“A leader, whether an individual or a company, serves by example,” said Zean Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of Cirrus Aircraft. “Supporting community organizations is important to us and helps lay the foundation for a strong aviation community for years ahead.”

Highlighted below are a few of the many incredible organizations we had the privilege to support in 2023.

The National Aviation Hall of Fame

Cirrus Aircraft supports the National Aviation Hall of Fame and its regional chapters such as the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame (MAHOF). MAHOF honors Minnesotans involved in aviation by preserving and telling their member’s stories to provide inspiration to others.

A key member of MAHOF is our very own Dale E. Klapmeier, who co-founded Cirrus Aircraft in 1984. Dale was inducted into MAHOF in 2022 and was featured in a mini-documentary published this year to honor his achievements and contributions to the Personal Aviation industry:

In the documentary, Dale shared one of his key life philosophies: “Follow your dream, whatever it is,” said Dale. “Go at it as hard as you can and see where it takes you.”

This philosophy ultimately led Dale to develop and continuously innovative the SR Series, the world’s best-selling, high-performance, single-engine piston aircraft now recognized for over two decades in a row.

Women in Aviation International and Girls in Aviation Day

We continue to support the Women in Aviation International (WAI) and Girls in Aviation (GIA) Day whose mission is to increase the number of women involved in all aspects of aviation and aerospace. They achieve this mission by providing service and support to their members throughout their aviation journey.

Supporting WAI/GIA is a special passion to Cirrus Aircraft.

Laura Henry, our Executive Director, HR Business Partner of Cirrus Aircraft said, “We wish to make women more aware of the many opportunities they have in aviation and aerospace. It is an expansive field where they can follow their passion.”

Each year, we exhibit at the Women in Aviation National Conference, which features inspiring keynote speakers, professional development seminars, education sessions, an exhibit hall and much more. In 2023, we sent over 20 leaders across three of our U.S. locations to represent Cirrus Aircraft (banner image).

Cirrus representatives lead a panel at the Women in Aviation National Conference 2023

These team members also helped support Girls in Aviation Day, a yearly event where WAI chapters host GIA members at different locations to raise awareness of opportunities available in the field. In 2023, we supported regional chapters in Minnesota and Texas. Additionally, for the Texas chapter, we funded an education and training scholarship which was awarded to a WAI member pursuing a career in the aviation and aerospace field.

Cirrus Aircraft at Girls in Aviation Day

“Women in Aviation and Girls in Aviation allows us to support, invest and grant opportunities to women in the aviation and aerospace field. Our vision and passion are to continue to grow that support in the years to come,” said Henry.

Second Harvest and Toys for Tots

The Veterans at Cirrus Aircraft CAPS (Cirrus Aircraft Prior Service), continue to lead the support of two invaluable charities: Second Harvest and Toys for Tots.

Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee’s mission is to serve over 230,000 East Tennesseans facing hunger across 18 counties in East Tennessee.  Second Harvest works with over 600 partners including pantries, community centers, churches and schools to achieve this mission. 

Toys for Tot’s mission is to collect new unwrapped toys and distribute those toys to less fortunate children at Christmas. Through this, the charity seeks to bring the joy of Christmas to families.

Barrels filled with food for Second Harvest readied for pick up

Robert Boone, an Administrative Specialist at Cirrus Aircraft and CAPS member who oversees the drives, explained that during the holiday season collection centers were placed at locations across the Knoxville campus. The response was generous with multiple barrels of food gathered and multiple boxes filled with toys.

“The response of our employees to support and contribute to our Toys for Tots and Second Harvest Food drives continues to amaze,” noted Boone. “We were able to significantly increase our donation amounts this year from last due to impressive employee contribution.”

Boxes of toys collected by Cirrus Aircraft are transferred to Toys for Tots

The Boys and Girls Club of the Northland

A yearly initiative at our headquarters in Duluth, Minnesota has been to support the Boys and Girls Club of the Northland – an organization whose mission is “to empower and inspire all young people, especially those who need us the most.” They do this in a variety of ways including mentoring programs, activities and education scholarships.

Bobbie Nielsen, Executive Director, Supply Chain – Materials & Planning of Cirrus Aircraft oversees the effort to support the Boys and Girls Club of the Northland.

“The Boys and Girls Club of the Northland helps young people to obtain their full potential,” said Nielsen. “They work tirelessly to reach every young person that enters their doors.”

Nielsen explained that a key fundraiser of the club is an annual gala of which Cirrus Aircraft is a sponsor. Guests of the gala hear stories from Northland youth of how the Boys and Girls Club was instrumental in changing their lives.

The 2023 gala (Image: Boys and Girls Club of the Northland)

The Boys and Girls Club also served as important pipeline to find candidates for another vital initiative that Nielsen oversees – an adopt a family program that provided gifts to less fortunate families in the local community for Christmas.

The Christmas tree posters with ornaments containing gift requests

Posters of Christmas trees were placed in Cirrus Aircraft’s break rooms and written on the ornaments of the trees were gift requests submitted by local community families. Cirrus Aircraft employees participated by selecting an ornament and donating a gift. Every request ended up being fulfilled.

Any unwrapped gifts were wrapped at a Cirrus Aircraft led wrap party

“The overwhelming response of our team reminded me of the incredible things that can be accomplished when people come together for a common cause,” reflected Nielsen.

There is joy that comes by serving others – whether it be providing a meal to someone hungry, awarding an educational opportunity, helping support an aviation career path or simply granting a child their Christmas gift wish. By working together and partnering with amazing organizations we were able to serve those needs and make a difference in our world.

Cirrus Aircraft proudly supported the following organizations in 2023:

• Able Flight

• Angel Flight

• COPA Safety & Education Foundation

• AOPA Air Safety Foundation

• Grand Forks Center for Exploration

• National Aviation Hall of Fame

• Blackwoods Blizzard Tour ALS Ride

• FIRST Robotics Competition

• Leadership Duluth (Transportation Day)

• Family Freedom Center

• Greater Washington Aviation Open

• Knoxville Zoo (Annual Gala)

• Duluth Chamber of Commerce (Annual Dinner)

• Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame

• Duluth & St. Louis County at the Capitol

We interviewed Trevor to learn more about his role as A&P Mechanic, what is unique about working at Cirrus Aircraft and why he enjoys living in Knoxville.  

Discover your next career opportunity at Cirrus Aircraft today. 

As the world’s first single-engine personal jet, the Vision Jet has continued as the best-selling jet for the last five years. Owners enjoy the Vision Jet’s luxurious and spacious interior design, advanced safety systems such as the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®) and Safe Return Emergency Autoland, reduced workload flight deck, convenience and entertainment features and impressive regional flight capability. Today, there are over 500 Vision Jets in the market and over 1,055 people are type-rated. 

“Cirrus Aircraft is dedicated to providing world-class flight training and we are continually investing in the Vision Center campus to expand our capacity and offer ultramodern training resources,” said Todd Simmons, President of Customer Experience of Cirrus Aircraft. 

The global leader in personal aviation now leverages two FAA-certified Level D full-flight simulators, two FAA-qualified Level 6 fixed-based training devices and multiple avionics trainers for Vision Jet training and demonstrating aircraft systems such as CAPS. 

First established as a Factory Service Center in 2016, the Vision Center campus has grown to include an Experience Center, Delivery Center, Flight Training Center, additional Factory Service Center and a Flight Center/Hangar Complex. The state-of-the-art Vision Center also offers training for its best-selling, high-performance, single-piston SR Series aircraft. The SR Series accounts for 32% of single-engine piston aircraft deliveries worldwide and over 77% of the high-performance single-engine piston market deliveries.

Through the company’s award-winning flight training program called Cirrus Approach, all Vision Jet and SR Series training is accompanied by a dedicated Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot (CSIP), individual training aircraft and a diverse catalog of instructional video courses. 

The Vision Center is complemented by three Cirrus Flight Training locations in Scottsdale, Arizona; McKinney, Texas and Orlando, Florida and over 100 Cirrus Training Center partners worldwide. The Vision Center in Knoxville is the only location that offers Vision Jet type ratings. 

Learn more about Cirrus Aircraft Flight Training at cirrusaircraft.com/training. 

About Cirrus Aircraft  

Cirrus Aircraft is the recognized global leader in personal aviation and the maker of the best-selling SR Series piston aircraft and the Vision Jet®, the world’s first single-engine Personal Jet, and the recipient of the Robert J. Collier Trophy. Founded in 1984, the company has redefined aviation performance, comfort and safety with innovations like the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®) – the first FAA-certified whole-airframe parachute safety system included as standard equipment on an aircraft. To date, worldwide flight time on Cirrus aircraft has passed 16 million hours, and 250 people have returned home safely to their families as a result of the inclusion of CAPS as a standard feature on all Cirrus aircraft. The company has seven locations in the United States, including Benton Harbor, Michigan; Duluth, Minnesota; Grand Forks, North Dakota; Greater Dallas, Texas; Greater Phoenix, Arizona; and Greater Orlando, Florida and Knoxville, Tennessee. Learn more at cirrusaircraft.com. 

Check out our latest career spotlight with Kinyee to learn more about his role, what he enjoys about his career at Cirrus Aircraft and what it’s like to live and work in Duluth.

“With the delivery of the 500th Vision Jet, Cirrus Aircraft celebrates the marketplace success of a category-defining aircraft,” said Zean Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of Cirrus Aircraft. “The Vision Jet is the only jet that features advanced innovations like the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®), Safe Return Autoland, Wi-Fi, Cirrus IQ and Auto Radar along with a suite of other safety, comfort and convenience features. Cirrus Aircraft makes aviation more accessible with the G2+ Vision Jet’s best-in-class performance and low operating cost.” 

The 500th Vision Jet delivery is confirmation of the SF50’s breakthrough success supported by its expanding ecosystem of concierge solutions which make ownership straightforward offering inflight connectivity, aircraft management, progressive maintenance and a global support network. 

Efficient and Sustainable Platform for Business Aviation Operators 

The Vision Jet has the capabilities and comforts that can achieve many of the missions that larger corporate jets do at significantly smaller operating costs making it the ideal supplement to every corporate fleet. The Vision Jet adds flexibility for short regional and longer cross-country missions with lower fuel burn due to its innovative single-engine and V-tail design. All Vision Jets can be powered by SAF fuel as well. According to Conklin & De Decker, the Vision Jet has the lowest CO2 emissions rate compared to all general and business aviation jets. 

Concierge Owner and Operator Support 

Cirrus Aircraft offers an entire ecosystem of owner support services for Vision Jet owners throughout their lifetime of aircraft ownership. For example, JetStream simplifies ownership by setting a predictable cost of ownership and is inclusive of a range of services from recurrent training to subscriptions (Jeppesen Charts, Sirius XM Weather, Garmin Connext) to maintenance coverage. Cirrus Aircraft offers progressive inspections for aircraft operating over 400 hours per year which help reduce the operating cost per hour and minimize downtime compared to routine FAA 100-hour requirements.  

500^th Limited Edition Design 

Five Limited Edition Vision Jet liveries were created by Cirrus Aircraft’s Xi Design team to celebrate this industry milestone which were all inspired by the jet’s unique design and bold colorways. Owners chose from five exterior color options to complement the Obsidian Black and Vision Blue paint. Energetic graphic lines accentuate the movement and motion of the design on the exterior. All commemorative aircraft are embellished with 500th Limited Edition branding throughout.  

The interior features blues, grays and carbon fiber. The crew seats are heathered gray Alcantara capped by a leather shoulder and headrest featuring an embroidered 500th edition emblem. The center of the seat is a cascade of diamond-patterned leather with stylistic perforations. 

Legacy of Innovation 

After the initial release of the Vision Jet in 2016, the first major evolution of the SF50 was the introduction of the Generation 2 (G2) Vision Jet in 2019. The G2 Vision Jet included RVSM Certification enabling the aircraft to attain a maximum altitude of 31,000 feet (FL310). This increase in altitude brought with it more speed and better efficiency. The G2 also acquired an Auto Throttle and engineering improvements providing 200 lbs. of additional payload.  

In 2020, Safe Return Autoland was introduced. Based on the Garmin Auto Land system, the Vision Jet was the first jet aircraft to receive and certify this safety feature.  

In 2021, the G2+ Vision Jet was introduced with up to a 25% increase in takeoff performance and Wi-Fi. The G2+ Vision Jet enables convenient regional travel by unlocking 40% more airports than previous generations when fully loaded on a hot day.  

In 2023, Cirrus Aircraft introduced Cirrus IQ and Garmin’s Auto Radar to the Vision Jet, providing pilots with increased situational awareness and connectivity during all stages of pre-flight and inflight activities. 

Cirrus Aircraft has a long legacy of innovating and is the two-time partnering recipient of the prestigious Robert J. Collier Trophy for the inclusion of the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System and Autoland on the Vision Jet. The addition of Safe Return Autoland added a secondary safety system that, with the touch of a button, safely lands the Vision Jet at the nearest suitable airport avoiding weather, traffic and terrain while autonomously communicating with Air Traffic Control and putting emergency responders in motion. 

About Cirrus Aircraft  

Cirrus Aircraft is the recognized global leader in personal aviation and the maker of the best-selling SR Series piston aircraft and the Vision Jet®, the world’s first single-engine Personal Jet, and the recipient of the Robert J. Collier Trophy. Founded in 1984, the company has redefined aviation performance, comfort and safety with innovations like the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®) – the first FAA-certified whole-airframe parachute safety system included as standard equipment on an aircraft. To date, worldwide flight time on Cirrus aircraft has passed 15 million hours, and 250 people have returned home safely to their families as a result of the inclusion of CAPS as a standard feature on all Cirrus aircraft. The company has seven locations in the United States, including Duluth, Minnesota; Grand Forks, North Dakota; Greater Dallas, Texas; Greater Phoenix, Arizona; Greater Orlando, Florida; Knoxville, Tennessee and Benton Harbor, Michigan. Learn more at cirrusaircraft.com. 

We joined Roosevelt for an inside look at his work as a Manufacturer Technician Level 1 to learn more about what it is like to work at Cirrus Aircraft’s Grand Forks facility, the experience required, growth opportunities and how to get started.   

Discover your next career opportunity at Cirrus Aircraft today. 

“The Dallas Metroplex is a central location for many of our SR Series and Vision Jet owners,” said Todd Simmons, President of Customer Experience of Cirrus Aircraft. “With this new expansion at Cirrus McKinney, we are excited to continue enhancing the aircraft ownership experience for our current owners and also create an environment to introduce more people to the benefits of personal aviation. We are proud to partner with the City of McKinney, McKinney Economic Development Corporation and McKinney National Airport and look forward to growing personal aviation in the Dallas Metroplex.” 

Cirrus Aircraft plans to invest $13 million into the new 45,000-square-foot Cirrus McKinney facility. The expansion will include a 15,000-square-foot service hangar, 15,000-square-foot storage hangar, eight shade canopies, a flight simulation space, retail store and a customer lounge with a panoramic viewing balcony. 

Today, Cirrus McKinney employs more than 50 team members and plans to continue adding more career opportunities in the future.  

To learn more about Cirrus McKinney, please visit cirrusaircraft.com/TKI. 

About Cirrus Aircraft   

Cirrus Aircraft is the recognized global leader in personal aviation and the maker of the best-selling SR Series piston aircraft and the Vision Jet®, the world’s first single-engine Personal Jet, and the recipient of the Robert J. Collier Trophy. Founded in 1984, the company has redefined aviation performance, comfort and safety with innovations like the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®) – the first FAA-certified whole-airframe parachute safety system included as standard equipment on an aircraft. To date, worldwide flight time on Cirrus aircraft has passed 15 million hours, and 250 people have returned home safely to their families as a result of the inclusion of CAPS as a standard feature on all Cirrus aircraft. The company has seven locations in the United States, including Duluth, Minnesota; Grand Forks, North Dakota; Greater Dallas, Texas; Greater Phoenix, Arizona; and Greater Orlando, Florida; Knoxville, Tennessee and Benton Harbor, Michigan. Learn more at cirrusaircraft.com. 

“The SR Series continues to move people, businesses and imaginations as we reach another significant delivery milestone,” said Zean Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of Cirrus Aircraft. “Our talented Xi Design Studio collected inspiration through the lens of our customers and the worldwide travel and freedom personal aviation offers. The 9,000^th SR Series delivery means that 9,000 owners are living the Cirrus Life enabled by the best-selling high-performance piston aircraft in the industry for over two decades. The SR Series is one of the safest aircraft as it includes the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®) and a suite of integrated safety features as standard equipment. Through our expanded aircraft ownership ecosystem, we are excited to continue introducing more people to Personal Aviation.” 

From the onset of the Cirrus aircraft ownership experience, customers work alongside the company’s Xi Design Studio to personalize their new aircraft. Founded in 2009, the Xi Design Studio carefully curates an exclusive experience leveraging advanced technology, world-class engineering and a leading-edge Paint and Finish Facility to build a one-of-a-kind Cirrus aircraft. 

Cirrus Aircraft’s Xi Design Studio showcases its artistic prowess through the compelling Limited Edition’s bold design and color collection. Thematically named Limited Edition designs, ‘Balos,’ ‘Lava,’ ‘Magma’ and ‘Santorini’ were inspired by different international destinations and illustrate the company’s range of premium and bespoke paint schemes. In partnership with Sherwin-Williams, Cirrus Aircraft reformulated signature hues, namely, Lava orange and Aegean blue, to create a bold and eclectic splash of color.  

To commemorate 9,000 SR Series deliveries, the number nine was thematically integrated throughout the design. The ‘9’ iconography inspired the sleek and aerodynamic lines on the fuselage, along with the many exterior graphic details. The theme continues inside the cabin with several custom touches on the seats and embroidery. 

With the release of the 9,000^th Limited Edition, Cirrus Aircraft introduced newly designed Cirrus All-Weather Floor Liners engineered for adventure travel to protect the aircraft floor from mud, sand, water, dirt and more. Each liner features a customized badge commemorating the delivery milestone. Standard SR Series All-Weather Floor Liners for G1-G6 aircraft are available for purchase. Additionally, every 9,000^th Limited Edition SR Series aircraft owner will be outfitted with the newly announced Bose A30 Aviation Headset and Garmin® International’s D2 Aviation watch with custom bands matching the 9,000^th livery for a premium flight experience. 

Meticulous craftsmanship, bespoke design and daring colors turn heads with the 9,000^th Limited Edition SR Series and are a testament to Cirrus Aircraft’s customers’ unwavering passion to seek new experiences and travel the world. 

To learn more about Cirrus Aircraft, please visit cirrusaircraft.com. 

Photo Credit: AOPA

About Cirrus Aircraft   

Cirrus Aircraft is the recognized global leader in personal aviation and the maker of the best-selling SR Series piston aircraft and the Vision Jet®, the world’s first single-engine Personal Jet, and the recipient of the Robert J. Collier Trophy. Founded in 1984, the company has redefined aviation performance, comfort and safety with innovations like the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®) – the first FAA-certified whole-airframe parachute safety system included as standard equipment on an aircraft. To date, worldwide flight time on Cirrus aircraft has passed 15 million hours, and 250 people have returned home safely to their families as a result of the inclusion of CAPS as a standard feature on all Cirrus aircraft. The company has seven locations in the United States, including Duluth, Minnesota; Grand Forks, North Dakota; Greater Dallas, Texas; Greater Phoenix, Arizona; and Greater Orlando, Florida; Knoxville, Tennessee and Benton Harbor, Michigan. Learn more at cirrusaircraft.com. 

Cirrus Flight Training Courses 

Our award-winning flight training program offers a diverse catalog of instructional video courses to anyone interested in earning their private pilot license or for the seasoned pilot to hone their skills. Be sure to check out the latest: 

The SR Series Maneuvers Course is the perfect primer for any upcoming training event with your local CSIP. Ride along with Mike Goulian, CSIP (and professional airshow performer), as he takes you through a real-time demonstration of each maneuver. Mike talks through the maneuver, points out helpful tricks and provides a little self-critique along the way. 

The SR Series Cross Country Procedures Course provides a real-life cross-country journey to the sunny beaches of Destin, Florida. Inside you’ll find a step-by-step guide to everything you’ll need for a cross-country flight, from building your flight plan, navigating tricky airspace, decoding weather and even flying at night.

The Takeoff and Landing Course offers 10 lessons in over five hours of training, from preflight preparation to proper execution – everything needed to make great takeoffs and landings. 

SR Series and Vision Jet Gear from The Cirrus Store 

Ensure you and your aircraft are fashioned with springtime essentials keeping you safe, comfortable and stylish.  

Every aircraft needs Cowl Plugs to prevent birds, bugs, and foreign objects from entering your Cirrus through the cowl or pitot tube with this Inlet Plug and Pitot Cover set. 

Travel off the grid with peace of mind with the In Reach Mini 2, a compact satellite communicator. A must-have for all pilots.  

Prevent your aircraft from damage by securing it with Slide Down Tie Downs to secure your aircraft to the ground anchors. The set includes three Slide Downs, one for each wing and the tail. 

Cirrus Store Trending Threads  

Stay comfortable and stylish in your favorite Cirrus tops. Ladies, check out this breathable UA Tank. Fellas, the Nike Hex Polo is a wardrobe staple. 

Cirrus Upgrades and Accessories

Lastly, feel comfortable flying during the brightest time of day with the Black Opaque Sun Visor.

For more pro tips from our experts, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. 

It is estimated that the air transport industry offers a total of 87.7 million jobs worldwide within the airlines, air navigation, service providers, airport operators and more. While the general aviation industry offers an additional 1.2 million jobs and supports $150 billion annually in economic activity. 

As the global leader in personal aviation, Cirrus Aircraft is excited to join the 2023 Women in Aviation International Conference in Long Beach, California, to share the different types of career opportunities available within the general aviation sector. Cirrus Aircraft is a long-time supporter of Women in Aviation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the encouragement and advancement of women in all aviation career fields and interests.  

This year, Cirrus Aircraft will hold a roundtable discussion on ‘Finding the Right Aviation Career for You,’ which dives into different jobs available in the aviation industry. 

Following that same spirit, we have interviewed Cirrus Aircraft’s very own to share the different types of career opportunities and how they got started in aviation. We hope this inspires and helps you discover your next aviation career opportunity!  

Alanna Lee, Director, Environmental Health and Safety, Cirrus Aircraft 

Describe your position: “Manage employee safety, employee relations, governmental relations & compliance (OSHA/EPA/MPCA/ATF/FAA/DOT), wellness, environmental.” 

How did you get into aviation: “I am originally from Northern MN; I spent 10 years of my career in Southern MN and wanted to get back north. I started as an Environmental Compliance Specialist and was promoted to the Director role about 7/8 months ago.” 

Why you enjoy your job: “The people and culture. I am truly grateful to be here and in a company that believes in me and wants me to grow. Although I am still learning, the world of personal aviation is fascinating, and I enjoy that every day is different and there are always new and exciting challenges.” 

Kelly Kaseno, FAA Designated Manufacturing Inspection Representative/Organization Designation Authorization Inspector, Cirrus Aircraft 

Describe your position: “I work with Cirrus Aircraft’s experimental department to inspect the installation of prototype builds and to ensure the safety of the aircraft for our test pilots, and I also issue the Certificate of Airworthiness to our production aircraft.” 

How did you get into aviation: “I applied a long time ago as a wrench turner, and made my way to an FAA inspector! I started flying when I was 16 and helped my stepdad restore his 1940’s Champ.” 

Why you enjoy your job: “I love working with airplanes, and watching our pilots and customers have confidence in my inspections as they fly safely is a pretty rewarding feeling.” 

Mickie Naperala, Commodity Lead Senior, Cirrus Aircraft 

Describe your position: “Strategic sourcing, negotiations, supplier relationships.” 

How did you get into aviation: “I’m always looking up!” 

Why you enjoy your job: “The relationships I get to build and diverse amounts of interactions daily.” 

Beth Duff, Regional Sales Director (Northern California, Northern Nevada, Hawaii), Cirrus Aircraft 

Describe your position: “Responsible for selling new aircraft, servicing clients and being the ‘face of Cirrus Aircraft’ in my territory for all things related to aviation.” 

How did you get into aviation: “My father introduced me to aviation when I was a child. He retired his career working as a Captain for United Airlines. He was formally trained in the RCAF (Royal Canadian Air Force), and as a result, I was surrounded by aviation throughout my life.” 

Why you enjoy your job: “My job allows me to share my love of aviation and Cirrus Aircraft with all those interested in aviation and Cirrus Aircraft. I enjoy meeting such incredible people, hearing their stories and representing what I believe is the best general aviation aircraft manufacturer in the world. This position allows me to combine my love of aviation, my skills as a CFI, CFII and MEI and my previous background as a sales executive in order to represent this incredible lifestyle and aircraft. It is truly a privilege to be a part of this amazing company.” 

Alysha Jussila, Financial Analyst, Cirrus Aircraft 

Describe your position: “Accounting for the fixed assets and leases at Cirrus.” 

How did you get into aviation: “I have always enjoyed flying and was excited to get the opportunity to start my career at Cirrus right after graduating college.” 

Why you enjoy your job: “Cirrus feels like a family. The day-to-day work of accounting can be mundane, but it’s the people that make the job fun.” 

Linda Myers, Paint and Detail, Cirrus Aircraft 

Describe your position: “Schedule work for painters and detailers according to the schedule, train technicians and oversee operations on the floor.” 

How did you get into aviation: “Enlisted in the United States Air Force as an aircraft mechanic after graduating high school.” 

Why you enjoy your job: “We work as a team to ensure delivery aircraft are ready for the customers – we touch every aircraft delivered from Knoxville (TYS). Every day holds something different and an opportunity to make both aircraft and people shine!” 

Ivy McIver, Director, SR Product Line, Cirrus Aircraft 

Describe your position: “Manage a team responsible for General Aviation industry analysis, marketing and sales support, competitive aircraft analysis, product pricing and packaging, and aircraft order and delivery forecasting relating to the SR Series product line. Oversee cross functional roadmap development for multiple piston product lines, and maintain efficient, effective communication between the Marketing Team, the Design Team, the Sales Team, and the Engineering Platform Team. Collaborate with key strategic supplier partners to identify opportunities for product enhancements, and work with the Platform & Marketing Teams to develop product requirements and objectives to define the future of the product line. Oversee strategic media relationships including product demonstrations, air-to-air photo and video missions, and aviation media support.” 

How did you get into aviation: “I saw Top Gun (the first one) when I was little and decided I wanted to be a pilot. After college, I found a flight school and started taking lessons in a Piper Archer.” 

Why you enjoy your job: “Every day is different. I work with smart, driven and passionate people who all share the goal of growing the general aviation industry. I work with the leaders in the industry, both within and outside of Cirrus, on a daily basis and I play a huge part in evolving the SR Series aircraft to continue to be the best-selling, most comfortable, safest, and most advanced single-engine piston aircraft on the market. On top of all that, I get to fly the plane all over the world and demonstrate the capabilities of the Cirrus to a wide variety of pilots and not-yet-pilots.” 

Laura Henry, Executive Director, HR Business Partner, Cirrus Aircraft 

Describe your position: “Supporting employees and our leaders across all locations – employee relations, talent acquisition, engagement and retention, benefits and compensation.” 

How did you get into aviation: “Opportunity at Cirrus was available when I was looking to leave my prior employer. Immediately fell in love with the people and culture of the company; plus it’s a really cool product!” 

Why you enjoy your job: “The people!” 

Jenna Achtzehn, Delivery Pilot, Cirrus Aircraft 

Describe your position: “Showing clients their new airplane for the first time.” 

How did you get into aviation: “I took a discovery flight at my local airport and was hooked from there.” 

Why you enjoy your job: “I love being around and flying new airplanes, and working with the best team and customers throughout the process.” 

Anna Greatens, Propulsion Engineer, Cirrus Aircraft 

Describe your position: “Some of the responsibilities for my position involve technical design of powerplant systems, creating 3D models and drawings, coordinating with suppliers, developing test plans for components and systems, and writing design and test reports.” 

How did you get into aviation: “I went to school for mechanical engineering, but I had considered getting into the aviation industry since high school. I have always found aircraft interesting, and it is very cool to be able to be part of their design.” 

Why you enjoy your job: “I really enjoy being able to be involved in every part of the design process and not just one portion of it. I like that I can be involved from the initial design, see installations be built and tested, and then, in the end, see a design come to completion and eventual certification.” 

We look forward to connecting with you at the show! Please stop by our booth at #452. For career opportunities, please apply at cirrusaircraft.com/careers.