Curriculum Co-Developed By Noted Instructor

Cirrus Design is always looking for ways to improve customer access to its planes, and to enhance training... and the company announced a novel program Tuesday at Lakeland 2008 that should address both areas nicely.

Company Chairman and CEO Alan Klapmeier stated Cirrus Training Centers and instructors will soon utilize a combined private/instrument curriculum in pilot training. The new program will be up and running this month. 

The program's syllabus was developed by Paul Craig, a professor at Middle Tennessee State University. The joint syllabus was also developed and tested through the "FASTER" program, and is a first among OEM general aviation manufacturers.

"Customer safety is a top priority at Cirrus and we are proud to lead the industry towards new and improved training initiatives," Klapmeier said. "By utilizing a combined curriculum that has clearly proven to be beneficial and effective, we look forward to helping build a new generation of highly-advanced pilots."

"We are dedicated to providing the latest training initiatives to our pilots to ensure their safety and the safety of others," said John Gauch, Director of Fleet and Training Center Development at Cirrus.

Craig has 11 FAA flight certificates to his name, including an ATP rating. He also carries Gold Seal multiengine and Instrument Flight Instructor certificates, and is an FAA Aviation Safety Counselor.

FMI: www.cirrusdesign.com