What Cirrus Aviation does

Cirrus Aviation is a privately-held, FAA-certified flight school founded in 1994 and headquartered at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (KSRQ) in Sarasota, Florida. The company provides pilot training under both FAA Part 141 (structured, syllabus-driven) and Part 61 (flexible, instructor-paced) frameworks, serving recreational students pursuing Private Pilot Certificates and Instrument Ratings as well as aspiring professional pilots working toward Commercial, Multi-Engine, and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) ratings. Authorized as a GI Bill training provider and an M-1 visa-approved institution, the school deliberately serves multiple demographics in parallel.

The core technology stack centers on a modern fleet — Pipistrel Alpha Trainer (Garmin G3X Touch glass cockpit, Synthetic Vision, GFC 500 digital autopilot), Diamond DA-42NG (Garmin G1000 glass cockpit, composite twin), and Cessna 172 — supplemented by an Alsim AL250 full-motion simulator used in the proprietary "Say It, Sim It, Fly It" instructional methodology. Curriculum is delivered via the King Schools ground school library and structured Part 141 syllabi; operations run on FlightSchedulePro for scheduling.

Revenue mechanics are predominantly usage-based: hourly flight and instructor fees from training programs, supplemented by recurring Sim Lab memberships, aircraft rental, in-house maintenance, brokerage commissions, FAA airman testing fees, and Sallie Mae–facilitated student loan financing. Distribution is direct-to-consumer via the school's website, a six-platform social media presence, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh event activations, and channel partnerships with Liberty University (degree pathway), Pipistrel and Diamond (aircraft OEMs), Alsim (simulation), King Schools (curriculum), and Sallie Mae (financing). The company is owner-operated by Nayda and David Cattin with a small team of 1–10 employees.

Name

Cirrus Aviation

Legal name

Cirrus Aviation Inc.

Website

https://cirrusaviation.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Founded in 1994, Cirrus Aviation is an FAA-certified flight school at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport providing Part 141 and Part 61 pilot training across recreational, career, veteran, and international student segments, supported by a Garmin-equipped fleet, an Alsim AL250 simulator, and Liberty University and King Schools partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Flight Training Services

NAICS

Flight Training (611512), Support Activities for Air Transportation (4881)

akta.pro primary industry

Private Aviation Pilot & Crew Staffing/Training Services (THABAFAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

Aviation & Aerospace (EDABALAC)

Keywords

• Flight training services
• Pilot certification programs
• Aviation training school
• Aircraft rental services
• Simulator-based pilot education

Headquarters

HQ city

Sarasota

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Flight Training Programs: Core revenue from FAA-approved Part 141 and Part 61 flight training programs including Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Multi-Engine Rating, Commercial Pilot, and Certified Flight Instructor certifications. Revenue generated through hourly aircraft fees, instructor time, and course materials.
2. Aircraft Rental: Revenue from renting aircraft to qualified pilots who meet checkout requirements. Hourly rates vary by aircraft type.
3. Sim Lab Memberships: Recurring membership fees for access to the AL250 flight simulator facility for practice and proficiency training.
4. Ground School Instruction: Classroom instruction covering aerodynamics, regulations, weather, navigation, and safety. Offered as part of training programs and as standalone courses.
5. Aircraft Maintenance Services: In-house aircraft maintenance services for the school's fleet and potentially external customers.
6. Aircraft Brokerage Services: Brokerage services helping clients buy and sell aircraft, leveraging operational expertise.
7. Airman Testing Services: FAA knowledge test and practical exam administration services for pilot certification.
8. Student Loan Financing: Third-party financing facilitation through Sallie Mae for flight training costs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Cirrus Aviation operates a Sarasota-based flight school providing FAA Part 141 and Part 61 pilot training programs at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (KSRQ). Core offerings include discovery flights, private pilot certificate, instrument rating, multi-engine rating, commercial pilot, and certified flight instructor training, supported by a modern fleet (Pipistrel Alpha Trainer, Diamond DA-42NG, Cessna 172) and an Alsim AL250 flight simulator lab. Complementary services include aircraft rental, in-house maintenance, aircraft brokerage, and airman testing.

Product overview

Cirrus Aviation is a flight school offering a unified portfolio of aviation training products and services centered around pilot education. The core offering consists of flight training programs (Discovery Flight, Private Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating, Multi-Engine Rating, Career Pilot Program) and a Flight Simulator Lab featuring the AL250 simulator using the Say It, Sim It, Fly It methodology. These are complemented by Ground School Programs including specialized IFR and CFI Accelerated courses. The company also provides aircraft rental, maintenance, and brokerage services, along with specialized programs for veterans (GI Bill), international students (M-1 visa), and university degree partnerships through Liberty University. Additional services include accommodation assistance, pilot financing, airman testing, and Sim Lab Memberships for ongoing proficiency training.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Discovery Flight Introductory flight experience that begins in the AL250 flight simulator before transitioning to a real aircraft, designed for prospective students who want to try flying before committing to a full training program.
• Private Pilot Certificate Training FAA-approved training program leading to a Private Pilot Certificate, offered under both Part 61 and Part 141 structures. Covers aerodynamics, regulations, weather, navigation, safety, dual and solo flight time, and FAA knowledge tests.
• Instrument Rating Training Training for the Instrument Rating, covering IFR operations, instrument flight rules, approach procedures, and avionics management to build a foundation for professional pilot careers.
• Multi-Engine Rating Training Professional twin-engine certification training using the Diamond DA-42NG, preparing pilots for Multi-Engine Rating (MEL) and Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) certifications under FAA Part 141.
• Career Pilot Program Comprehensive professional pilot training program designed for aspiring airline pilots, built around structured Part 141 training with a clear pathway from foundational ratings through advanced certificates and instructor preparation.
• Flight Simulator Lab / AL250 Simulator Dedicated flight simulator training space equipped with an Alsim AL250 full-size simulator that replicates real flight with a high level of realism, supporting procedure practice and the school's Say It, Sim It, Fly It training methodology.
• Ground School Programs Classroom instruction covering aerodynamics, regulations, weather, navigation, safety, and FAA exam preparation using the Cessna/King Schools curriculum. Includes specialized IFR Ground School and CFI Accelerated Ground School courses.
• Pilot Financing (Sallie Mae) Flight training financing resources including student loan application assistance through Sallie Mae and other funding options for qualified applicants pursuing pilot certification.
• Aircraft Rental and Checkout Aircraft rental services with checkout policies and requirements, providing qualified pilots access to a well-maintained fleet with advanced avionics for personal flying, proficiency, and training use.
• Aircraft Maintenance Services In-house aircraft maintenance services ensuring fleet safety and airworthiness, including regular inspections, phase inspections, annual inspections, and heavy/light maintenance for the school's fleet and external customers.
• Aircraft Brokerage Services Aircraft brokerage service helping clients buy and sell aircraft with professional guidance and transparency, leveraging the school's operational expertise.
• Airman Testing Services FAA-approved testing services administering written knowledge tests and practical examinations for pilot certifications and ratings.
• GI Bill Flight Training for Military Veterans GI Bill approved flight training delivered under FAA Part 141 programs for eligible U.S. military veterans, with veteran benefits coordination supported through the school's Liberty University partnership.
• International Student Pilot Training Specialized flight training program for international students including M-1 student visa eligibility, TSA approval processing, admissions support, and accommodation assistance for those relocating to the Sarasota area.
• University Degree Partnership (Liberty University) Partnership program with Liberty University enabling students to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Aeronautics while completing flight training, combining online degree coursework with local flight training at Cirrus Aviation.
• Accommodation Assistance Housing assistance services for flight training students, including apartment student agreements and relocation support for international students in the Sarasota area.

Quantifiable outcome

• Part 141 private pilot training may require as few as 35 flight hours vs 40 hours under Part 61
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and minor.

• Diamond Aircraft IndustriesmajorTechnology or Integration · 23 August 2024Diamond Aircraft Industries manufactures the DA-42NG twin-engine aircraft in Cirrus Aviation's fleet. The DA-42NG received FAA Part 141 approval for multi-engine rating (MEL) and multi-engine instructor (MEI) training. Features Garmin G1000 glass cockpit, diesel engine efficiency, and composite airframe construction.
• King SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 July 2024Cirrus Aviation uses the Cessna/King Schools Ground School Curriculum, described as time-tested with no match in the industry for quality and convenience. King Schools has trained nearly one out of every two pilots. Partnership highlighted at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024 with owners Nayda and David Cattin meeting King Schools representatives.
• AlsimcoreTechnology or Integration · 22 July 2024Alsim manufactures the AL250 flight simulator used at Cirrus Aviation's Sim Lab. Cirrus Aviation collaborates with Alsim at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh events, showcasing the AL250 simulator equipped with the Engineering Pack. Featured in AVweb video and AFM magazine article. The AL250 simulator is central to the school's Say It, Sim It, Fly It training methodology.
• Liberty UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLiberty University partnership enables students to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Aeronautics online while completing flight training at Cirrus Aviation's Sarasota facility. Also coordinates GI Bill and veteran benefits for eligible students. Cirrus Aviation serves as Liberty University's official flight training affiliate in the Sarasota area.
• Pipistrel AircraftmajorTechnology or IntegrationPipistrel Aircraft manufactures the Alpha Trainer aircraft in Cirrus Aviation's fleet. The Alpha Trainer received FAA Part 141 approval and features Garmin G3X Touch avionics, synthetic vision, and GFC 500 autopilot. Introductory rate of $149/hr offered through Cirrus Aviation.
• AOPAminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCirrus Aviation participates in the AOPA Flight Training Experience Customer Feedback Program, which measures training quality and provides benchmark comparisons against national averages. Participation allows use of AOPA's Customer Feedback Report logo.
• EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCirrus Aviation participates in EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the world's largest aviation gathering. Attended 2024 event with booth #2018 in Hangar B to showcase flight training programs and AL250 simulator.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Broad incumbents

• CAE: A global leader in aviation training including civil aviation, business aviation, and helicopter training with extensive simulator operations. CAE represents the upper-tier end of the pilot training market and competes indirectly with Cirrus Aviation for career pilot attention and simulator-based training infrastructure.
• FlightSafety International: A global aviation training organization serving professional pilots, airlines, and operators with advanced simulator-based training. While broader in scope and focused on higher-end professional training, it shares the flight simulation and pilot certification training space with Cirrus Aviation.
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: The largest US aviation-focused university with extensive flight training operations at its Daytona Beach and Prescott campuses. Embry-Riddle competes for the same career-track and university-degree-pathway students that Cirrus Aviation's Liberty University partnership targets.

Direct peers

• Kingsky Flight Academy: A Florida-based Part 141 flight school operating at multiple Florida airports. Kingsky offers similar Private Pilot through CFI programs and serves the same Gulf Coast Florida market as Cirrus Aviation, making it a direct regional competitor.
• ATP Flight School: The largest Part 141 flight training chain in the US with 80+ locations and an explicit airline pilot career pathway. ATP directly competes for career-track students in Florida and offers similar FAA-approved Part 141 programs from Private Pilot through Airline Transport Pilot.
• American Flyers: A multi-location US flight training organization offering Part 141 and Part 61 programs. American Flyers has a similar service portfolio (Private, Instrument, Commercial, CFI training) and competes for the same Florida-based students, making it a direct competitive comparable.
• Florida Flyers Flight Academy: A Florida-based flight training organization offering Part 141 programs at multiple Florida locations. Florida Flyers is a direct comparable in terms of training programs, geographic market, and target student segments (recreational, career, international).
• Sunair Aviation: A Florida FBO and flight training provider offering pilot training programs similar to Cirrus Aviation's. Sunair operates in the same competitive Florida Part 141/61 training market with comparable fleet composition and target customer segments.

Others

• King Schools: A leading provider of pilot training curriculum and online ground school used by nearly half of all US pilots. While not a direct flight school competitor, King Schools is both a curriculum partner to Cirrus Aviation and a potential disruptive force in online ground school delivery.
• Sporty's Pilot Shop: A pilot training materials and online ground school provider serving aspiring pilots. While not a flight school itself, Sporty's represents the broader ecosystem of pilot training support and curriculum content that competes with school-delivered ground instruction.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/CirrusAviation1
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/CirrusAviation1
• Facebookfacebook.com/cirrusaviation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cirrus-aviation-inc.
• Instagraminstagram.com/cirrus_aviation
• TikToktiktok.com/@cirrusaviation1994

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cirrus Aviation