Cirrus has begun deliveries of its SR Series G7+ featuring Garmin’s Safe Return Emergency Autoland system, making the SR20, SR22 and SR22T the first single-engine piston aircraft equipped with this fully certified technology. Safe Return enables the aircraft to land autonomously in the event of pilot incapacitation, with a cabin button allowing any occupant to initiate the sequence.

The system takes over flight controls, navigates around terrain and weather, communicates with air traffic control and completes a fully autonomous landing, shutting down the engine so occupants can exit safely. It also provides real-time updates to passengers throughout the process, including arrival time and fuel status, and offers a headset link to ATC.

Garmin Aviation’s Carl Wolf says: “I congratulate Cirrus on their forward thinking, execution and announcement of the SR Series G7+. Garmin’s ambitious goal from the onset of Autoland is to provide this safety-enhancing technology to as many aircraft owners as possible and Cirrus’ announcement yesterday is a huge step in that direction.”

The G7+ also introduces Automatic Database Updates via the Cirrus IQ PRO app. Updates can be delivered via Wi-Fi or LTE and synchronised across avionics while the aircraft is powered down. Cirrus has further included Runway Occupancy Awareness, which uses ADS-B to predict runway conflicts and alerts the pilot via both displays and a 3D SafeTaxi map.

Also standard is Garmin’s GDL 60 datalink for cockpit connectivity, and Smart Pitot Heat, which automates system checks and operation based on temperature conditions to reduce pilot workload.

Zean Nielsen, Cirrus CEO, says: “We’re excited to introduce the SR Series G7+, the aircraft that anyone can land in the event of an emergency with the touch of a single button.” He adds: “The SR Series G7+ launch, along with our expanding ecosystem and Cirrus IQ platform, underscores our commitment to safety and relentless pursuit of innovation.”

Over 10,000 SR Series aircraft have been delivered since 1999, clocking more than 17 million flight hours. Cirrus has also delivered over 450 Vision Jets with Safe Return since introducing Autoland in 2019. Other aircraft equipped with Garmin’s system include the Piper M600 SLS and M700 Fury, the TBM 940 and 960 and retrofitted King Air 200s.