CIRRUS AIRCRAFT receives FAA approval for flight into known icing on SR22 and turbo models

Today the Federal Aviation Administration’s Chicago Aircraft Certification Office issued final approval for the newly designed Known Ice Protection system for Cirrus Aircraft SR22 and TURBO models*. Also approved was the Aircraft Flight Manual Supplement validating the company’s Known Ice Protection training materials.

Developed in partnership with CAV Ice Protection Ltd., the newly designed Cirrus SR22 and TURBO Known Ice Protection system, allowing “flight into known ice” (FIKI), has CAV’s fully integrated TKS™ “weeping wing” technology in laser-drilled panels on the leading edges of wings, horizontal and vertical tail surfaces and elevator. New high-intensity LED ice lights on both sides of the airplane illuminate wing leading edges and tail surfaces through a unique prism lens. An automotive style de-icing system distributes TKS fluid evenly onto the windshield and a traditional slinger-ring affords ice protection for the propeller and other remaining exposed surfaces.

The Cirrus Known Ice Protection system seamlessly integrates with Cirrus Perspective by Garmin™ on 12-inch screens by displaying key operating and system status information on the MFD. TKS fluid capacity of up to 8 gallons maximum and various pilot selected flow rates allows de-icing fluid flow for up to 2.5 hours. If fluid levels run low, Cirrus Perspective will display cautions and increasing warnings.

Director of Airworthiness at Cirrus Aircraft, Chris Mitchell noted the project’s efficient schedule and timely completion. "The 120-day project window for formal approval through the FAA was initiated in early January, and with today’s announcement, I am proud that we are actually a bit ahead of schedule in receiving the final approval. We designed and certified an entirely new ice protection system versus simply re-certifying or updating earlier generation systems and components.”

Cirrus Aircraft Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Pat Waddick applauded the Duluth team and noted the new capability for Cirrus owners. “Cirrus customers and operators can be justifiably proud of the Engineering and Production teams at Cirrus Aircraft for their efforts and completion of the Known Ice Protection project. Our new system has substantially increased utility and capability for our users and the initial feedback from the field has been fantastic.”