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which we later learned was due to a localized temporary signal degradation. When I did connect, we measured a maximum download transmission rate of 2 Mbps.
The AVANCE L3 system also provides a moving map capa- bility, and the onboard entertainment option may be avail- able in the future. The L3 is in the Connectivity Package, which is also included in the Elite Package – a combined
and engaged in the FMS mode, all I had to do was ensure the FMS was programmed correctly and select the appro- priate altitudes until we were cleared for the approach. The autothrottle is intelligent enough to adjust for both charted and uncharted holding patterns if necessary. As our airspeed slowed below 190 KIAS on the base leg from CALGU to ZAMAB (IF), I deployed 50 percent flaps. As we
became established on the localizer, and with one dot above the glideslope, I lowered the gear. At glideslope intercept, the autothrottle slowed us below the full flaps speed of 150 KIAS, so 100 percent flaps were selected.
The Vref on the Vision Jet varies from 76 KIAS at 4,500 lbs to 89 KIAS at gross weight. The G3000 also features an AOA indicator. The AOA “green donut,” which provides con- firmationoftheproperVref andautomatically adjusts according to landing configuration and weight, is useful for landing. The autothrottle kept us slightly above the Vref until DA, at which time I pressed the GA (Go Around but- ton), raised the flaps to 50 percent, and the AFCS smoothly moved the throttle to takeoff power and advanced the FMS to the missed approach procedure. All that was left was for me to raise the gear and the remaining flaps. Nothing could be simpler – or safer.
offering of most of the available options and purchased by almost all owners. The nose-to-tail Cirrus Jetstream sup- port program also includes a bundle of internet data usage, varying from 14,000 MB to 30,000 MB depending upon the contracted annual hours and term length. Owners will be able to purchase additional bandwidth as well. Pilots can control the use by a convenient switch located on the left side panel, allowing them to manage their data budget.
Approaching Flagstaff, it was time for some of my favorite flying – stalls and steep turns. As I found in my earlier Vision Jet flights, the plane is extremely well balanced with benign stall characteristics and very easy to fly in any configuration or bank angle. It simply handles like a very fast Cirrus SR22. In order to do steep bank turns, I had to hold the autopilot interrupt to prevent Garmin’s stabilization feature (ESP) from reducing my bank.
While I’m a strong proponent of pilots mastering hand flying their aircraft, the automation offered by Garmin in the implementation of the G3000 automatic flight control system (AFCS) goes well beyond the simple term autopilot. The AFCS offers traditional autopilot functions, the always- on stabilization features described above (ESP), and both an FMS and manual selected autothrottle system. I fly jets frequently in very busy airspace in Southern California and find the autothrottle capability very useful to hold specific speeds requested by ATC or required by the procedure itself.
After the air work, it was time to test out this capability again in the Vision Jet. We headed to CALGU, the IAF for the Flagstaff ILS 21 approach. With the autothrottle selected
6 • TWIN & TURBINE / August 2021
PHOTO BY AUTHOR
With the missed procedure completed, I reprogrammed the FMS for Scottsdale and sat back for another smooth flight in the Vision Jet, enjoying
the panoramic view of Arizona.
Summary
The base price of the Cirrus Vision Jet G2+ is $2.5 mil- lion, slightly above the previous G2. Cirrus is working on a performance upgrade path for the existing G2 fleet, as well as the installation of GoGo’s AVANCE L3. Expect those upgrades to be available in 2022. The complexity of performance enhancements may not be a cost-effective solution for the G1s.
The Cirrus Vision Jet is unique and enjoyable to fly, and the latest model is no exception. When comparing my actual flight experience to the preliminary performance data for the G2+, our flights exceeded those values. Pilots of the Vision Jet G2+ will find the number of available airports augmented, fuel and passenger loads increased at higher density elevations, and higher climb rates – expanding their operational envelope.
With 12,000+ hours of piloting more than 100 aircraft models Rich Pickett still has a passion for flying. Rich holds an ATP, CFII SME, SES, glider licenses, and type ratings in the L29, L39, Citation 500/510s/525s, Eclipse 500S, Beechcraft Premier and DA10. His company, Personal Wings, provides training, mentoring and aircraft services. He is also a proud owner of an Eclipse and Cirrus SR22. You can contact Rich at rich@ personalwings.com.