Texas Southern University has become the first university aviation program to buy Cirrus SR20 trainers with the Safe Return Autoland system. The university is getting seven aircraft in total and has received four of them. The system allows passengers to hit a button to command the plane to autonomously land at the nearest suitable airport and automatically shut down the engine in case of pilot incapacitation. Cirrus said the system adds another layer of safety to flight training operations and reduces barriers to attracting students.
“Texas Southern University is the first university with the SR Series G7+ featuring robust safety systems to invite more people to learn how to fly, better train students and provide added peace of mind,” said Zean Nielsen, the CEO of Cirrus. Texas Southern is one of the U.S.’s largest historically black institutions and President J.W. Crawford III said the purchase is a “defining moment” in the development of the aviation program. “This investment signals our institution’s commitment to excellence and innovation and opens the door to boundless opportunities for current and future Texas Southern University students,” he said.
I don’t know. Gotta think about the need for that extra expense for an already expensive aircraft used in a training situation. Student and instructor, can’t see a realistic or even possible need. Solo student, can’t actually think of one. Just don’t know. Certainly a nifty device though.