FTSI Flies With Cirrus

Cirrus Design Corporation announced Thursday the CAPT (Commercial Airline Pilot Training) program, run by FTSI (Flight Training Services International), will begin training pilots on Cirrus airplanes.

Cirrus Executive Vice-President of Sales & Marketing John M. Bingham reports FTSI has taken delivery of the first of 30 SR20 airplanes to immediately begin flight training. FTSI also has options for an additional 20 Cirrus aircraft.

"Cirrus is determined to expand the world of aviation, not only by continuing to create innovative aircraft but by making them easier to fly," Bingham said. "This resolve, partnered with top-level training facilities will produce more qualified pilots in a market where there is a growing demand. Our partnership with FTSI is a win-win, not only for our companies but for the industry, as well."

The CAPT program -- located at Flagler County Airport in Palm Coast, FL -- is committed to training pilots by incorporating the CAPT curriculum with the latest technology and the highest standard of safety.

"In our opinion, the Cirrus SR20 is the best trainer on the market today," said FTSI President and CEO Shawn Raker. "We chose Cirrus aircraft because it met the stringent requirements for the CAPT program, not only for the innovative technology but for the built-in safety features, such as the four-point harness restraint, airbags, side-yoke flight controls, advanced avionics and the airframe parachute."

As Aero-News reported earlier this month, FTSI bought the program from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

FMI: www.captprogram.org, www.cirrusdesign.com