Cirrus Aircraft selected by St. Louis University

Duluth, Minnesota – Cirrus Aircraft is partnering with the Saint Louis University’s Parks College of Engineering, Aviation, and Technology to add SR20 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.”

 

Designed to be the most technologically advanced training aircraft on the market, the Cirrus SR20 boasts an integrated Cirrus Perspective by Garmin flight deck with 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 an electronic stability system, akin to the envelope protection systems that are becoming standard features on all new airliners and military aircraft. The airplanes feature all-composite structure and signature Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS).

 

“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 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, said, “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, Wisconsin, July 20-26 at the Cirrus Aircraft exhibit (#183).