, celebrates the Vision Jet for its contributions to performance, efficiency, and safety in general aviation. This accolade highlights the aircraft’s role in making private jet travel more accessible and revolutionizing the personal aviation market.
Chris Leontopoulos, member of the Hellenic Pilots Association, a proficient private pilot and an Athens based Maritime executive, flew the 7-seater jet from Berlin to Karlovy Vary in Czech Republic last week. “This is the dream personal aircraft. The level of safety, automation and comfort is simply unparalleled. This is the ideal aircraft built around the pilot, his friends and family. Pressurised spacious cabin, smoothness and comfort, are exactly what one needs for this type of travelling. At about €3 million, it is not cheap, but it is the cheapest jet aircraft in the market”, he said in a brief interview in allaboutshipping’s John Faraclas.
