Ivy McIver of Cirrus Aircraft Provides Insights on the SR Series, the World's Leading General Aviation Aircraft

The Cirrus Airframe Parachute System is a unique innovation that establishes the benchmark for safety in the General Aviation sector.

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You have been employed with Cirrus Aircraft since 2006. What initiated your journey in aviation?

My passion for aviation originated upon viewing the original Top Gun in 1986. The aerial sequences ignited a desire within me, leading to a sole aspiration: to become a pilot. Upon graduating from MIT and commencing my profession as a software developer at an investment bank, I initiated flying lessons at my local airport and have since remained committed to this pursuit. Following eight years in the IT sector, I transitioned to a career in aviation.

In 2006, I commenced my tenure at Cirrus Aircraft as a regional sales director in Salt Lake City, UT, overseeing new and pre-owned aircraft sales, the establishment of the Cirrus training and service network, and conducting demonstration flights of Cirrus aircraft in the Northern Rockies region. In 2011, I advanced my aviation sales career in Seattle, WA, overseeing the Pacific Northwest, Western Canada, and Alaska. In 2014, I advanced to the marketing team as product line manager and later as director.

I serve as the Director of the SR Product Line at Cirrus Aircraft in Knoxville, TN, where I supervise the development of the company's piston product roadmap and product marketing initiatives. Throughout my 16-year tenure at Cirrus Aircraft, I have obtained my seaplane rating, tailwheel and formation flying endorsements, as well as a Vision Jet type rating. I possess in excess of 5,000 flight hours and am the esteemed owner of an American Champion Citabria 7GCBC.

What factors affected the design of the SR Series interior and exterior?

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The initial SR design was motivated by the aspiration for a secure and enjoyable experience for both pilot and passengers in an aircraft capable of more capacity, speed, and range than its contemporaries in the early 1990s.

The co-founders of Cirrus Aircraft admired the aesthetic of composite kit planes such as the Glasair and aimed to design an aircraft that was easy for pilots to operate while ensuring passenger safety and comfort. The large windows enhanced visibility and allowed ample light, while two substantial doors facilitated convenient access and egress, influencing the overall aircraft design. They sought a flight deck that was both uncomplicated and robust—designed to augment the pilot's situational awareness while remaining easily interpretable for passengers. Facilitating passenger comfort by exhibiting the aircraft's position on a dynamic map, along with details such as distance to destination and remaining fuel, was paramount in the first flight deck design. Ultimately, the aircraft was designed with a complete airframe parachute for emergency situations. A co-founder of Cirrus Aircraft was implicated in a mid-air crash during flight training before the establishment of the company. The incident inspired the concept for the Cirrus Airframe Parachute Systems (CAPS).

The Cirrus SR Series boasts a remarkable legacy of innovation, design, and functionality. Elucidate the progression of this series and delineate your contributions.

Cirrus airplanes originated as a manufacturer of kit airplanes. The initial aircraft we engineered and marketed was the VK-30 kit (non-FAA certified) airplane. This was an excellent educational experience that motivated us to create the SR20, a more user-friendly aircraft that is easy to operate and FAA certified. We launched the inaugural SR20 in 1999, and two years subsequently, we unveiled the SR22, an enhanced model with superior speed and performance.

In 2010, we introduced the SR22T, a turbocharged variant of the SR. Over the years, we have consistently implemented features that augment safety, comfort, convenience, and performance, alongside initiatives designed to enhance and streamline the ownership experience. We are currently providing the Generation 6 SR Series.

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I commenced my tenure with Cirrus Aircraft in 2006, focusing on the sales of the Generation 2 SR20 and SR22 models. In my capacity as sales director, I acquainted several individuals with aviation and expanded the Cirrus Aircraft owner demographic by providing flight experiences to both pilots and non-pilots in a new Cirrus Aircraft model. During that period, we launched new iterations of the SR series (G3-G5) and revolutionary features such as the Cirrus Perspective by Garmin integrated flight deck, certified flight into known icing (FIKI) capability, a new model (SR22T), a digital autopilot with Enhanced Stability Protection (ESP), and the Blue LVL Button, which maintains the aircraft in a straight-and-level flight if the pilot requires a reset.

Upon transitioning to a product line role inside the marketing team, I assumed a more direct responsibility in influencing the product plan. Significantly, the introduction of transition training for all Cirrus Aircraft purchasers culminated in the Cirrus Embark program. We developed Cirrus IQ, allowing owners to remotely access their aircraft via a smartphone application. I collaborate closely with our technical team and strategic suppliers to introduce new and creative features to the SR Series that are significant to our owners and played a crucial role in launching the Generation 6 SR Series aircraft.

All Cirrus airplanes are equipped with the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS), which comprises a whole airframe parachute designed to safely descend the aircraft to the ground during an emergency. Has Cirrus Aircraft impacted safety innovation in the general aviation market and among consumers?

Indeed. Indeed, CAPS is an exceptional safety mechanism that has significantly influenced numerous individuals and remains a unique invention in FAA-certified aircraft. We remain the sole FAA-certified aircraft equipped with a parachute. Moreover, Cirrus Aircraft's emphasis on training has significantly impacted safety advancements in General Aviation.

Cirrus Aircraft has integrated technology advancement with a commitment to safety-focused initial and ongoing education. Numerous conventional safety measures like as Electronic Stability Program (ESP), auto-descent, hypoxia alarm, Blue LVL Button, airbag seatbelts, and synthetic vision have been integrated as standard or optional attributes in several General Aviation aircraft.

Cirrus Aircraft has concentrated on establishing a comprehensive network of Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilots (CSIPs), online training resources, and Cirrus Training Centers (CTCs), fostering a community dedicated to safety.

In addition to safety, do you observe any other significant developments now emerging in the personal aviation sector?

A tendency towards comfort, convenience, and style is emerging. Undoubtedly, our owners anticipate a meticulously constructed, high-performing, safe, and superior-quality aircraft – this is an established expectation. However, proprietors desire further benefits. They require comfort for both the pilot and passengers, as well as an in-flight experience that competes with that of a luxury automobile. They aspire to render it distinctive — nearly a manifestation of their individuality. The acquisition of an airplane is frequently a personal and emotional endeavor; thus, the aircraft must not only fulfill the operational requirements but also ignite enthusiasm. A diverse array of external and interior color options and designs enables owners to articulate their individuality through their Cirrus Aircraft aircraft.

Who has inspired or mentored you and impacted your career?

The list is extensive. My family has consistently provided unwavering support for my pursuit of aviation aspirations. My mother motivates me to be open-minded, audacious, and unrepentant in my pursuits. Jeff Tworek served as a sales manager and mentor during my tenure in software; he possessed a distinctive talent for alleviating difficult situations through humor, humility, and his exuberant personality. I have consistently endeavored to replicate his style. Heike Larson, the sales manager who recruited me at Cirrus Aircraft, exemplified strength, composure, intelligence, and served as an exemplary female mentor in our male-dominated sector. Wilma Melville and I forged a friendship when she was in her late 70s and I was in my early 40s; she piloted me into the backwoods of Idaho in her Citabria, unveiling a new dimension of aviation that I still cherish today. The number of individuals is excessive to enumerate. I have been lucky to encounter some remarkable individuals.

As a pilot, what is your preferred element of aviation?

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The opportunity to discover locations seldom visited by others, the vantage point of aerial observation, and the individuals I have encountered throughout the journey. That appears to be three favorites!

In addition to aviation, your other interests encompass adventure racing, cycling, skiing, and jogging. How do you provide sufficient time to partake in all these activities?

I have consistently maintained that one must prioritize time for their passions. I do not consistently allocate time for all of these activities simultaneously; it is somewhat seasonal. I am fortunate to have a highly supportive family, and my husband shares my enthusiasm for flying and cycling, which facilitates our shared activities.