Duluth, Minn. (29 June 2015) – Cirrus Aircraft announced today a partnership with the Saint Louis University’s Parks College of Engineering, Aviation, and Technology to add SR20 trainer aircraft to its flight training fleet. The delivery of these new airplanes marks the latest selection of SR-series Cirrus aircraft by a premier pilot training program to provide a technologically advanced, easy-to-fly modern training platform that will prepare students to fly tomorrow’s commercial airliners, military and general aviation aircraft.
“This partnership with Saint Louis University demonstrates real forward-thinking at Parks College regarding the future of their flight training,” remarked Todd Simmons, Cirrus Aircraft’s Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer. “Selecting SR20s as the foundation of its teaching and learning programs places Parks among a rapidly growing list of flight schools and academies that recognize the importance of training in the safest and most advanced aircraft available today.”
The Cirrus SR20 series selected by Parks College is a welcome addition to the college’s flight school. Designed to be the most technologically advanced training aircraft on the market, the SR20 boasts an impressive list of features and capabilities. The integrated Cirrus Perspective™ by Garmin® flight deck includes two large 10” flight displays, a Flight Management System (FMS) keypad controller, plus integrated engine indication and crew alerting/warning systems – all features found on advanced airliners today. In addition, the Cirrus Perspective flight deck includes an all-digital automatic flight control system and flight director, as well as ADS-B NextGen capabilities, giving students early experience with important aircraft systems they will be using for the rest of their careers. The SR20 also includes a state-of-the-art electronic stability system, akin to the envelope protection systems that are becoming standard features on all new airliners and military aircraft. To top it all off, the airplane’s durable all-composite structure and signature Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®) make the aircraft one of the safest and most versatile training airplanes available today.
“Teaming with a collegiate flight program that has such a rich aviation history and recognized record of success in the global aviation community is an honor for us,” commented David Moser, Cirrus Aircraft’s Vice President of Fleet and Special Mission Aircraft. “It’s a privilege for the entire Cirrus team to help continue the Parks College tradition of excellence in flight training.”
Saint Louis University’s Parks College of Engineering, Aviation, and Technology is world renowned for its pioneering history. The school is the oldest and first federally licensed flight school in the United States. Originally named Parks Air College in 1927 by its founder Oliver Parks, the school offered training for those seeking commercial pilot certification. In the late 1930’s it helped prepare military pilots for combat missions, and in 1938 was one of three schools to form the Civilian Pilot Training Program. It ultimately trained more than 37,000 cadets by the end of WWII before Mr. Parks gifted his college to Saint Louis University in 1946. Today, the school offers degree programs in aviation and flight science, aviation management, global aviation, and more than 100 other disciplines.
Stephen Belt, Department Chair of Aviation Science at Saint Louis University’s Parks College of Engineering, Aviation, and Technology, is enthusiastic about the new additions to the fleet: “Our goal is to provide a world-class flight training experience and set students up for success in their future careers. Integrating Cirrus SR20s into our training fleet is another sign of our commitment to offer the best training environment to our pilots.”
Adding Saint Louis University to the Cirrus Aircraft fleet portfolio continues to broaden the company’s global training presence. With airplanes already in use by the US Air Force Academy, the Royal Saudi Air Force, the French Air Force and Navy, the Civil Aviation Flight University of China, and other prestigious flight training institutions, Cirrus Aircraft continues to be the training aircraft of choice for premier flight training programs.
A Saint Louis University’s Parks College SR20 aircraft will be on display at this year’s EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI from July 20-26th at the Cirrus Aircraft exhibit (#183).
For more information about Cirrus Aircraft Fleet, Flight Training and Special Mission aircraft, 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 seven million flight hours with 105 people returned to their families as a direct result of CAPS being a standard safety feature on all Cirrus aircraft. The Cirrus Vision SF50®, with over 550 production positions reserved, will provide a new personal and regional business transportation solution: the personal jet. The Vision Center in Knoxville, TN will be the flagship location for all Cirrus Aircraft Customer Experience activities including sales, delivery, training, maintenance, support, personalization, fixed base operations and more. 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.
CONTACT: Ben Kowalski, Vice President, Marketing +1.218.788.3435