What’s your impression of a private jet? I am not talking about tiny one- or two-person airplanes. We are talking about something that carries five to seven people and one that you can hire someone else to fly. In your mind, it probably looks like a Gulfstream or Bombardier. But what if I told you that kind of aircraft exists in something barely larger than a HondaJet and is no longer the exclusive domain of billionaires? Folks, meet the Cirrus Vision Jet SF50 G3.
The Vision Jet is not exactly new. Cirrus unveiled the SF50 in 2015 and began deliveries in 2016. Since then, it has grown into the best-selling jet in aviation, and more than 700 examples have found homes around the world. This year, Cirrus introduces the latest Generation 3 model, bringing over 30 refinements that make this tiny personal jet smarter, safer, and more comfortable.
From the outside, it is hard to believe that the aircraft measures just 30.7 feet (9.42 m) long with a wingspan of 38.7 feet (11.79 m). Compared to a HondaJet HA-420, it is over 11 feet shorter and yet can accommodate just as many people. The new G3 now seats six adults and one child, thanks to a redesigned third-row bench seat. Depending on the trim level, passengers are treated to new seats with hardshell backs wrapped in Alcantara, new colorways, tray tables, personal device mounts, and carbon-fiber seatbacks on Arrivée models. The middle and rear seats are modular too, allowing owners to tailor the cabin to their mission.
The pilot gets some treats too. The Perspective Touch+ flight deck now adds ATC Datalink, allowing text communication with air traffic control for route updates and altitude assignments. New features like Alerts-Linked Checklists, automatic database updates, Taxiway Routing, and 3D SafeTaxi help reduce workload, while new Cirrus Spectra wingtip lights and landing lights are 2.7 times brighter and add signature halo illumination on the ramp.
Power comes from a Williams International FJ33-5A turbofan, allowing the little jet to cruise at up to 317 knots (365 mph/587 km/h). It has a range of up to 1,200 nautical miles and can climb to 31,000 feet. It also needs just 1,910 feet (582 m) to take off, making it surprisingly versatile.
Like previous Vision Jets, the G3 is designed with single-pilot operation in mind. Safety remains one of its biggest selling points. It features the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS), a whole-aircraft parachute inherited from Cirrus’ piston aircraft, as well as Safe Return Emergency Autoland. The latter, powered by Garmin, can literally take over and land the aircraft at the nearest suitable airport with the press of a button.
The newly released Cirrus Vision Jet SF50 G3 carries a base price of around US$3.6 million, climbing to roughly US$3.85 million with premium options and the comprehensive JetStream ownership program. Which sounds expensive, until you realize we are talking about a private jet with a parachute and the ability to land itself.
Images: Cirrus Aircraft.