Those pilots who want to make the transition from lack-luster aircraft to the best small airplanes in the world should consider signing up at a flight school that’s an authorized Cirrus Training Center (CTC). While traditional manufacturers like Cessna and Piper have conventionally dominated the small airplane market, that’s no longer the case. Once a kit-plane company, Cirrus Aircraft has expanded beyond anyone’s wildest imagination, developing the two most-produced general aviation aircraft of the 21st century, the SR20 and SR22. With their innovative composite frames, now-standard flat-panel instrument displays, and impressive airframe parachute systems, these planes shook up an otherwise stagnant industry when they were released in the late 1990s.
If you’ve ever dreamt of flying one of these machines, you can. Like other manufacturers, Cirrus offers flight training for clients throughout the world. In the U.S., they’ve partnered with local flight schools to deliver a Cirrus-certified level of training to students of all walks of life. So, what is a certified CTC, and why are they worth attending? Let’s take a closer look.
What Is A Certified Cirrus Training Center?
Cirrus has a fascinating background that’s pretty unique in the general aviation industry with how quickly their fixed-wing airplanes became popular. In order to meet the demand for instruction pilots of all types, from student to captain, they developed a global network of CTCs.
Cirrus Training Centers are flight schools, universities, or airport facilities that are dedicated to teaching the art of flying SR series of airplanes and Vision Jets. These partners must undergo rigorous testing to ensure that they offer the best possible Cirrus instruction.
In order for a flight school to become a Cirrus Training Center, they must first meet several of the following qualifications:
- Flight training facilities that are clean, modern, organized, and inviting.
- An approach to flight instruction that reflects the attitudes of Cirrus.
- Instructors, mechanics, and staff that are professional, practical, and provide the best possible customer service.
- A Chief Instructor who has passed the Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot (CSIP) program. They will also need to hold a Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument (CFII) rating and have accumulated at least 1,000 hours total time and 250 hours dual-given instruction.
- Offer for rent or training one or more modern Cirrus airplanes.
What is a Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot (CSIP)?
While there are training centers for Cirrus all over the world, there are also certified Cirrus flight instructors. These are known as CSIPs and are training professionals who have expert knowledge of the company’s planes and the techniques for flying them. Each CSIP is trained and evaluated under Cirrus’ in-house instructors, with the goal of supplying a factory-level of experience to every student.
If you love the Cirrus brand enough to have recently purchased an SR or Vision, it also includes personalized flight training services. As a new Cirrus aircraft owner, you receive dedicated training with a CSIP to ensure you’ve got good control of the airplane and can take advantage of its many great features.
What is a Cirrus Authorized Service Center (ASC)?
Similar to CTCs, ASCs are facilities where specially trained Cirrus technicians and mechanics work. These mechanics are knowledgeable with all models of Cirrus Aircraft, parts, procedures, and support. Again, these service centers are located throughout the country and are often at the same location as a CTC.
Cirrus Training Center Advantages
Access to the best small aircraft in the world
In the past year, Cirrus has continued delivering an impressive number of SR series airplanes and gained the distinction of the best-selling piston aircraft for the 19th year in a row. Their other model, the Vision Jet, has also grown in popularity, marking its territory as the best-selling general aviation jet for the second year in a row. In other words, there’s more than enough evidence that their planes are some of the best to fly.
More knowledgeable flight instructors
Before an instructor can even qualify to become CSIP, they must already be at the top of their game, actively holding a CFII rating and providing flight instruction services. Additionally, they must have 500 total flight hours, with 250 of those hours dedicated to dual-given instruction. During the CSIP training process, these instructors gain an additional 15 hours of training, unique simulation experience, and dedicated coursework from the ifom (Interactive Flight Operations Manual) as it relates to Cirrus Aircraft.
Highest quality facilities
Cirrus only partners with the best, and a flight school’s facilities are a direct reflection of the pride they have in their organization. That doesn’t simply mean that their hangar is clean and organized, but that they’ve invested in the best classroom technologies, flight simulators, and a high-performance fleet of aircraft.
Fly with other Cirrus enthusiasts!
The best part of training at a Cirrus Training Center is that you’re exposed to an enthusiastic group who love the same types of airplanes that you do. From instructors to fellow students, CSIPs are expected to provide professional services that are effective, efficient, and valuable to you, the client.
Do you want to learn to fly Cirrus aircraft?
Inflight Pilot Training is the top certified Cirrus Training Center in Minneapolis/St. Paul, and can help you harness the power of an SR series airplane. Our Cirrus airplanes are kept in top condition and ready to take off at a moment’s notice, while the several CSIPs on staff will provide you with the best instruction you can find in Minnesota. No matter why you want to learn to fly a Cirrus airplane, we’ll help you reach your goals, just as we’ve done for countless others.
Get in touch with our team of Minnesota flight instructors to learn more about our organization. For additional information about training programs offered by Inflight Pilot Training, contact us today or call (952) 698-3000.