You have been with Cirrus Aircraft since 2006. How did you get started in aviation?
My current role at Cirrus Aircraft is Director, SR Product Line in Knoxville, TN, overseeing the company’s piston product roadmap development and product marketing. Over my 16-year career at Cirrus Aircraft, I have earned my seaplane rating, tailwheel and formation flying endorsements, and a Vision Jet type rating. I have over 5,000 flight hours and am the proud owner of an American Champion Citabria 7GCBC.
Cirrus Aircraft began as a kit aircraft company. The first aircraft we designed and sold was the VK-30 kit plane. This was a great learning experience and inspired us to develop the SR20, a more approachable airplane that was easy to fly and also FAA certified. We delivered the first SR20 in 1999, and two years later, we introduced the SR22, a higher speed and performing SR.
A unique feature that all Cirrus aircraft are equipped with is the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System , which includes a total airframe parachute to safely guide the aircraft to the ground in the event of an emergency. Do you think Cirrus Aircraft has influenced safety innovation within the GA sector and among consumers?Absolutely.