Blue Sky For Cirrus

But there is one overarching ingredient that puts Cirrus in a category of its own: all its planes come with a parachute. Alan Klapmeier had a near fatal midair collision in 1984 and was convinced that a parachute could be a last-resort safety mechanism. His goal was to save aviators from the source of most general-aviation accidents: themselves. Although some safety experts have criticized the chute as a gimmick, the Klapmeiers are convinced it's needed.

When the emergency handle is pulled, a solid-fuel rocket blows out the hatch that houses the chute in the back of the fuselage, deploying the parachute, and harness straps distribute the weight of the airframe. Within a few seconds, the 2,400-sq.-ft. chute opens, and the aircraft is supposed to descend gradually. In October 2002 the Cirrus chute saved the life of a Texas pilot when one of his wing controls became disabled, the first time in history a civilian pilot landed a plane via parachute. That does not mean Cirrus is foolproof. There have been six fatal accidents — virtually all attributed to pilot error — which have led some safety experts to conclude that the plane might be attracting pilots who can't handle the plane's design or speed. The company has taken quick steps to address accidents, including increased training for new owners.

Cirrus has spent the past three years preparing for takeoff. In 2001 it lined up a $100 million investment from Crescent Capital, a private firm, to increase production and expand its selection. "Our key challenge is getting Cirrus' name on people's shopping lists," says John Bingham, the company's sales chief. It's working. In July the company sold a remarkable 51 airplanes in one of the slowest markets in years. And last month Cirrus became the first start-up in the past 50 years to sell 1,000 planes within four years of its first delivery. Cirrus may have succeeded in creating a new market. First-time buyers account for almost 40% of sales. "It's an easy plane to fly," adds Bingham. And, Cirrus hopes, to buy.