EAA AirVenture is full of surprises. We all knew about Cessna’s confirmed LSA entry (though we had to travel to Oshkosh to see its new Skycatcher). Plenty of other surprises are expected. But one that caught almost everybody unawares was the Cirrus Design entry to aviation’s newest segment. *** They’ll import — and modify, or “Cirrus-ize” — FK Lightplane‘s gorgeous Fk14 Polaris. Cirrus cofounder Dale Klapmeier said, “The Polaris is the basis for a Cirrus LSA, which we’ll call the SRS…for Sport.” The successful Duluth builder wanted a low-wing composite to revise into a low-cost trainer in which new pilots can begin moving toward later ownership of a SR20/22 or the Cirrus Jet. *** “We want a fun, exciting LSA that’s also a good trainer,” added Dale. “We want to appeal all those young at heart potential aviators, including kids. Aviation needs to attract more pilots.” Cirrus previewed their new SRS at their company display right at the entrance to Oshkosh on opening-day Monday. I add my welcome to this innovative company and hope to fly the SRS as soon as it’s ready.
