abelenky

I had a fascinating encounter with the Cirrus Jet today, and felt the need to write about it. Here's my story.

I'm a flight student at KBFI. Less than 10 hours so far in a Cessna 172, but learning fast and loving it. In my reading, I've been fascinated by the Cirrus Jet. It seems like such an incredible plane, and I hope I get fly one someday. (as soon as my Lotto numbers hit... right?)

On my way out to do my preflight today, I was totally floored to see the Jet just 50 yards away at the next hanger! I hadn't heard anything about it being in the area, but just had to go check it out. I wandered over, and quickly learned that this was the grey, non-flying model, as opposed to the red test flight version. Still, it was incredible to wander around it, and check it out up close.

Unfortunately, it was late afternoon, and the team was taking it apart and loading it up into trailer for its next journey. One wing was already off, and on a wheeled cart, being pushed towards the trailer.

As I wandered around, gawking at the plane, the Cirrus guys left the wing on the cart to do some other work in the trailer. A sudden gust of wind came up, the wing acted as large sail, and started rolling the cart... right towards the other wingtip, still mounted on the plane!

I jumped over, grabbed the cart, trying to control it and yelled out a loud "HELP!!". (my voice probably went up an octave or two). I stopped the cart less than a foot before it would've hit the wingtip. Two of the Cirrus crew ran back over and controlled the cart, and were immediately concerned that the cart had hit the wing. I reassured them it hadn't, but it was close. I don't know how strong wings or wingtips are, but I think its likely the wingtip would've been smashed up, and the wing might've had a hole punched in it if I hadn't been a curious gawker.

I went on to my lesson, did some slow flight, steep turns, and other basic maneuvers. By the time we got back to the field, the jet and trailer were gone.

So, next time you see the Grey, non-flying model, you can admire that the left wing tip is intact, and the right wing doesn't have a scratch or a hole punched in it, and you've got me to thank for the total lack of damage.

P.S. This is the first discussion board I found with prior discussion of the Jet. If anyone wants to direct me to a more appropriate forum, I'll happily take the pointers.

FlyDL

Thank you for your service. I am humbled by your heroism.

11Fan

In honor of your bravery, I have submitted your name for consideration.

Medal of Freedom



Wait a second..... KBFI.... Cessna 172. Vagabond, is this you?

HSLD

That should at least be worth some company swag.

Cirrus guys, if your reading this the guy save some repair to your model - how about a T-shirt and flight bag decal?

abelenky

No. I don't know who Vagabond is.
I'm Aaron, student at Wings Aloft. (Terry Barrans is my instructor).

But if you know a similar student, I'd love to meet them.

abelenky

HSLD: I like the idea of company swag!
I'll always take a free T-Shirt and make sure it gets lots of exposure!

11Fan

I was poking fun at one of our longtime members who learned to fly out of BFI on a 172.

I'm sure she'll be along shortly.

And my original comment was poking fun at ya. That said, well done you.

abelenky

An update to the story.

Cirrus tracked me down, likely through this board, and is sending me some free Cirrus swag.

I hope I get to see the Jet fly here someday. Maybe even ride in one.
And as soon as I figure out Step 2, I'll order one of my own.

Thank you to the Cirrus guys!