Newly certified plane gives Regina pilots another way to learn

Saskatchewan private pilots will have another option in their quest to learn the ins and outs of jet flying – as Transport Canada has certified the single-engine Cirrus Vision Jet.

The pilots were able to observe the plane at the Regina International Airport.

This is a small personal jet intended for cross-country business travel or a family weekend getaway. The Vision Jet brings the perspective of air travel into the realm of private pilots.

“These are some pretty amazing, high-tech, space-age aircraft and systems,” pilot Ryan Issac told CTV News.

The $3 million plane has systems that go beyond the standard autopilot. In an emergency, passengers can press a button that will take the plane to the nearest airfield for an automated landing.

In extreme circumstances, a parachute may be deployed. This feature has long been available on Cirrus Aircraft propeller models.

“There were 130 deployments around the world – 267 family members returned home safely. So for me, even if that number was one, it would be worth it, but having 267, as they say , family members who are now, still here with us, it’s a pretty special technology,” added Issac.

Pilots can go from piston-engine aircraft to jet with just one week of additional training.

Doug McNair is a driver from Regina who would love to do it.

“Some people can certainly justify that. Some companies can (justify) this plane. From what I understand, it costs US$3.6 million to purchase,” McNair said. “So for a lot of us, or whatever, it’s probably a little bit beyond our means.”

The recent certification from Transport Canada makes the American-made jet available to Canadian pilots, expanding opportunities for those who can afford this ultimate travel experience.