The FAA issued type inspection authorization (TIA) for the $1.96 million Cirrus Vision SF50 personal single-engine jet, the Duluth, Minn.-based aircraft manufacturer announced yesterday. TIA initiates formal FAA flight evaluation of the Vision SF50 type design, airworthiness, performance and handling properties and allows Cirrus to move forward with FAA conformity inspections and certification flight-tests with an FAA pilot on board the aircraft.

To achieve TIA from the FAA, Cirrus’s first conforming flight-test aircraft, C-Zero, was analyzed for airframe structure strength, stability in flight controls and stall performance. Three conforming Vision SF50 prototypes are working to demonstrate type certification compliance and have already completed a range of company tests, including flyover noise levels. Cirrus recently completed ultimate-load drop testing for the Cirrus airframe parachute system for the SF50, clearing the way for in-flight deployment testing on the aircraft this fall.

Cirrus also reported that it is updating the SF50’s Garmin G3000 avionics and finalizing interiors and paint schemes. Cirrus said its goal remains to achieve FAA type certification by year-end and begin deliveries shortly thereafter. The first customer aircraft are already on the production line in Duluth.