Cirrus announced the delivery of seven TRAC20 G7 aircraft to Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation at the Cirrus Vision Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. In July 2023, Cirrus and Western Michigan University had previously announced a purchase agreement for 32 TRAC20 G7 aircraft. The TRAC20 G7 is the most recent model in the TRAC Series, which also includes TRAC20, TRAC22, and TRAC22T. These aircraft are advanced, high-performance machines built by Cirrus, specifically designed for pilot training.

Western Michigan University, an aviation collegiate partner for nearly 25 years, is upgrading its current fleet of 28 SR20s to 32 TRAC20 G7s. This new fleet will help maintain Western Michigan University’s position as a leader in training the next generation of aviation professionals. The TRAC20 G7 offers significant advancements, providing the essential skills for students to transition smoothly into professional piloting roles.

“Supporting one of the largest collegiate flight programs is exciting, especially during a time when pilots are in high demand,” said Zean Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of Cirrus. “The TRAC Series G7 offers the students at Western Michigan University a fantastic opportunity to position themselves for a successful career in aviation by training on the most advanced flight deck available with the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®) for a primary trainer.”

The G7 model introduces Cirrus Perspective Touch+ by Garmin®. This system is a first in piston aircraft, featuring dual Garmin Touch Controllers. Perspective Touch+ includes larger, high-resolution displays and enhanced system integration, resulting in a more intuitive flight deck. The aircraft’s integrated systems enhance its list of safety features, including the Electronic Stability and Protection system and an integrated engine indication and crew alerting/warning system—features typical of today’s advanced airliners.

“In 2005, WMU entered into a partnership with Cirrus that persists to this day,” said Dr. Raymond Thompson, Dean of Western Michigan University. “When the University was looking to take collegiate flight training into the 21st Century, they looked no further than Cirrus. Since the arrival of the first TRAC20, WMU has fully embraced the sophistication and benefits of the Cirrus aircraft. From a functional standpoint, the benefits students obtain from learning to fly in the Cirrus result in professional pilot candidates who are career ready.”

Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation is the only comprehensive aviation program at a public university in Michigan and, with approximately 1,100 undergraduate students, stands as one of the largest aviation programs in the nation. With 85 years of experience in aviation education and an excellent industry reputation, WMU’s College of Aviation is a formidable entity in shaping the future of aviation training.

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