This small jet can land itself in an emergency

Axios

06-05-2025

Cirrus, a leading maker of small planes, is adding a feature to its G7 model that allows it to land itself in an emergency.
Why it matters: The move is a step toward autonomous passenger travel, though landing a plane in an emergency is a long way from removing pilots from the cockpit.
Between the lines: A plane that can land itself if a pilot is incapacitated eliminates a significant risk.
The self-landing plane can find the nearest safe airport, communicate with air traffic control and complete the touchdown itself.
The plane doesn't use generative AI, but its computer system does use various techniques that hint at a future of AI-fueled autonomy in planes, trucks, cars and elsewhere.
Catch up quick: Cirrus has for years included a parachute system that allows a malfunctioning plane to slowly and safely return to the ground.
Many types of aircraft are already able to fly on their own in midair, but demonstrating the ability for a small plane to land itself is a major milestone.
How it works: Cirrus features a button in its latest model that can allow any passenger to initiate the self-landing procedure should the pilot become incapacitated.
In addition to the button, self-landing can happen automatically if the plane's sensors detect a lack of pilot input or erratic behavior.
The new G7+ model costs about $40,000 to $70,000 more than the prior version, with upgrades beyond the self-landing capability. That's on a plane that ranges in cost from around $600,000 to close to $1 million, depending on options.
The self-landing capability itself is built by GPS maker Garmin, which also makes the plane's digital cockpit system. It has been running in pricier jets for a while.
No one has yet needed to use the self-landing feature in regular operation.
What they're saying: The landing might be rougher than if a pilot is in charge, but it will do the job, Cirrus senior VP Ben Kowalski told Axios.
"The goal of the system is to return you safely to your family," he said.
Inside the cockpit: I had a chance to try it out — and push the magic red button — on a recent test flight out of San Jose airport.
Since it wasn't a real emergency, the pilot handled communications and air traffic control didn't know the plane was landing itself.
If air traffic control issued instructions that required a deviation from the auto-land, the pilot would have taken back control.
But, in the air—once I pushed the button—the plane was doing all the work, from identifying Modesto as the nearest airport to touching down a few minutes later.