April 6, 2018
Cirrus Aircraft has been named as the recipient of the 2017 Robert J. Collier Trophy, given annually by the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) for “designing, certifying and entering into service the Vision Jet — the world’s first single-engine general aviation personal jet aircraft with a whole airframe parachute system.”
It was during NBAA’s 2016 Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition that the FAA officially awarded Cirrus Aircraft with an FAR Part 23 Type Certificate for its SF50 Vision Jet.
“We congratulate Cirrus Aircraft on this prestigious, well-deserved honor,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “This recognition puts a spotlight once again on the innovation and dedication that are the hallmarks of the general aviation industry.”
“At Cirrus Aircraft we are honored and humbled to be awarded the 2017 Collier Trophy and to even be mentioned among the giants in aviation and space research that have won before us,” said Dale Klapmeier, Cirrus Aircraft co-founder and CEO, in a statement. “The arrival of the Vision Jet has forever changed general aviation and personal transportation, and the 2017 Collier Trophy is dedicated to all of our employees and partners who have been a part of the development, production and now delivery of this game-changing airplane.”
“For more than a century, the Collier Trophy has recognized the greatest achievements in aviation in America,” said Greg Principato, president and CEO of NAA. “By revolutionizing general and personal aviation, Cirrus Aircraft, with their Vision Jet, has added to a great and historic Collier legacy.”
The Collier Trophy will be presented to Cirrus Aircraft on June 14.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.