While passenger anxieties may be experiencing an uptick, one new design aboard a small aircraft is attempting to change the future of flying when it comes to safety. And it comes with just the push of one button. Aircraft manufacturer Cirrus is launching the first Federal Aviation Administration-approved autonomous safety system in a single-engine piston airplane. It’s called, “Safe Return,” and it is a shiny red button in the plane maker’s SR Series G7+. Cirrus first certified Safe Return in its larger and more expensive Vision Jet in August 2020. CNN got a first-hand look at the Cirrus technology and how the planes are able to land themselves. How can a plane land on its own? The way it works is simple. Takeoff is the same – passengers feel the roar of the engine as the plane is maneuvered by the pilot to the runway swiftly and cautiously. In the air, it has features just like a regular plane. But, say there was a problem with the pilot. Now, Safe Return can step in. It comes in the form of a red button that sits overhead, closest to the passengers in the back. One press of the button, and the plane will route itself to the closest and most available runway. It entirely takes control of the airplane. “The first thing it does is it makes a decision,” said Ben Kowalski, senior vice president ofsales and marketing at Cirrus Aircraft, in an interview with CNN. “There’s an algorithm that decides: ‘Where should we go? What it’s doing is it’s making a choice, almost just like a pilot would.” There’s a 10-second grace window, should the emergency button be hit on accident, when the pilot is able to disconnect it. The aircraft’s integrated flight decks have everything it needs to make the landing: it’ll interpret the fuel state, weather, wind and more. Air traffic controllers will also be alerted that the aircraft is having an emergency, and passengers are also able to communicate with controllers, should they need to. Ivy McIver is the executive director of the SR Series product line at Cirrus Aircraft. She also is a pilot and flew the Cirrus plane demonstrated for CNN. “The first time I did (an activation of Safe Return), it was sort of one of those things where on one side it was hard to give up control, but on the other side I felt so confident in the system because I had been part of the certification process and part of the flight testing that it really was just to watch the magic of engineering at work,” McIver said. It all comes together when the plane touches down, right in the center of the runway, and comes to a stop with no one touching the controls. Where might a Cirrus plane be used? Cirrus, founded in 1984, calls itself a leader in “personal aviation.” “We believe aviation makes the world better,” Kowalski said. “We’re biased, rightfully so, because we build airplanes, but we see the people that are buying and using our airplanes…, the vast majority put them into service for their business, to grow their business.” While some may utilize a Cirrus plane for their own personal use, mostly, the company’s customers are business owners that can make use of the plane to lessen costs elsewhere. They aren’t the typical “aviation geek” type. “The vast majority of people who are buying Cirruses in our space, they’re not professional pilots,” he said. “They’re flying a couple times a week, maybe, so we’re constantly creating a flight deck and a user interface, things that make it easier and safer and simpler to fly.” The company created its own Cirrus Airframe Parachute System – the first FAA-certified whole-airframe parachute safety system included as standard equipment on its planes. It allows the entire aircraft to float to the ground in case of emergency. The future for Cirrus is simple: introduce more people to the world of aviation and make them feel comfortable with it. “What we’ve actually done is take an airframe powered by a power plant that’s not digitally controlled or not controlled by a computer, an airframe that is kind of the entry point of aviation,” McIver explained. “People are learning how to fly in this plane, and we are producing over 600 of these a year.” 600 a year that will now have a shiny red button onboard. “(Aviation) makes people more productive and are able to do more,” Kowalski said. “I think we’ll see this convergence in the future of as air as technologies for the airplanes keep improving, just like this.” CNN’s Pete Muntean contributed to this report.
Is this the future of flying? An FAA-certified airplane that can land on its own
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Cirrus Aircraft Introduces FAA-Certified Autonomous Landing System in New Airplane Model"
CNN
7.9
TruthLens AI Summary
Cirrus Aircraft has unveiled an innovative safety feature in its new SR Series G7+ airplane, which is designed to enhance passenger safety and ease pilot workload by enabling autonomous landings. This system, known as 'Safe Return,' has been certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and is activated by a simple red button located within reach of passengers. Initially introduced in Cirrus's Vision Jet in 2020, the Safe Return feature allows the aircraft to autonomously navigate to the nearest runway in the event of a pilot incapacitation. The technology utilizes a sophisticated algorithm to assess various factors such as fuel state, weather conditions, and wind, ensuring that it makes informed decisions similar to a human pilot. Additionally, there is a 10-second grace period during which the pilot can cancel the activation in case of accidental engagement. The aircraft's integrated systems communicate with air traffic control, alerting them to the emergency situation while allowing passengers to maintain communication with controllers if needed.
Cirrus, which has been a prominent player in personal aviation since its founding in 1984, aims to make flying more accessible and safer for non-professional pilots. The company emphasizes that most of its customers are business owners rather than traditional aviation enthusiasts, which drives their focus on user-friendly interfaces and flight deck designs. The introduction of the Safe Return system complements Cirrus's existing safety innovations, including the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System, which allows the entire aircraft to descend safely in emergencies. With plans to produce over 600 of these aircraft annually, Cirrus is committed to fostering a new generation of pilots and encouraging broader participation in aviation. The advancements in autonomous technology signify a potential shift in the industry, as Cirrus seeks to enhance productivity and redefine the flying experience for its users.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article explores a significant advancement in aviation technology, focusing on Cirrus Aircraft's newly introduced autonomous safety system called "Safe Return." This innovation aims to enhance safety measures in flying, especially in light of rising passenger anxieties. It highlights how a simple button can trigger a self-landing process, thus potentially transforming the flying experience.
Purpose of Publication
This report appears to aim at reassuring the public about the safety of flying, particularly amid increasing concerns related to aviation. By showcasing advanced technology that can autonomously land an aircraft, it seeks to instill confidence in potential passengers and highlight the commitment of manufacturers to prioritize safety.
Public Perception
The article likely intends to cultivate a perception of flying as a safer and more reliable mode of transportation. By emphasizing the technology's ability to take control during emergencies, it targets individuals who may be hesitant about flying due to fears regarding pilot error or aircraft malfunction.
Possible Concealment
While the article does not overtly conceal information, it may underrepresent potential limitations or challenges associated with autonomous systems in aviation. For instance, questions about the technology's reliability in diverse emergency situations or pilot training regarding its use may not be thoroughly addressed.
Manipulativeness Assessment
The article's manipulative potential appears moderate, as it employs emotionally positive language to frame autonomous technology as a major safety breakthrough. However, it does not seem to target specific individuals or groups negatively, focusing instead on technological advancements.
Trustworthiness of Information
The information presented seems credible, given that it discusses a certified and tested system by a recognized manufacturer. However, the enthusiasm for technology could overshadow a critical examination of its limitations.
Societal Implications
This development may have broader implications for the aviation industry, potentially influencing public attitudes towards flying and leading to increased airline patronage. It could also spur investments in aviation technology, shaping economic trends in related sectors.
Target Audience
The narrative is likely appealing to technology enthusiasts, frequent flyers, and individuals concerned about aviation safety. It is designed to resonate with a broad demographic that values innovation in transportation.
Market Impact
On a financial level, this news may influence stocks related to Cirrus Aircraft and other companies involved in aviation technology. Positive media coverage can boost investor confidence and lead to favorable market responses.
Geopolitical Context
While the article does not directly address geopolitical issues, advancements in aviation technology can have implications for international travel and trade, especially in a post-pandemic world where safety is paramount.
AI Involvement
It's plausible that AI was utilized in crafting this article, particularly in structuring the message and analyzing sentiment. For instance, algorithms might have informed the language used to convey safety and innovation, steering the narrative positively.
Conclusion on Manipulative Aspects
Although the article promotes a positive view of autonomous technology, it could be seen as somewhat manipulative due to its selective emphasis on safety without addressing potential drawbacks. The overall tone serves to enhance trust in aviation innovations, possibly at the expense of a more nuanced discussion of their limitations.