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Cirrus Owners Focus on Learning

Jerry Seckler is Dean of the COPA University. Rob Mark
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Cirrus aircraft initially experienced a high fatal accident rate despite the inclusion of a ballistic parachute system (CAPS) in its early years of operation.
  • A significant turnaround occurred from 2014 onwards, with fatal accidents dramatically decreasing and a corresponding increase in CAPS usage.
  • This safety improvement resulted from collaborative efforts between the Cirrus Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) and Cirrus Aircraft, emphasizing the motto "Pull Early, Pull Often," standardized training programs, and comprehensive pilot proficiency courses (CPPP) to foster a strong culture of safety.
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When Cirrus aircraft began entering the market around the turn of this century, some pundits were certain the new-age, glass-cockpit airplane was just what the industry needed to improve the single-engine safety record. As it turned out, the first decade or so of Cirrus operations were marred by more than a few fatal accidents, despite the Cirrus aircraft ballistic parachute system.

Rob Mark

Rob Mark is an award-winning journalist, business jet pilot, flight instructor, and blogger.

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