Cessna has named OpenAirplane as an Endorsed Partner to the Cessna Pilot Center program collaborating to make flying even more convenient for pilots.
“Cessna Pilot Centers are a foundation of our aviation community,” said Rod Rakic, co-founder at OpenAirplane. “We’re excited to be working with the team at Cessna to enhance our product, and deliver a great experience consistently wherever our pilots want to fly.”
The OpenAirplane universal checkout allows FBOs around the country to easily verify a pilot’s qualifications and training in each make and model aircraft. Pilots will gain access to a diverse fleet with a nationwide footprint without the expense and hassles normally associated with renting away from their home field.
“The only thing that can save aviation is aviating,” stated Rakic this summer at the AeroInnovate forum at AirVenture.
“OpenAirplane is working to make flying more valuable for pilots. By being part of this network, our customers find more utility in flying. Together we can make flying more useful, safer, and more fun,” commented Jodi Noah, Senior Vice President of Propeller Business at Cessna. “Working with OpenAirplane, CPCs will offer pilots a checkout that comes with the added benefit of access to a network of the same make model aircraft across the country without a local flight checkout, rather they will only need to complete a procedures briefing that can be accomplished ahead of time online.”
OpenAirplane will be collaborating to align operations with the proven Cessna Flight Training System to increase safety and utility for both Pilots and Operators. CPCs who join the OpenAirplane network will also enjoy special promotion in the application’s interface.
According to Rakic, the number of operators in the pipeline has doubled since Cessna started promoting OpenAirplane to their CPCs.
OpenAirplane offers Operators a way to make rental fleets more profitable. OpenAirplane’s first of it’s kind reputation system will bring transparency to both sides of the rental transaction. Recognized by the insurance industry, pilots who participate in OpenAirplane’s standardization and evaluation program will earn discounts on their renter’s policy premiums.
OpenAirplane intends to offer a better value proposition for private aviation, making everyone’s pilot certificate more useful. Collaborating with partners like Cessna, the company hopes to help pilots fly more, and reduce the accident rate.
OpenAirplane is being readied for launch later this year. Pilots who would like to be the first to get onboard can sign up with just their email address at www.OpenAirplane.com.
