Elite Traveler Spring 2019

elite traveler SPRING 2019 97

Cirrus SF50Vision BEST JET FOR THE ADVENTUROUS OWNER/PILOT Already in its second incarnation, the world’s only single-engine private-jet aircraft delivers speed, payload and automation — all aimed at making travel in the small jet as comfortable and speedy as possible. And as a single-pilot jet, it’s opened the sky to a host of pilots unable to rationalize any of the twin-jets available in the light segment. With seating for seven, a top speed of 345 mph and a range exceeding 1,200 miles, the SF50 Vision helps shrink the country to a size small enough so you need only a day to reach any corner of the continental US. Perfect for trips with four and a week’s worth of luggage, the SF50 brings a level of simplicity and redundancy seldom found in a jet. One key to its popularity is its size. It can fit into the same hangar space as Cirrus’ top-selling piston-powered single, the SR22, but the SF50’s superior speed — faster by almost 150 mph —won’t let the SR22 see anything but the SF50’s tail lights. $1.96m, cirrusaircraft.com

BY THE NUMBERS Passengers 5 Range 1,200 nm Max speed 345 mph

Landing distance 1,628 ft Safety Parachute system Operating cost $661 per hour