“The Dallas Metroplex is a central location for many of our SR Series and Vision Jet owners,” said Todd Simmons, President of Customer Experience of Cirrus Aircraft. “With this new expansion at Cirrus McKinney, we are excited to continue enhancing the aircraft ownership experience for our current owners and also create an environment to introduce more people to the benefits of personal aviation. We are proud to partner with the City of McKinney, McKinney Economic Development Corporation and McKinney National Airport and look forward to growing personal aviation in the Dallas Metroplex.” 

Cirrus Aircraft plans to invest $13 million into the new 45,000-square-foot Cirrus McKinney facility. The expansion will include a 15,000-square-foot service hangar, 15,000-square-foot storage hangar, eight shade canopies, a flight simulation space, retail store and a customer lounge with a panoramic viewing balcony. 

Today, Cirrus McKinney employs more than 50 team members and plans to continue adding more career opportunities in the future.  

To learn more about Cirrus McKinney, please visit cirrusaircraft.com/TKI. 

About Cirrus Aircraft   

Cirrus Aircraft is the recognized global leader in personal aviation and the maker of the best-selling SR Series piston aircraft and the Vision Jet®, the world’s first single-engine Personal Jet, and the recipient of the Robert J. Collier Trophy. Founded in 1984, the company has redefined aviation performance, comfort and safety with innovations like the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®) – the first FAA-certified whole-airframe parachute safety system included as standard equipment on an aircraft. To date, worldwide flight time on Cirrus aircraft has passed 15 million hours, and 250 people have returned home safely to their families as a result of the inclusion of CAPS as a standard feature on all Cirrus aircraft. The company has seven locations in the United States, including Duluth, Minnesota; Grand Forks, North Dakota; Greater Dallas, Texas; Greater Phoenix, Arizona; and Greater Orlando, Florida; Knoxville, Tennessee and Benton Harbor, Michigan. Learn more at cirrusaircraft.com. 

“The SR Series continues to move people, businesses and imaginations as we reach another significant delivery milestone,” said Zean Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of Cirrus Aircraft. “Our talented Xi Design Studio collected inspiration through the lens of our customers and the worldwide travel and freedom personal aviation offers. The 9,000^th SR Series delivery means that 9,000 owners are living the Cirrus Life enabled by the best-selling high-performance piston aircraft in the industry for over two decades. The SR Series is one of the safest aircraft as it includes the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®) and a suite of integrated safety features as standard equipment. Through our expanded aircraft ownership ecosystem, we are excited to continue introducing more people to Personal Aviation.” 

From the onset of the Cirrus aircraft ownership experience, customers work alongside the company’s Xi Design Studio to personalize their new aircraft. Founded in 2009, the Xi Design Studio carefully curates an exclusive experience leveraging advanced technology, world-class engineering and a leading-edge Paint and Finish Facility to build a one-of-a-kind Cirrus aircraft. 

Cirrus Aircraft’s Xi Design Studio showcases its artistic prowess through the compelling Limited Edition’s bold design and color collection. Thematically named Limited Edition designs, ‘Balos,’ ‘Lava,’ ‘Magma’ and ‘Santorini’ were inspired by different international destinations and illustrate the company’s range of premium and bespoke paint schemes. In partnership with Sherwin-Williams, Cirrus Aircraft reformulated signature hues, namely, Lava orange and Aegean blue, to create a bold and eclectic splash of color.  

To commemorate 9,000 SR Series deliveries, the number nine was thematically integrated throughout the design. The ‘9’ iconography inspired the sleek and aerodynamic lines on the fuselage, along with the many exterior graphic details. The theme continues inside the cabin with several custom touches on the seats and embroidery. 

With the release of the 9,000^th Limited Edition, Cirrus Aircraft introduced newly designed Cirrus All-Weather Floor Liners engineered for adventure travel to protect the aircraft floor from mud, sand, water, dirt and more. Each liner features a customized badge commemorating the delivery milestone. Standard SR Series All-Weather Floor Liners for G1-G6 aircraft are available for purchase. Additionally, every 9,000^th Limited Edition SR Series aircraft owner will be outfitted with the newly announced Bose A30 Aviation Headset and Garmin® International’s D2 Aviation watch with custom bands matching the 9,000^th livery for a premium flight experience. 

Meticulous craftsmanship, bespoke design and daring colors turn heads with the 9,000^th Limited Edition SR Series and are a testament to Cirrus Aircraft’s customers’ unwavering passion to seek new experiences and travel the world. 

To learn more about Cirrus Aircraft, please visit cirrusaircraft.com. 

Photo Credit: AOPA

About Cirrus Aircraft   

Cirrus Aircraft is the recognized global leader in personal aviation and the maker of the best-selling SR Series piston aircraft and the Vision Jet®, the world’s first single-engine Personal Jet, and the recipient of the Robert J. Collier Trophy. Founded in 1984, the company has redefined aviation performance, comfort and safety with innovations like the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®) – the first FAA-certified whole-airframe parachute safety system included as standard equipment on an aircraft. To date, worldwide flight time on Cirrus aircraft has passed 15 million hours, and 250 people have returned home safely to their families as a result of the inclusion of CAPS as a standard feature on all Cirrus aircraft. The company has seven locations in the United States, including Duluth, Minnesota; Grand Forks, North Dakota; Greater Dallas, Texas; Greater Phoenix, Arizona; and Greater Orlando, Florida; Knoxville, Tennessee and Benton Harbor, Michigan. Learn more at cirrusaircraft.com. 

Cirrus Flight Training Courses 

Our award-winning flight training program offers a diverse catalog of instructional video courses to anyone interested in earning their private pilot license or for the seasoned pilot to hone their skills. Be sure to check out the latest: 

The SR Series Maneuvers Course is the perfect primer for any upcoming training event with your local CSIP. Ride along with Mike Goulian, CSIP (and professional airshow performer), as he takes you through a real-time demonstration of each maneuver. Mike talks through the maneuver, points out helpful tricks and provides a little self-critique along the way. 

The SR Series Cross Country Procedures Course provides a real-life cross-country journey to the sunny beaches of Destin, Florida. Inside you’ll find a step-by-step guide to everything you’ll need for a cross-country flight, from building your flight plan, navigating tricky airspace, decoding weather and even flying at night.

The Takeoff and Landing Course offers 10 lessons in over five hours of training, from preflight preparation to proper execution – everything needed to make great takeoffs and landings. 

SR Series and Vision Jet Gear from The Cirrus Store 

Ensure you and your aircraft are fashioned with springtime essentials keeping you safe, comfortable and stylish.  

Every aircraft needs Cowl Plugs to prevent birds, bugs, and foreign objects from entering your Cirrus through the cowl or pitot tube with this Inlet Plug and Pitot Cover set. 

Travel off the grid with peace of mind with the In Reach Mini 2, a compact satellite communicator. A must-have for all pilots.  

Prevent your aircraft from damage by securing it with Slide Down Tie Downs to secure your aircraft to the ground anchors. The set includes three Slide Downs, one for each wing and the tail. 

Cirrus Store Trending Threads  

Stay comfortable and stylish in your favorite Cirrus tops. Ladies, check out this breathable UA Tank. Fellas, the Nike Hex Polo is a wardrobe staple. 

Cirrus Upgrades and Accessories

Lastly, feel comfortable flying during the brightest time of day with the Black Opaque Sun Visor.

For more pro tips from our experts, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. 

It is estimated that the air transport industry offers a total of 87.7 million jobs worldwide within the airlines, air navigation, service providers, airport operators and more. While the general aviation industry offers an additional 1.2 million jobs and supports $150 billion annually in economic activity. 

As the global leader in personal aviation, Cirrus Aircraft is excited to join the 2023 Women in Aviation International Conference in Long Beach, California, to share the different types of career opportunities available within the general aviation sector. Cirrus Aircraft is a long-time supporter of Women in Aviation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the encouragement and advancement of women in all aviation career fields and interests.  

This year, Cirrus Aircraft will hold a roundtable discussion on ‘Finding the Right Aviation Career for You,’ which dives into different jobs available in the aviation industry. 

Following that same spirit, we have interviewed Cirrus Aircraft’s very own to share the different types of career opportunities and how they got started in aviation. We hope this inspires and helps you discover your next aviation career opportunity!  

Alanna Lee, Director, Environmental Health and Safety, Cirrus Aircraft 

Describe your position: “Manage employee safety, employee relations, governmental relations & compliance (OSHA/EPA/MPCA/ATF/FAA/DOT), wellness, environmental.” 

How did you get into aviation: “I am originally from Northern MN; I spent 10 years of my career in Southern MN and wanted to get back north. I started as an Environmental Compliance Specialist and was promoted to the Director role about 7/8 months ago.” 

Why you enjoy your job: “The people and culture. I am truly grateful to be here and in a company that believes in me and wants me to grow. Although I am still learning, the world of personal aviation is fascinating, and I enjoy that every day is different and there are always new and exciting challenges.” 

Kelly Kaseno, FAA Designated Manufacturing Inspection Representative/Organization Designation Authorization Inspector, Cirrus Aircraft 

Describe your position: “I work with Cirrus Aircraft’s experimental department to inspect the installation of prototype builds and to ensure the safety of the aircraft for our test pilots, and I also issue the Certificate of Airworthiness to our production aircraft.” 

How did you get into aviation: “I applied a long time ago as a wrench turner, and made my way to an FAA inspector! I started flying when I was 16 and helped my stepdad restore his 1940’s Champ.” 

Why you enjoy your job: “I love working with airplanes, and watching our pilots and customers have confidence in my inspections as they fly safely is a pretty rewarding feeling.” 

Mickie Naperala, Commodity Lead Senior, Cirrus Aircraft 

Describe your position: “Strategic sourcing, negotiations, supplier relationships.” 

How did you get into aviation: “I’m always looking up!” 

Why you enjoy your job: “The relationships I get to build and diverse amounts of interactions daily.” 

Beth Duff, Regional Sales Director (Northern California, Northern Nevada, Hawaii), Cirrus Aircraft 

Describe your position: “Responsible for selling new aircraft, servicing clients and being the ‘face of Cirrus Aircraft’ in my territory for all things related to aviation.” 

How did you get into aviation: “My father introduced me to aviation when I was a child. He retired his career working as a Captain for United Airlines. He was formally trained in the RCAF (Royal Canadian Air Force), and as a result, I was surrounded by aviation throughout my life.” 

Why you enjoy your job: “My job allows me to share my love of aviation and Cirrus Aircraft with all those interested in aviation and Cirrus Aircraft. I enjoy meeting such incredible people, hearing their stories and representing what I believe is the best general aviation aircraft manufacturer in the world. This position allows me to combine my love of aviation, my skills as a CFI, CFII and MEI and my previous background as a sales executive in order to represent this incredible lifestyle and aircraft. It is truly a privilege to be a part of this amazing company.” 

Alysha Jussila, Financial Analyst, Cirrus Aircraft 

Describe your position: “Accounting for the fixed assets and leases at Cirrus.” 

How did you get into aviation: “I have always enjoyed flying and was excited to get the opportunity to start my career at Cirrus right after graduating college.” 

Why you enjoy your job: “Cirrus feels like a family. The day-to-day work of accounting can be mundane, but it’s the people that make the job fun.” 

Linda Myers, Paint and Detail, Cirrus Aircraft 

Describe your position: “Schedule work for painters and detailers according to the schedule, train technicians and oversee operations on the floor.” 

How did you get into aviation: “Enlisted in the United States Air Force as an aircraft mechanic after graduating high school.” 

Why you enjoy your job: “We work as a team to ensure delivery aircraft are ready for the customers – we touch every aircraft delivered from Knoxville (TYS). Every day holds something different and an opportunity to make both aircraft and people shine!” 

Ivy McIver, Director, SR Product Line, Cirrus Aircraft 

Describe your position: “Manage a team responsible for General Aviation industry analysis, marketing and sales support, competitive aircraft analysis, product pricing and packaging, and aircraft order and delivery forecasting relating to the SR Series product line. Oversee cross functional roadmap development for multiple piston product lines, and maintain efficient, effective communication between the Marketing Team, the Design Team, the Sales Team, and the Engineering Platform Team. Collaborate with key strategic supplier partners to identify opportunities for product enhancements, and work with the Platform & Marketing Teams to develop product requirements and objectives to define the future of the product line. Oversee strategic media relationships including product demonstrations, air-to-air photo and video missions, and aviation media support.” 

How did you get into aviation: “I saw Top Gun (the first one) when I was little and decided I wanted to be a pilot. After college, I found a flight school and started taking lessons in a Piper Archer.” 

Why you enjoy your job: “Every day is different. I work with smart, driven and passionate people who all share the goal of growing the general aviation industry. I work with the leaders in the industry, both within and outside of Cirrus, on a daily basis and I play a huge part in evolving the SR Series aircraft to continue to be the best-selling, most comfortable, safest, and most advanced single-engine piston aircraft on the market. On top of all that, I get to fly the plane all over the world and demonstrate the capabilities of the Cirrus to a wide variety of pilots and not-yet-pilots.” 

Laura Henry, Executive Director, HR Business Partner, Cirrus Aircraft 

Describe your position: “Supporting employees and our leaders across all locations – employee relations, talent acquisition, engagement and retention, benefits and compensation.” 

How did you get into aviation: “Opportunity at Cirrus was available when I was looking to leave my prior employer. Immediately fell in love with the people and culture of the company; plus it’s a really cool product!” 

Why you enjoy your job: “The people!” 

Jenna Achtzehn, Delivery Pilot, Cirrus Aircraft 

Describe your position: “Showing clients their new airplane for the first time.” 

How did you get into aviation: “I took a discovery flight at my local airport and was hooked from there.” 

Why you enjoy your job: “I love being around and flying new airplanes, and working with the best team and customers throughout the process.” 

Anna Greatens, Propulsion Engineer, Cirrus Aircraft 

Describe your position: “Some of the responsibilities for my position involve technical design of powerplant systems, creating 3D models and drawings, coordinating with suppliers, developing test plans for components and systems, and writing design and test reports.” 

How did you get into aviation: “I went to school for mechanical engineering, but I had considered getting into the aviation industry since high school. I have always found aircraft interesting, and it is very cool to be able to be part of their design.” 

Why you enjoy your job: “I really enjoy being able to be involved in every part of the design process and not just one portion of it. I like that I can be involved from the initial design, see installations be built and tested, and then, in the end, see a design come to completion and eventual certification.” 

We look forward to connecting with you at the show! Please stop by our booth at #452. For career opportunities, please apply at cirrusaircraft.com/careers. 

Cirrus Aircraft’s Senior Vice President of Information Technology, Michelle Roemer, has been recognized as Chief Information Officer of the Year for a Large Corporation by the 2022 Twin Cities ORBIE® Award, the premier technology executive recognition program in the United States. 

“We could not be happier for Michelle to be awarded the prestigious CIO of the Year ORBIE Award,” said Zean Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of Cirrus Aircraft. “It is a testament to her skill and capability, which underscores the culture at Cirrus Aircraft and our constant pursuit to push the boundaries of innovation and deliver world-class aviation experiences.” 

Selected from over 140 candidates, Michelle has successfully built a team of versatile and high-performing professionals that are passionate about growing Cirrus Aircraft. She spearheaded several IT initiatives to lead the company’s digital approach and improve operations scaling the business. Strategic by nature, Michelle is a key driver in creating and executing the “Cirrus 360” Vision, which digitally connects customers, aircraft, network partners and employees. Additionally, she was instrumental in designing and building the IT infrastructure to support the company’s Cirrus IQ mobile application for secure communication between aircraft and Cirrus Aircraft servers. She also developed the proprietary technology platform that hosts the company’s award-winning flight training program, Cirrus Approach. 

“We are extremely proud of Michelle and this great accomplishment,” said George Letten, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Cirrus Aircraft. “Her ability to partner with the business, grow and develop talent, and continue to innovate and push boundaries exemplifies the Vision and Values of Cirrus Aircraft. These skills are also critical to supporting Cirrus Aircraft’s six-time recognition as the Best Place to Work in Duluth.”  

Since its inception in 1998, over 1,800 CIOs have been honored as finalists and over 500 CIO of the Year winners have received the prestigious ORBIE Award.  

The ORBIE honors chief information officers and those in equivalent roles who have demonstrated excellence in technology leadership. Winners are selected by an independent peer review process, led by prior ORBIE recipients, based upon: 

• Leadership and management effectiveness  
• Business value created by technology innovation  
• The size and scope of responsibilities  
• Engagement in industry and community endeavors 

Michelle joined Cirrus Aircraft in early 2016 and is responsible for leading the enterprise’s digital strategy. She has over 30 years of business leadership experience in information technology, program management, accounting and finance in both private and public companies. Michelle’s prior experience includes leadership roles at ATK (Alliant Techsystems), Gelco Information Network and Carlson Companies. 

Michelle earned her Private Pilot License while working at Cirrus Aircraft and holds a Bachelor of Administration in Accounting from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, an Executive Master of Business Administration from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management and a Mini-Master’s degree in Information Technology from St. Thomas University. 

She serves on the Board of the Boys and Girls Club of the Northland and is member of the Minnesota CIO Network. 

The award ceremony was held today in Minneapolis. 

About Cirrus Aircraft   

Cirrus Aircraft is the recognized global leader in personal aviation and the maker of the best-selling SR Series piston aircraft and the Vision Jet®, the world’s first single-engine Personal Jet, and the recipient of the Robert J. Collier Trophy. Founded in 1984, the company has redefined aviation performance, comfort and safety with innovations like the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®) – the first FAA-certified whole-airframe parachute safety system included as standard equipment on an aircraft. To date, worldwide flight time on Cirrus aircraft has passed 14 million hours, and 235 people have returned home safely to their families as a result of the inclusion of CAPS as a standard feature on all Cirrus aircraft. The company has seven locations in the United States, including Benton Harbor, Michigan; Duluth, Minnesota; Grand Forks, North Dakota; Greater Dallas, Texas; Greater Phoenix, Arizona; and Greater Orlando, Florida and Knoxville, Tennessee. Learn more at cirrusaircraft.com. 

Cirrus Aircraft will invest heavily to transform the 189,000-square-foot building on 39 acres into a state-of-the-art Innovation Center where engineers will develop the next generation of Cirrus aircraft. The Duluth Innovation Center will feature amenities and flexible workspaces that enhance the working environment as people return to the office. Inspired interior features and design provide optimal collaborative workspace and break from the traditional office and lab environment. 

“Doubling down with a massive facility such as this underscores our relentless pursuit of continuous innovation that makes owning and operating a Cirrus safe, convenient and easy,” said Zean Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of Cirrus Aircraft. “We are a company of big ideas such as putting a parachute on every Cirrus aircraft, designing and building a single engine Jet, introducing Safe Return Autoland, rolling out Cirrus IQ connectivity and offering a 360-degree ecosystem around the customer. This investment solidifies Cirrus Aircraft’s commitment to continuous innovation. We want talent to think of Cirrus Aircraft, Duluth, and now the new Innovation Center as a special place where the latest and greatest general aviation technologies come to life. The Innovation Center is designed to become the epicenter for personal aviation engineering and to attract top talent from around the world.” 

“Duluth and Cirrus Aircraft have a long and important history of being great to, and for, one another and the site of the Innovation Center is no different,” said Duluth Mayor Emily Larson. “For Cirrus Aircraft to expand their footprint in their hometown of Duluth means the world to us because it further elevates Duluth throughout the world of aviation. We are thrilled to support innovation while repurposing this asset. We are eager to decrease public liability while exponentially growing the aviation economy, and we are one hundred percent committed to Cirrus Aircraft’s vision as being central to our own vision of economic development within the City of Duluth.” 

“From the founding days of Cirrus Aircraft in the basement of a Wisconsin barn to the new Innovation Center, the company has maintained a rich culture of innovation that has changed personal aviation,” said Pat Waddick, President of Innovation and Operations of Cirrus Aircraft. “This investment in a world-class facility brings together our engineering, flight test, experimental, advanced design and development, and other key Product Development areas. We are excited about how our investments in facilities, people and programs will lead to changing the world – again!” 

On August 24, the Duluth Economic Development Authority (DEDA) approved the agreement authorizing the sale of the former Northwest Airlines facility with a 60-year ground lease. The agreement releases the DEDA’s ownership of the facility and the ongoing financial burden as the building has been without a tenant since May 2020, resulting in over 200 job cuts due to the pandemic. Moreover, the sale will save the city over $600,000 annually in maintenance, operating, and tax expense. 

Cirrus Aircraft aims to begin renovations by September 2022.  

To learn more about Cirrus Aircraft’s Innovation Center employment opportunities, please visit www.cirrusaircraft.com/careers. 

About Cirrus Aircraft   

Cirrus Aircraft is the recognized global leader in personal aviation and the maker of the best-selling SR Series piston aircraft and the Vision Jet®, the world’s first single-engine Personal Jet, and the recipient of the Robert J. Collier Trophy. Founded in 1984, the company has redefined aviation performance, comfort and safety with innovations like the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®) – the first FAA-certified whole-airframe parachute safety system included as standard equipment on an aircraft. To date, worldwide flight time on Cirrus aircraft has passed 14 million hours, and 235 people have returned home safely to their families as a result of the inclusion of CAPS as a standard feature on all Cirrus aircraft. The company has seven locations in the United States, including Benton Harbor, Michigan; Duluth, Minnesota; Grand Forks, North Dakota; Greater Dallas, Texas; Greater Phoenix, Arizona; and Greater Orlando, Florida and Knoxville, Tennessee. Learn more at cirrusaircraft.com. 

Cirrus Aircraft is known for its premium aircraft paint quality and some of the industry’s most unique and compelling paint schemes. Cirrus Aircraft currently employs 130 team members at its Paint and Finish Facility. With this expansion, the company plans to hire 50 more people to its Campus, creating more high-tech and skilled careers in Duluth. Cirrus Aircraft has been voted Duluth’s Best Large Employer since 2018, and the company offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package. 

“We are proud to expand the Cirrus Paint and Finish Facility at our Duluth headquarters,” said Zean Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of Cirrus Aircraft. “These investments allow us to both meet the increasing demand for our leading-edge aircraft and create additional jobs in our local communities.”  

The Cirrus Paint and Finish Facility expansion opened on June 15 and became fully operational on July 15, celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

Learn more about Cirrus Aircraft’s career opportunities here cirrusaircraft.com/careers. 

 
About Cirrus Aircraft  

Cirrus Aircraft is the recognized global leader in personal aviation and the maker of the best-selling SR Series piston aircraft and the Vision Jet®, the world’s first single-engine Personal Jet, and the recipient of the Robert J. Collier Trophy. Founded in 1984, the company has redefined aviation performance, comfort and safety with innovations like the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®) – the first FAA-certified whole-airframe parachute safety system included as standard equipment on an aircraft. To date, worldwide flight time on Cirrus aircraft has passed 14 million hours, and 230 people have returned home safely to their families as a result of the inclusion of CAPS as a standard feature on all Cirrus aircraft. The company has six locations in the United States, including Duluth, Minnesota; Grand Forks, North Dakota; Knoxville, Tennessee; Greater Dallas, Texas; Greater Phoenix, Arizona; and Greater Orlando, Florida. Learn more at cirrusaircraft.com. 

We joined Tara for an inside look at her work as a Wing Bond Technician and learned she takes pride in building our aircraft, by hand, with coworkers who she considers to be like family. Watch the video to learn more about what excites her about her career at Cirrus Aircraft and what it’s like to live and work in Duluth.

Ready to start your next career at Cirrus Aircraft? Find our current job openings here.

Throughout his 15 years of experience across Cirrus Aircraft’s flight training, service and deliveries departments, Travis Klumb has seen most everything. So, we caught up with our director of aircraft deliveries and ramp operations to hear his eight essential tips for preparing your aircraft, and yourself, for spring flying.

Tip 1: Inspect Your Aircraft

If your aircraft has been hangared for an extended period of time, check for any signs of insects or rodents. If your aircraft has been stored outside, check for birds’ nests in the tail, inlets and exhaust.

Tip 2: Check Your Vitals

Spring is an ideal time to inflate your tires to the recommended PSI, inspect your oleo struts for proper inflation, thoroughly sump your fuel system, and top off your oxygen and TKS fluid (if equipped). And, while you’re at it, be sure to run your TKS system to ensure that it’s flowing correctly.

Tip 3: Spring Cleaning

Starting the spring off with a sparklingly clean aircraft undeniably helps you look your best on the ramp. But, it also assists with improving aerodynamics and identifying any type of fluid leak that has occurred. Don’t forget to detail your interior too. Taking the time to vacuum your carpet, condition your leather or Alcantara, and clean your glass will help you start the new flying season off on the right foot.

Tip 4: Double Check Your Records

Before you get fully back into the swing of things, be sure to review your logbooks and your Cirrus IQ app to ensure that your scheduled maintenance is up-to-date, and all service bulletins are complied with. It’s also a great time to review your insurance and registration.

Tip 5: Re-Read Your POH

Sure, it sounds boring… But, re-reading your pilot’s operating handbook is an important annual refresher. Sections 7 and 8 are tremendous reminders on the systems that your aircraft possesses and how to best care for them to ensure their longevity.

Tip 6: De-Ice Your Vision Jet Boots

Spring is a tremendous time to show your de-ice boots some love. Stripping them down (hot) and reapplying fresh polish and protectant will ensure they’re ready for when cold weather comes back around.

Tip 7: Add New Upgrades and Accessories

If you’ve had your eye on some upgrades and accessories, spring is a tremendous time to connect with our Cirrus Direct experts. Accessories such as upgraded lighting and sun visors can truly improve the look, feel and function of your aircraft.

Tip 8: Refresh Yourself

Before undergoing a challenging flight for the first time in a while, take a lap or two in the pattern to ease back into the act of flying and jog your muscle memory.

For more pro tips from our experts, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

A number of functional and aesthetic features including a full-airframe parachute system (CAPS), side yokes, composite airframe, Perspective+ avionics by Garmin and automotive-inspired interior have cemented the SR Series’ place in personal aviation history by becoming the best-selling piston aircraft for 19 years in a row … and counting.

But, arguably, no individual SR feature is more iconic than the Series’ distinctive “butterfly” doors.

“Though the doors have come to serve as a powerful symbol of the SR Series, the actual look of them never entered into the initial design,” said Ivy McIver, our SR Series product line director. “Form really did follow function in this case. The doors weren’t designed to look cool. They were designed with that motion primarily for the pilot’s and passenger’s convenience –especially while entering and exiting the airplane – and then they were adjusted for the needs of manufacturing and functionality. The unintended consequence was: They ended up looking really cool and that’s when they truly took on a life of their own!”

Unlike the butterfly door action, the SR Series’ sporty interior draws direct inspiration from the automotive industry.

“The iconic SR Series doors invite you to experience the automotive-style cabin with ease — and without compromise. Immediately familiar materials (such as premium leather and Alcantara), ergonomics and tailored details inside the aircraft make transitioning from your exceptional automobile to your airplane a seamless experience,” said our design director, Alex Alequin. “Many will say the SR owes its commanding ramp appeal to the butterfly doors, paint colors and paint schemes that highlight the exterior of fuselage. But, the automotive-inspired details inside of the cabin undeniably inspire as well.”

Our mission to constantly innovate, while paying respect to our roots, is forever at the forefront of the SR Series’ design. And, our customers recognize that intentionality.

“The SR’s butterfly doors are the ultimate epitome of when design and engineering intersect exquisitely,” said Brad Pierce, owner of our 8000 Limited Edition SR Series No. 1. “The doors definitely remind me of the thrill of climbing into the cockpit of a high-performance, exotic automobile. But, they also pay homage to every single SR ever made. My Cirrus 8000 is the result of six generations and thousands of product refinements. Yet, the iconic SR butterfly doors remain from the very beginning. And, they beautifully nod to the unparalleled legacy of every SR ever produced.”