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opportunities to fly my wife to various Thoroughbred horse races, which is one of her passions.”
The Cirrus Vision Jet checks many boxes for the Medine family, with several aspects about the aircraft that Don appreciates.
“I really enjoy the safety, comfort and stability of the SF50. Active and passive envelope protection and the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) provides pilots and passengers with confidence in flight. The Garmin Perspective Touch avionic package is feature-rich, and places approach procedures, vertical navigation, crossing restrictions and other functions at the pilot’s fingertips. All of these features provide phenomenal situational awareness, in my opinion.”
He went on to note that there is not really anything “missing” from the Vision Jet. “The airplane has so much to offer pilots like myself. The roomy cabin and forward-facing passenger seats are rare in the very light jet category of aircraft. I hope the next generation SF50 has a little more useful load, speed, and a higher service ceiling, but I have never been in an aircraft that offers the same forward visibility as the SF50. As such, calling it the Vision Jet is absolutely fitting.”
The aircraft has enabled Don and his family to expand their travel footprint. They frequently enjoy
traveling to Longview, TX (KGGG), Laconia, NH (KLCI) and Atlanta, GA (KRYY). That said, volunteer flights take N379JM places where Don normally might not travel. Flying into new airports keeps him “engaged and challenged” in aviation and flying his airplane. Naturally, the thought of transitioning to another aircraft has crossed his mind.
“I am at the point where I have been thinking about my next airplane and seeing my jet go to a new owner to enjoy, but the SF50 is nearly perfect for my needs at the current time. It’s a dream to fly and so many people like its aesthetics. Purchasing a new SF50 is certainly being considered, but I will have to get back in line due to tremendous demand. It is an exceptional pilot- owner airplane, and there is nothing better in terms of a piston to jet transition aircraft in my opinion.”
Grant Boyd is a private pilot with seven years of expe- rience in general aviation business from marketing to customer service. He has written more than 85 articles for aviation publications and enjoys learning about air- craft/pilots with unique missions. Grant can be reached at grantboyd2015@gmail.com.
26 • TWIN & TURBINE / June 2021
Turbines