Cirrus Debuts TRAC Trainer

With a looming pilot shortage and few dedicated single-engine trainers on the market, Cirrus has stepped up with a “purpose-built” version of the SR20 called TRAC. It includes features aimed at the training market including a “landing gear simulator.”

Cirrus says the TRAC is “thoughtfully crafted with reliability, durability and economy in mind to meet the rigors of high-tempo flight operations, while providing industry-leading safety and performance for both the pilot trainee and flight instructor.”

Based on the Lycoming IO-390-powered SR20, the TRAC will include a Garmin Perspective flight deck with an airline-style FMS keyboard for data entry. In addition to “rear seat push-to-talk functionality,” the TRAC will have a landing gear simulator system that will teach the student the ways of the retractable gear without the airplane actually needing the equipment. A small switch on the right side of the center console will allow the instructor to set up system-fault scenarios for the student to work through. To match the training role, the normally luxurious interior of the SR20 is replaced by “a durable all-weather floor liner and easy to clean wear-resistant seats.”

The TRAC's landing-gear simulator has a mock gear lever and lights for the student and a configuration switch on the right side of the center console for the instructor to set up system-fault situations.

“Our commitment to flight training goes far beyond innovation in aircraft design to include a unique approach to attracting and training future generations of aviators,” said Zean Nielsen, CEO at Cirrus Aircraft. “The TRAC Series delivers a 21st century solution for world-class, forward-thinking flight training institutions.”

“Premier flight programs around the world continue to select Cirrus Aircraft for their training fleets,” said David Moser, vice president of fleet & special mission aircraft sales at Cirrus Aircraft. “These partnerships have been instrumental in our development of the technologically advanced, cost-effective TRAC platform designed exclusively for leading flight academies and universities across the globe.”

The base price for the TRAC is $409,900 and can reach $541,500 with all the TRAC20 packages selected.

Marc CookEditor

KITPLANES Editor in Chief Marc Cook has been in aviation journalism for more than 30 years. He is a 4000-hour instrument-rated, multi-engine pilot with experience in nearly 150 types. He’s completed two kit aircraft, an Aero Designs Pulsar XP and a Glasair Sportsman 2+2, and currently flies a 2002 GlaStar.