Jay Leno highlights Cirrus SR22T’s self-landing tech on YouTube channel

In addition to auto-landing capabilities for medical emergencies, CAPS addresses mechanical failures or midair collisions by deploying a parachute that lowers the entire aircraft safely to the ground. Since its introduction in 1999, CAPS has been credited by Cirrus with saving over 200 lives.

The popularity of the SR series is reflected in more than 11,000 deliveries since 1999. The turbocharged SR22T variant was introduced in 2010 for customers seeking better high-altitude performance and comfort features such as air conditioning and Bluetooth audio.

A new fully equipped SR22T G7+ can cost up to $1.3 million; earlier models are available used at lower prices depending on their condition.

The latest G7+ version brings several improvements beyond safety systems: larger touch screens via the Perspective Touch+ flight deck, enhanced legroom, better forward visibility due to a redesigned glare shield, stick shaker stall warnings on side-yokes, automatic fuel selection, push-button engine start interface, flap airspeed protection system, and an updated automated flight control system.

Despite these advancements in automation and safety technology within general aviation—trends also seen among competitors integrating autoland systems into other aircraft types—there are still concerns about overall reliability following incidents involving older models of similar planes. A recent fatal crash involving an SR22T equipped with CAPS but not auto-land capability has led regulators to scrutinize these technologies further as investigations continue.

Industry observers expect that automation like autoland will become increasingly common across new aircraft models as manufacturers respond both to customer demand for improved safety features and regulatory attention.