$170,000 Bid Will Go Towards Young Eagles

Sporty’s Founder and Chairman Hal Shevers was the highest bidder when the first Cirrus Light Sport Aircraft was auctioned at EAA’s annual Gathering of Eagles fundraising dinner on July 26, 2007. Shevers' winning bid of $170,000 will benefit EAA’s Young Eagles program and youth initiatives.

As ANN reported, on July 23 Cirrus Design Corporation -- in cooperation with Fk Lightplanes of Speyer, Germany -- announced the availability of the Cirrus SRS.

The all-composite aircraft will sport a 120 knot top speed (in fact, Cirrus will have to come up with ways to slow the slick SRS down to meet the maximum speed allowed under sport pilot rules), a glass panel, and the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System. The aircraft will be powered with a Rotax 912S engine.

During the unveiling at AirVenture, Cirrus co-founder Alan Klapmeier announced the company would donate the first SRS to Young Eagles. That was the plane put up for bid.

"I am committed to bringing new people into aviation," said Shevers. "This airplane represents a great entry point for aircraft ownership. Of course, the purchase benefits the Young Eagles, a vital program that Sporty’s has long supported"

Since its inception in 1992 and through the generosity of pilots volunteering their time and aircraft, EAA's Young Eagles program has provided flights in general aviation aircraft to over 1.3 million youth between the ages of 8-17.

Sporty's will take delivery of the airplane at AirVenture 2008.

While Cirrus hasn't announced firm pricing for the SRS just yet, it's likely Shever's bid was at least $40,000 over the ultimate price for a loaded SRS. Not bad, for the privilege of owning the first plane... and for a great cause, to boot.

FMI: www.sportys.com, www.cirrusdesign.com