DULUTH, Minn. — Cirrus Aircraft is collaborating with OpenAirplane. Pilots who participate in the Cirrus factory approved initial and proficiency training will be offered rental credentials through OpenAirplane for the same model of Cirrus, without the hassle and expense of another checkout.
With its universal checkout, OpenAirplane makes renting an airplane as easy as renting a car. Once pilots pass the checkout, they can go to OpenAirplane-affiliated flight schools and FBOs and rent an airplane.
“Cirrus has always been focused on increasing the value proposition of personal aviation. We’re excited to be working with the team at Cirrus Aircraft to grow our network, and deliver a great experience to more pilots,” said Rod Rakic, co-founder at OpenAirplane.
“OpenAirplane is poised to make flying or operating a Cirrus even more valuable. By integrating OpenAirplane into the Cirrus Approach, we can help more pilots get access to more planes in more locations,” said Travis Klumb, Director of Flight Standards, Operations, and Customer Experience at Cirrus Aircraft. “Working with OpenAirplane, Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilots (CSIPs) can now offer training that comes with the added benefit of access to a network of the same model aircraft across the country.”
“We’re excited to be participating in the OpenAirplane network. Making more planes available to more pilots is important to growing aviation,” added Mike Goulian, Red Bull Air Racer, champion aerobatic pilot, and president at Executive Flyers Aviation, a Cirrus Training Center at Hanscom Field (KBED) near Boston.
Pilots who participate in the Cirrus factory approved initial and proficiency training will be offered rental credentials for the same model of Cirrus, without the hassle and expense of yet another checkout.
After creating a profile on OpenAirplane, and having their documentation verified, pilots will be ready to fly with operators in the network.
OpenAirplane will continue to collaborate with Cirrus to align operations with the Cirrus Approach to increase safety and utility for both pilots and operators. Cirrus Training Centers (CTCs) who join the OpenAirplane network will also enjoy special promotion in the application’s interface, company officials said.
CTCs and CSIPs have been trained and evaluated by training specialists at Cirrus headquarters and follow the same training programs that Cirrus uses during factory flight instruction.
OpenAirplane allows flight schools, FBOs, flying clubs, and individual owners who join the OpenAirplane network to verify a pilot’s qualifications and training in each model aircraft. Pilots will have access to more aircraft with a nationwide footprint without the expense and hassle normally associated with renting away from their home airport, OpenAirplane officials said.
More than 8,000 pilots have signed up to fly with the OpenAirplane network. Pilots can sign up for free at OpenAirplane.com.
OpenAirplane is now live at more than 70 locations across the U.S., with a network offering more than 250 airplanes.