By: Victoria Neuville
I remember my first Cirrus flight like it was yesterday. It was just before I moved to Maryland to work for Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR) in 2010. I was training for my commercial pilot certificate and my CFI managed a fleet of Cirrus SR22s under an aircraft share program. I hopped along for a ride where we had to drop something off at Burke Lakefront, followed by a quick hop over to Put in Bay Island for lunch. The sparkling waters over Lake Erie were the perfect setting for an introduction to Cirrus Aircraft. I was amazed by the aircraft’s smooth handling on the ground, the comfort of the interior design and all the safety features within the avionics. Since that flight over a decade ago I have taken flight in several SR22s, and they remain a favorite of mine to fly and insure.
The first Cirrus hit the market in 1995 turning heads with its luxurious style and groundbreaking airframe parachute system. As with any new aircraft to the industry, insurance rates were steep at the beginning, especially before the introduction of their Cirrus Embark training program and Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilots (CSIPS). Prices slowly dropped due to more insurance carriers adding the Cirrus to their list of insurable aircraft. The industry is cyclical, and prices have risen about 30% over the past two years due to the recent hardening of the insurance market.
Due to the high-performance nature and advanced avionics of Cirrus Aircraft, aviation insurance underwriters prefer to see pilots that have an instrument rating and several hundred hours total time. However, pilots transitioning to the Cirrus or even student pilots can get insurance. Premiums will be higher the first year, but Cirrus owners will have the benefit of training in the specific aircraft they own, versus spending extra funds renting, then buying.
Flight schools have learned the benefits of having a Cirrus on their fleet as well. I personally insure several Cirrus Training Centers (CTCs) and am happy to see my clients grow as a result of having Cirrus in their fleet. Keep in mind that when adding a Cirrus to your fleet, the aviation insurance underwriters require a CSIP or training center instructor designation for those providing instruction in those aircraft.
Whether you are purchasing or renting a Cirrus Aircraft, or perhaps running a CTC, AIR has the aviation insurance solution for you. To request a quote from one of our pilots/insurance agents call 301-682-6200 or visit CirrusAircraftInsurance.com today!
