Cirrus Aircraft has delivered seven TRAC20 G7 aircraft to Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation at the Cirrus Vision Center in Knoxville, Tennessee with a purchase agreement for 32 of these previously comprising 28 SR20 aircraft.
Cirrus Aircraft has recently celebrated the delivery of seven TRAC20 G7 aircraft to Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation at the Cirrus Vision Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. This marks a significant milestone following the announcement in July 2023 of a purchase agreement for 32 of these state-of-the-art trainers, signaling a major update to the university’s fleet, previously comprising 28 SR20s.
The TRAC20 G7, the latest in the TRAC Series, which includes the TRAC20, TRAC22, and TRAC22T, is designed specifically for advanced flight training. It is equipped with cutting-edge technology to ensure that students not only learn how to fly but are adept at managing the sophisticated systems found in today’s commercial aircraft.
“Supporting one of the largest collegiate flight programs is exciting, especially during a time when pilots are in high demand,” said Zean Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer, Cirrus.“The TRAC Series G7 offers the students at Western Michigan University a fantastic opportunity to position themselves for a successful career in aviation by training on the most advanced flight deck available with the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) for a primary trainer,” he further added.
The TRAC20 G7 features the Cirrus Perspective Touch+ by Garmin, making it the first-ever piston aircraft with dual Garmin Touch Controllers. This system offers larger, high-resolution displays and expanded systems integration, resulting in a highly intuitive flight deck experience. Additional integrated systems enhance the aircraft’s stability, including the Electronic Stability and Protection system and an integrated engine indication and crew alerting/warning systems—features typically found on advanced airliners.
“In 2005, WMU entered into a partnership with Cirrus that persists to this day,” said Dr. Raymond Thompson, Dean, Western Michigan University. “When the University was looking to take collegiate flight training into the 21st Century, they looked no further than Cirrus. Since the arrival of the first TRAC20, WMU has fully embraced the sophistication and benefits of the Cirrus aircraft. From a functional standpoint, the benefits students obtain from learning to fly in the Cirrus result in professional pilot candidates who are career ready,” he further added.
Adding to the significance of the event, Edward Montgomery, President of the University of Michigan, and Ben Kowalski, Vice President of Cirrus, were pictured at the delivery ceremony, symbolizing the strong partnership between the university and Cirrus.
Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation, the only comprehensive aviation program offered at a public university in Michigan, boasts about 1,100 undergraduate students, making it one of the largest aviation programs in the nation. With 85 years of experience in aviation education, the College of Aviation at WMU continues to be a pivotal element in shaping the future of aviation training.
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Cirrus Aircraft, founded in 1984 and based in Duluth, Minnesota, has consistently led the way in personal aviation. The manufacturer is renowned for its SR Series piston aircraft and the Vision Jet, the world’s first single-engine Personal Jet.
Question – What is the name of the latest aircraft delivered to Western Michigan University?
Answer – TRAC20 G7.
Question – What is the main feature of the Cirrus Perspective Touch+ system?
Answer – Dual Garmin Touch Controllers.
Question – Where is Cirrus Aircraft headquartered?
Answer – Duluth, Minnesota.
