Cirrus and smart pitot heat
I read the Cirrus SR G7+ flight trial in the June 2025 issue of Aviation Consumer and see that the pitot heat rocker switch has been removed from the bolster panel in favor of Cirrus’ Smart Pitot Heat system, which automatically comes on (under engine power) when the temperature is below -5°C.
I’m not a fan of the auto-on pitot heat feature in a Cirrus equipped with Safe Return Autoland. We were taught to turn on the pitot heat whenever flying through visible moisture, and the heat would help remove water from the pitot tube. Is this now considered old thinking? Additionally, you can get pitot icing warmer than -5 degrees C … just saying.