Cirrus Aircraft Partners Unite to Grow General Aviation

DULUTH, Minn., Feb. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Cirrus Aircraft today announced the details of its 2014 JumpStart ProgramSM, aimed to give more new pilots a comprehensive introduction to general aviation by learning to fly in a Cirrus. The program is a unique collaboration between Cirrus Aircraft, Cirrus' largest vendor suppliers and Cirrus' flight training partners to allow first-time pilots to train in new, fully-equipped Cirrus airplanes. Innovative JumpStart Program components include both special incentives and growth opportunities for the flight schools and sponsor owners.

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"With JumpStart, Cirrus Aircraft and this special group of partners are making a very real investment in expanding aviation," said Todd Simmons, Executive Vice President Sales, Marketing and Support at Cirrus Aircraft. "When new pilots learn and train in a Cirrus – a modern aircraft design with state-of-the-art technology, performance and safety systems – they are more likely to stay committed to aviation, to aircraft ownership and to accessing the personal and small business benefits that only GA can provide. The Cirrus Aircraft JumpStart Program helps make that introduction to flight and all its benefits easier by enhancing the flight training experience and reducing those initial ownership barriers."

2014 JumpStart Program

Cirrus Aircraft has designated 12 brand new and fully equipped SR20s that will be available exclusively to its Cirrus training center partners in select markets across the country. Both an ideal training and personal transportation airplane, the Cirrus SR20 cruises at 155 knots with a range of 785 nautical miles. Docile and easy to fly, these special JumpStart configured airplanes come equipped with the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System™ (CAPS) like every Cirrus ever produced. Additional features include Cirrus Perspective™ avionics by Garmin®, digital autopilots with Enhanced Stability and Protection, a keyboard controller, Synthetic Vision Technology, optional XM Weather and Audio, and more. Other advancements include Cirrus' New Integrated LED Lighting Technology™ and luxury automotive style 60/40 FlexSeating™. Combining the most spacious family-friendly cabin in its class with air conditioning, the SR20 balances technology, comfort and performance in an easy-to-fly package.

After a training partner takes delivery of their SR20 as part of the JumpStart Program, Cirrus helps the partner establish the aircraft in their fleet as a key business differentiator. Another unique aspect of the JumpStart program is the option for sponsor owners to purchase a Cirrus airplane and lease it back to a Cirrus training center, with special incentives available to the owner.

The program was field tested in select markets in late 2012 with encouraging early results throughout 2013. "We have experienced firsthand the impact of having a new SR20 on the line as it has proven to be a clear competitive advantage," says Bob Stedman, Principal at Independence Aviation, the Platinum Cirrus Training Center in Denver, Colo. "Both Cirrus Aircraft as a company and the airplanes themselves...we couldn't ask for a stronger partner to help us stand out and attract new customers. We are seeing real results."

Team Effort

The JumpStart opportunity for Cirrus training partners is made possible by significant commitments from seven important suppliers. "Cirrus Aircraft is very innovative in its thinking about how to reach a broader audience of new pilots and potential aircraft owners," says Carl Wolf, Vice President, Aviation Sales and Marketing at Garmin International. "The JumpStart Program is the latest example and in this case gives us all the opportunity to grow our businesses through partnership in the JumpStart program."

Simmons emphasized the importance of working with supplier partners who mirror the company's vision for enhancing the general aviation experience through the highest quality training approach. "We are all focused on growth and continually looking for ways that we can increase new pilot engagement," he said. "Recognizing these larger goals with our suppliers is a critical aspect of the JumpStart program. We are putting our collective resources to work to drive real outcomes here."

The complete list of Cirrus Aircraft JumpStart supplier partners involved in development program are:

• Garmin® – Avionics
• Continental Motors® –200 HP engine
• Hartzell – Propeller and governor
• BRS Aerospace™ – CAPS Parachute canopy
• Enviro Systems™ – Environmental control systems
• Fastenal® – Aerospace hardware and supplies
• TenCate – Advanced composite materials

To learn more about the 2014 JumpStart Program, Cirrus suppliers and Cirrus training centers, visit cirrusaircraft.com.

ABOUT CIRRUS AIRCRAFT

Cirrus Aircraft is a recognized leader in general aviation. Its all-composite line of personal aircraft - the SR20, SR22 and the turbocharged SR22T - incorporate innovative and advanced performance, electronic and safety technologies, including Cirrus Perspective™ by Garmin® avionics and the unique Cirrus Airframe Parachute System™ (CAPS). To date, total time on the worldwide Cirrus Aircraft SR-series fleet surpassed five million flight hours with 85 lives saved as a direct result of CAPS being a standard safety feature on all Cirrus aircraft. The Cirrus Vision SF50 jet, with over 550 production positions reserved, will provide a new personal and regional business transportation solution: the personal jet. All Cirrus aircraft are made in the U.S. with a direct sales force in North America and authorized sales centers covering export markets in 60 countries around the world. Cirrus Aircraft is wholly owned by China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Co., Ltd (CAIGA). For additional information on Cirrus and its products please visit cirrusaircraft.com.

SOURCE Cirrus Aircraft