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Cirrus Aircraft, the company that created a new level of aviation safety in 1999 with the release of an airplane with a built-in parachute, followed years later by a Cirrus-specific private pilot training program, is adding an instrument rating course to its offerings. Both the private pilot and instrument rating materials are designed for use with Cirrus aircraft.
According to company officials, the instrument rating program was designed by Cirrus instructor pilots for those who wish to pursue an instrument rating in the manufacturer’s aircraft. The continuing education program combines online courses and self-study with in-person flight training at a Cirrus Training Center.
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“The Cirrus Instrument Rating Program represents our commitment to safety and growing the personal aviation industry,” said Zean Nielsen, CEO of Cirrus, in a news release. “To date, Cirrus Approach has over 25,000 users who have completed 33,000 courses. Cirrus is continuously growing its flight training capabilities as an investment to our owners and their lifetime of aircraft ownership.”
The Cirrus Instrument Rating Program is designed to offer aircraft owners a “clear training progression to maximize Cirrus aircraft use” by enabling them to fly more frequently and in a wider range of weather and terrain while emphasizing safety and best practices for pilots operating the aircraft.
The instrument rating program is divided into three segments—flight lessons, knowledge test prep, and supplemental lessons.
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Cirrus said flight lessons are the core of the program and can be adapted to each individual learner, adjusting for the skill and experience level.
The knowledge test prep component is a new functionality added to the Cirrus Approach learning platform designed to help students pass the FAA knowledge exam, also often referred to as the “written test,” although it is administered by computer.
The program also includes supplemental lessons for learners starting their instrument rating immediately after acquiring their private pilot certificate. The lessons are structured training events designed to help less experienced pilots acquire both the flight hours and required skills to be safe and confident in the air.
The program is offered at Cirrus Training Centers. The company says the program does not have a specific length, as it is tailored to the individual learner, but the estimated completion time ranges from one to four months, depending on learner ability, aircraft availability, and weather considerations.
The course materials start at $950 but do not include the instructor’s fee, the cost of Cirrus aircraft rental, or the cost of fuel.
More information about the Cirrus Instrument Rating Program can be found here.
Cirrus has seven locations in the United States, including Duluth, Minnesota; Grand Forks, North Dakota; Greater Dallas; Greater Phoenix; Greater Orlando, Florida; Knoxville, Tennessee; and Benton Harbor, Michigan.
The company proudly notes that the worldwide flight time on Cirrus aircraft sits at 19 million hours.
Each aircraft is equipped with the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS). In an emergency, the chute is deployed, allowing the aircraft to float to the ground. To date some 280 people have lived to tell the story after using CAPS in an emergency.
