2 October 2025
A university in Texas, USA is the first to add Autoland equipped Cirrus SR G7+ aircraft to its fleet of training aircraft for students.
Cirrus Aircraft recently delivered a fleet of SR Series G7+ aircraft, equipped with Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland, to Texas Southern University (TSU), making it the first university in the world to add the system to its training fleet.
The seven G7+ fleet will add to the university’s existing five SR aircraft to expand its aviation programme. TSU recently opened a new flight academy at Ellington Airport, complete with a 22,000-square-foot hangar and training facilities.
Safe Return Emergency Autoland, developed by Garmin and now standard on all SR Series G7+ aircraft, enables anyone in the cabin to land the aircraft in an emergency by pressing a single button. The system automatically communicates with ATC, navigates terrain, weather and obstacles, and brings the aircraft to a safe stop.
Cirrus delivers the Autoland equipped G7+ aircraft to TSU. Photos: Cirrus
Cirrus CEO Zean Nielsen said, “Texas Southern University is the first university with the SR Series G7+ aircraft featuring robust safety systems to invite more people to learn how to fly, better train students and provide added peace of mind.”
The university’s president, J. W. Crawford III, described the new fleet as a ‘defining moment’ in its aviation ambitions.
“This investment signals our institution’s commitment to excellence and innovation and opens the door to boundless opportunities for current and future Texas Southern University students,” he said.
