Cirrus has always led the way in avionics innovations. In recent years Cirrus has challenged Garmin to work with us and develop an integrated avionics suite worthy of Cirrus owners; one that comes up to Cirrus standards.
The result is Cirrus Perspective (by Garmin). Perspective uses Garmin technology in ways just not possible in off-the-shelf products (G600, G1000 through G5000, etc.) Cirrus and Garmin, together, have developed possibly the best integrated cockpit in general aviation.
Garmin’s innovative Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT) is a valuable addition to the avionics in any general aviation airplane. But the Perspective 12-inch screens changes the whole way you look at it – “Bring the Outside In.”
Looking at Garmin technology in new ways like this is what’s different about Perspective.
In a similar vein, Cirrus required an autopilot controller that introduces a “LVL” or Level button to help address spatial disorientation.
Everyone gets confused occasionally in the air (those that have and those that will?) and the history of aviation is rife with accidents caused by disorientation. Urban lore suggests a common expression in modern automated airliners is, “What’s it doing now?”
Press the LVL button – doesn’t matter if the autopilot is already on or not – and the plane will roll level and hold altitude. If the world doesn’t get better quickly Cirrus still offers CAPS, the parachute.
Night operations have their own challenges and Cirrus also offers Perspective EVS. Enhanced Vision Systems use infra-red sensors to see in the dark. Perspective EVS goes a step further and uses two sensors – a traditional infra-red sensor and a “near infra-red” sensor that can detect runway and other lights. The combination blended image is superior to either one can be alone.
Perspective EVS is obviously valuable for seeing terrain and runways when approaching an airport. It is also invaluable en-route to avoid penetrating convective clouds or entering icing conditions at night.
Perspective integrates you, the pilot, and the airplane into the avionics equation: Have Ice Protection – basic or the “Flight Into Known Icing” (FIKI) option? Fluid levels are displayed and you are alerted when levels run low; Same with fuel (alerts for fuel levels in each tank); Oxygen flow and level are monitored; you are even advised when outside temperatures suggest the use of pitot heat.
Despite all this innovation Perspective clearly fits in to the Cirrus Cockpit Principles and visibly reaches back to the earliest instrument panels in Cirrus airplanes from 1999.
What’s different though is also important:
- 12-inch screens with the MFD available as a backup to the PFD
- Synthetic Vision on 12-inch screens “Brings the Outside In”
- Keyboard controller (keyboard use is optional) for all routine operations
- Familiar FMS/Flight Planning operation
- Extended options from XM weather
- Autopilot Controller with:
- IAS (Indicated Airspeed) Hold
- Vertical Navigation features
- Yaw Damper (optional)
- LVL button
- Go-Around button on throttle
- Audio panel with:
- Digital Clearance Recorder
- Automatic squelch
- Cell phone interface (useful for clearances at uncontrolled airports)
- Target fuel flow (SR22T) for instant leaning
- Environmental system:
- Auto-like controls
- Electronic actuators
- Extra vents in front seats
- Information and Alerts for:
- Fuel (left and right tank)
- TKS fluid level (basic and FIKI)
- Brake Temperature
- Pitot Heat off and/or required
Cirrus Perspective stands alone as a Cirrus cockpit developed collaboratively with Garmin. Compare.
CIRRUS PERSPECTIVE AUTOPILOT CONTROLLER
