This certification signifies another milestone for Cirrus Aircraft delivering the highest standard of quality repair service by professionally trained technicians and mechanics. 

Part 145 involves the maintenance, inspection and alteration of aircraft and aircraft products; it ensures that programs, systems and intended methods of compliance with regulatory requirements are thoroughly reviewed, evaluated and tested. FAA regulations are specific on who can perform maintenance and approve an aircraft, airframe, engines, etc. for return to service after maintenance has been performed. 

“Cirrus Aircraft’s company-operated Service Center expansion has created more opportunities for SR Series and Vision Jet owners to service their aircraft. Today, we celebrate the diligent work by our team to achieve FAA Part 145 certification,” said Zean Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of Cirrus Aircraft. “Our goal is to continue growing our global service capacity through both our authorized network and company-operated facilities to ensure we deliver a world-class ownership experience.” 

Cirrus Aircraft’s SR Series and Vision Jet company-operated Service Centers in Duluth and Knoxville received FAA Part 145 certification in 2021, McKinney received certification in 2022 and Kissimmee received certification in 2023.   

Find your nearest Cirrus Aircraft Service Center by visiting: cirrusaircraft.com/service. 

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 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. 

“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. 

“Receiving ANAC certification for the Vision Jet’s Safe Return is a tremendous milestone for our Brazilian owners and operators,” said Zean Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of Cirrus Aircraft. “We are excited to continue offering this award-winning safety technology throughout the world.” 

With this new type certificate, new Vision Jet exports and certain aircraft already in Brazil can now have Safe Return enabled for use. 

Safe Return Emergency Autoland was previously certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the United States aviation authority, in August 2020 and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in July 2021. It joins the Collier-winning Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®) on the Vision Jet to provide the most comprehensive, must-have total safety solution in general aviation. 

Learn more about Safe Return and the G2+ Vision Jet at www.cirrusaircraft.com/visionjet. 

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 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. 

The configurator invites people to learn more about Cirrus Aircraft’s SR Series and Vision Jet, their performance, flight experience, safety features, advanced flight deck and spacious interior through realistic 360° animations of the aircraft and design experience. The web-based application provides aircraft information through product hotspots highlighting innovative technologies and standard safety features such as the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®), Garmin® avionics, convenience features and more. The detailed representation of the aircraft illustrates how mechanisms work, such as how the doors open. Then customers can explore and sample various aesthetic and paint packages to personalize their aircraft. 

“The aircraft configurator is another step in our evolution of delivering a connected, world-class experience for our customers,” said Zean Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of Cirrus Aircraft. “The configurator invites people to learn more about our aircraft, technology and safety systems and then design and share their dream aircraft. It’s a testament to our team’s continuous research and development of new technologies that make personal aviation more accessible.” 

Cirrus Aircraft’s sales team is now equipped with a powerful digital design tool to enhance the customer buying experience by showcasing the aircraft models, safety features and design options on any mobile device in real time. The configurator is scalable and presents new integration opportunities with other mobile applications such as Cirrus IQ. The digital aesthetic tool marks a significant milestone in creating an elevated customer experience.  

Learn more about the Cirrus Aircraft Configurator: cirrusaircraft.com/configurator. 

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 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 a leading manufacturer of general aviation aircraft, including the SR20, SR22, and SR22T models. These aircraft are known for their advanced technology, safety features and sleek design. However, what sets Cirrus Aircraft apart from other aircraft manufacturers is our commitment to training and safety. In fact, Cirrus Aircraft is the only aircraft manufacturer in the world to offer a comprehensive training program for pilots and the include the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) as standard equipment on every aircraft. 

Cirrus Approach Flight Training Program 

Cirrus Aircraft’s award-winning training program is called, Cirrus Approach. The flight training program offers a diverse catalog of instructional web-based video courses to anyone interested in earning their private pilot license or for the seasoned pilot to hone their skills in a Cirrus aircraft. The program is divided into modules that cover topics such as pre-flight inspections, takeoff and landing procedures, in-flight operations, and emergency procedures. The modules are presented in a clear and concise format, with interactive quizzes and videos to help reinforce the material.  

U.S. Flight Training Centers 

In addition to the online training program, Cirrus Aircraft also offers in-person flight training at our training centers located throughout the United States. The training centers are staffed by experienced Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilots (CSIPs) who are trained to provide personalized instruction based on the needs of each individual pilot. The training curriculum includes ground school instruction, flight simulator training, and in-flight instruction in a Cirrus aircraft.  

Cirrus Aircraft’s Flight Training Centers are located in: 

Knoxville, Tennessee  
Scottsdale, Arizona 
McKinney, Texas 
Orlando, Florida 

Flight Simulator Training

One of the unique features of Cirrus flight training is the use of an advanced flight simulator, a certified Flight Training Device (FTD) that represents the SR Series aircraft. The Cirrus FTD is a state-of-the-art simulator that provides pilots with a realistic flight experience. The FTD is equipped with a full cockpit, including avionics and flight controls, and is capable of simulating a variety of flight scenarios, including emergency procedures and weather conditions. 

Advanced Safety Systems 

Another important aspect of Cirrus Aircraft flight training is the emphasis on safety and continuous training. Cirrus aircraft are equipped with advanced safety features, such as CAPS, a ballistic parachute system that can deploy in the event of an emergency. In addition, Cirrus pilots are trained to follow a standardized set of procedures and checklists to ensure that each flight is conducted safely and efficiently. 

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pilot, Cirrus flight training can help you achieve your aviation goals. With a focus on safety, technology, and personalized instruction, Cirrus Aircraft makes learning to fly an enjoyable and gratifying experience.  

Start your learn to fly journey with Cirrus Aircraft today: cirrusaircraft.com/learn-to-fly. 

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. 

This notification is an important update to the Continental Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB23-01A) and relevant for certain engines manufactured June 1, 2021, through February 7, 2023.

The FAA today (February 23, 2023) released an Airworthiness Directive (AD) related to the Continental Engine Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB23-01A). Please be aware that this FAA AD takes precedence over the Continental Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB23-01A) is now the governing document and rule for this issue.  

Below is a summary of the differences between the FAA AD and the previously issued Continental Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB23-01A):

The FAA AD inspection requirements apply to all engines referenced in MSB23-01A regardless of the operating hours on the engine.
The Continental Mandatory Service Bulletin excluded affected engines that had 200 or more operating hours (Hobbs).  
The FAA AD must be completed prior to the next flight and does not provide a flight time allowance that can be used to reposition the aircraft to a maintenance facility.
The Continental Mandatory Service Bulletin allowed five (5) hours to reposition the aircraft for compliance. 
Note the FAA AD does allow for the issuance of a Special Flight Permit to reposition the aircraft to a maintenance facility.
A Special Flight Permit is issued by the FAA Flight Standard District Office. One of the following actions must be performed to obtain a Special Flight Permit for an engine affected by this issue:
The engine oil filter pleats or screen are inspected and there is no evidence of metal contamination; or
An oil change has been completed within the previous five (5) flight hours and there was no evidence of metal contamination in the oil filter pleats or screen.

If your engine is affected, we recommend that you contact your Authorized Service Center (ASC) as soon as possible to make arrangements to comply with the FAA AD.

As a reminder, every owner and pilot is required to comply with the federally mandated FAA AD. 

Thank you for your attention to this important notification and for your patience as we work as a collective team to bring all affected Cirrus airplanes into compliance. Our goal is to get everyone safely back in the air as soon as possible.

Continental Service Bulletin User Guide

Useful Links:

FAA Airworthiness Directive
Continental Mandatory Service Bulletin
Cirrus Aircraft Service Advisory
Cirrus Aircraft Authorized Service Center Locator

“2022 was an exceptional year for SR Series and Vision Jet deliveries as our team worked together to achieve our collaborative goals despite supply chain, labor and market challenges,” said Zean Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of Cirrus Aircraft. “We are incredibly proud to consistently deliver the best-selling aircraft in both the high-performance single-engine piston and turbine categories and are dedicated to the continual refinement of each product line through innovative technologies, connectivity and design. As we continue to invest and grow, we remain steadfast in delivering products that epitomize quality, safety and innovation.” 

Last year marked the ninth consecutive year Cirrus Aircraft delivered over 300 SR Series aircraft. To date, Cirrus Aircraft has delivered over 8,900 SR Series which have accumulated more than 15 million flight hours. The SR Series is certified in over 60 countries around the world.  

The two-time Robert J. Collier award-winning Vision Jet has surpassed 450 deliveries since 2016. Over 900 pilots have earned their Vision Jet type rating from Cirrus Aircraft’s world-class Vision Center campus in Knoxville, Tenn. 

Best-Selling Single-Engine Piston Aircraft for 21 Years 

The SR Series has a long history of defining the general aviation industry since the certification of the first SR20 in 1998. The SR20 changed the light aircraft industry with convenience features that reduce the pilot’s workload and provide passengers peace of mind. Cirrus Aircraft is renowned for being the first to adopt a glass cockpit and is the only manufacturer to include the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®) as standard equipment on every aircraft. 

Today, Cirrus Aircraft continues in that same spirit, investing in innovation to drive its next product line enhancements and continue as the leading manufacturer of the best-selling high-performance single-engine piston aircraft.  

In 2022, Cirrus Aircraft increased its overall market share. The company delivered 97 more SR Series aircraft than in 2021 achieving a 22% increase in aircraft production and 47.5% of the comparable market.  

Cirrus Aircraft delivered 15 TRAC20 aircraft to United Aviate Academy in 2022 with plans to deliver 35 more in 2023. United Aviate Academy has ordered a total of 75 TRAC20 aircraft. The TRAC20 will be used for pilot training at the only ab-initio flight academy operated by one of the largest U.S.-based airlines. The Academy is part of United’s industry-leading pilot career development program, which offers aspiring and established pilots the most direct path to a United flight deck. 

The Vision Jet Sets Record Delivery Year 

As the world’s first single-engine Personal Jet, the Vision Jet defines personal aviation with its advanced safety features, a luxurious and spacious cabin, and impressive range. The Vision Jet includes CAPS and Safe Return Autoland by Garmin®. According to Conklin DeDecker’s CO2 Emissions page, the Vision Jet has the lowest CO2 emissions rate compared to all general and business aviation jets due to its innovative single-engine, V-tail design. Additionally, the Vision Jet is the most fuel-efficient and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) compatible. 

Cirrus Aircraft Invests in its Global Footprint 

Following a significant year of corporate investment in 2021, Cirrus Aircraft announced continued expansion of its headquarters in Duluth, Minn., and internationally to meet growing demand and pave way for new aircraft research and development. A series of strategic investments and expansions include an Innovation Center and Paint and Finish Facility in Duluth, Greater Orlando Flight Training and Factory Service facilities, as well as an international sales office in France. 

The new Innovation Center in Duluth spans 189,000 square feet on 39 acres and is being transformed into a state-of-the-art engineering and Innovation Center where the next generation of aircraft will be designed. The facility will feature many employee amenities and flexible workspaces for optimal collaboration. Renovations are currently underway.  

Cirrus Aircraft is known for its premium aircraft paint quality and some of the industry’s most unique and compelling paint schemes. To accommodate the growing demand for personalized paint services, the company expanded its Paint and Finish Facility in Duluth which adds 16,000 square feet to the existing building now totaling 86,000 square feet. The expansion yields a 35% increase in paint production capacity.  

Cirrus Aircraft at McKinney National Airport (KTKI) added three offices for its Flight Operations team. Later in the year, Cirrus McKinney obtained its FAA Part 145 Repair Certificate. In 2023, Cirrus Aircraft plans to break ground on the new McKinney Airport facility which includes two 15,000 sq. ft hangars, and a 9,000 sq. ft Flight Training and Customer Center. 

A ribbon-cutting ceremony in October marked the official opening of two new Cirrus Aircraft facilities in Greater Orlando, Fla. to serve regional clients. Cirrus Aircraft’s location at Kissimmee Gateway Airport now offers Factory Service and Maintenance and the Orlando Executive Airport provides world-class flight training with Cirrus flight instructors and aircraft.  

Cirrus Aircraft announced the establishment of Cirrus France, a dedicated regional sales office offering new and existing French customers an ideally positioned aircraft sales location. Cedric Dupont, Regional Sales Director of Cirrus France, leads the office. 

Cirrus IQ added new functionalities to enhance pilot and aircraft connectivity introducing Maintenance Minder, My Trips and the Warranty sections. The Cirrus IQ status screen was also redesigned to include aircraft model designation along with a new navigation bar featuring aircraft status, inspection intervals and warranty expiration.  

Through Cirrus Approach, an industry-recognized flight training program, Cirrus provides a framework for pilots to learn and engage continuously. The company promoted its “SR Series Emergency and Abnormal,” “SR Series Takeoffs and Landings” and “SR Series Maneuvers” courses to provide in-depth, digital instruction on procedures to learn predictable and repeatable skills. In 2022, 5,624 new users joined Cirrus Approach.  

Additionally, Cirrus Insurance leverages its team of experts for customer insurance needs with a new streamlined, user-friendly insurance experience. Cirrus Insurance tailors a policy designed exclusively for customers with competitive rates and world-class coverage for the SR Series and Vision Jet. 

Join Cirrus Aircraft’s world-class team today: 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 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 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. 

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.