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Cirrus Vision Jet G2+
High and Hot Performance Improvements by Rich Pickett
Hot and high-density altitude operations can af- fect all aircraft, and turbines are no exception. Light jets particuarly can be impacted, and sum- mer operations (even at airports we don’t con-
sider mountainous) can be a challenge. Working with Williams International, Cirrus just released the Vision Jet G2+, which addresses some of these limitations, offering significant performance improvements when operating in such situations. Twin & Turbine was offered an opportunity to fly the G2+ this summer.
Previously, I have written articles on the G2 and its inno- vative Safe Return Autoland update. Those flights took place around low elevation airports in the Eastern United States. Since this upgrade was specifically focused on increased performance at higher density altitudes, I wanted to fly the aircraft to some of my frequent mountain destinations.
Matt Bergwall, director of the Vision Jet product line, flew the second production G2+ out to my home airport Montgomery-Gibbs (MYF) in San Diego. We planned a flight from KMYF to Big Bear (L35), Flagstaff (FLG), then onto Scottsdale (SDL). Both Big Bear at 6,752 MSL and Flagstaff at 7,014 MSL would be a good test of performance with temperatures well above ISA. The G2+ also offers GoGo’s AVANCE L3 inflight connectivity service – the first “per- sonal jet” aircraft to do so.
4 • TWIN & TURBINE / August 2021
PHOTO COURTESY OF CIRRUS AIRCRAFT
Matt and I did our preflight check of the Vision Jet at the new Crownair FBO at Montgomery, joined by my son, Tigre. Except for the “+” on the jet’s logo, you can’t tell any differences from the previous G2. All of the perfor- mance changes are within the operating parameters of the Williams International FJ33-5A engine. This is the third iteration of the FJ33-5A installed in the Cirrus Vision Jet, all of which produce 1,846 lbs of thrust at sea level. The second version in the G2 improved the climb performance and high-altitude capabilities, allowing Cirrus to raise the service ceiling to FL310 from FL280, providing slightly more range and capabilities. The G2+ iteration, starting with se- rial number 288, adds to that capability a 4 to 20 percent improvement in takeoff and initial climb performance (with the larger increases at higher altitudes).
On the first legs, Tigre sat in the middle passenger row and served as our videographer. Even at his height (6 feet, 6 inches), the cabin environment provided more than ad- equate comfort. The far aft row seats offer limited height and legroom but are suitable for children and young adults. The rear outboard seats also have a weight limitation of 90 lbs each. The G2+ offers additional interior finishing options and includes USB-C ports for occupants as well.
If you haven’t had the opportunity to sit in a Vision Jet, the cockpit is very comfortable, and the panoramic view is