Cirrus delivers SR Series G7+ fleet with Safe Return Emergency Autoland to Texas Southern University

Cirrus announced the fleet delivery of SR Series G7+ aircraft to Texas Southern University, the world’s first university with a fleet of aircraft equipped with Safe Return Emergency Autoland by Garmin. The SR Series G7+ fleet complements Texas Southern University’s current SR Series G7 fleet as well as the recent school expansion, augmenting a highly sought-after flight training program for its students.

In an emergency situation, anyone in the cabin can easily activate Safe Return Emergency Autoland with the push of a button to engage the system and initiate a safe, autonomous landing. Once activated, Safe Return Emergency Autoland uses advanced algorithms and sensors to autonomously fly to the nearest suitable airport, notify air traffic control, communicate with passengers, navigate terrain, obstacles and weather, and then safely land the aircraft, bringing it to a full stop and shutting down the engine.

The SR Series is the best-selling high-performance single-engine piston aircraft with over 10,000 deliveries and 19 million flight hours. Cirrus is known for inventing and incorporating advanced safety systems such as the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®) in every aircraft. Now with the SR Series G7+, Safe Return Emergency Autoland joins the safety envelope as standard equipment on all aircraft.

Zean Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of Cirrus commented: “Congratulations to Texas Southern University and the Department of Aviation Science and Technology on their new fleet of SR Series G7+ equipped with Safe Return Emergency Autoland. 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.”

J. W. Crawford III, President of Texas Southern University stated: “The acquisition of this new fleet of advanced technology aircraft marks a defining moment in the continued ascent of Texas Southern University Aviation. 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.”Texas Southern University is one of the largest historically Black public universities in Houston dedicated to fostering leadership and excellence among students from diverse cultural, socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds. It offers a range of over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs across ten colleges and schools, supported by diverse faculty and student organizations.

Texas Southern University has played a pivotal role in increasing the number of African American graduates with post-secondary and advanced degrees. With over 8,400 students, Texas Southern University boasts one of the most diverse student populations in Texas while staying true to its mission of academic excellence and inclusivity. Texas Southern University recently expanded its campus to add a new flight academy at Ellington Airport. The two-acre campus features a 22,000-square-foot hangar, as well as flight training and classroom facilities.