From First Flight to Lifelong Pilot: Your Cirrus Flight Training Path

When David Shanks first walked into the Cirrus Training Center in Knoxville, Tennessee, he had no aviation background or a clear idea of what his path forward might look like. What he found was not just a flight school, but a complete training pathway that supports students from first flight to lifelong pilot with a team that helps students like David “feel like a rock star from day one.” 

In 2003, while working as a commercial real estate appraiser, David visited an engineer who was building an aircraft in his warehouse. Their conversation revealed how he and his wife regularly flew to Destin, Florida, for dinner and returned to Tennessee the same evening. This glimpse of efficiency and freedom offered by personal aviation stayed with David. Twenty years later, in 2023, he acted on that inspiration and began his Private Pilot Certification with Cirrus. 

Choosing Safety First

For David, the choice to fly Cirrus was simple: “I'm a father of four, a husband, and I wanted to ensure my wife that I would be home every day.” The combination of an aircraft designed around safety, paired with world-class training, is what sets Cirrus apart. The Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®) offers not only pilots, but their loved ones, peace of mind with each flight.  

David’s journey began with his Private Pilot License, where Cirrus’ scenario-based training curriculum paired classroom knowledge with real-world application. Every challenge, from learning Air Traffic Control (ATC) communications to navigating first solo flights or flying cross-country, was supported by Cirrus’ dedicated flight instructors and coursework refined through decades of training thousands of pilots. 

David recalls his early apprehension about communicating with ATC. “At some point during training, we actually went over and spent a half day with ATC, got to know those folks, and I realized that they're just normal human beings. One of the flight managers looked at me and said, ‘Hey, just talk to us however you need to. We're here to help you.’ I left there that day with so much more confidence.” These are the moments that go beyond teaching technical skills, but build lasting confidence, transforming challenges into milestones. 

Clearing the Clouds with IFR

For most pilots, including David, the Private Pilot License is just the beginning. Living in East Tennessee means the weather can shift quickly, and, on many mornings, a thin cloud layer is enough to ground Visual Flight Rules (VFR)-only pilots. For David, earning his Instrument Flight Rating (IFR) was essential to fully experience the freedom that comes with owning and flying an aircraft. He reflected on the confidence it gave him, saying it left him with “a true faith in what’s in front of me.” 

Cirrus is making the transition to IFR even more seamless with the introduction of a new Instrument Rating Program directly through Cirrus Approach™. The course combines self-study content with in-person flight training by Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilots (CSIP) in three segments – Flight Lessons, Knowledge Test Prep and Supplemental Lessons. Designed to offer maximum flexibility while still providing high levels of support along the way, pilots earn more than just a rating, but also true confidence to fly in any condition.  

Tools and Resources

Cirrus Approach guides this natural progression from PPL, Instrument Rating and recurrent training by offering tailored courses for each stage of a pilot’s journey: 

• Private Pilot Program – designed for beginners learning to fly, with safety and confidence at the core. 

• Instrument Rating Program – to expand flight training capability, confidence, and mission readiness. 

• Cirrus Transition Training – for experienced pilots stepping into a Cirrus aircraft for the first time. 

• Recurrent and Proficiency Training – ensuring every Cirrus pilot stays sharp, safe and current. 

Whether you’re stepping into aviation for the first time or pursuing advanced ratings, Cirrus provides guidance every step of the way.  

Discover the Cirrus Life™

For those still debating whether now is the right time to take the leap, David’s advice is simple, “You only live once. Less than 0.2% of the U.S. population is a pilot, so be one of them.” Learning to fly opens a world of freedom, confidence, and opportunity. After all, much like the spark that set David’s journey in motion, how else can you grab lunch at the beach and be home by the end of the workday? 

Cirrus Training Centers nationwide support pilots at every stage of their aviation journey. With expert instructors, innovative courses, and a community dedicated to your success, Cirrus provides a complete training pathway where you can start, grow and continually refine your skills as a pilot all in one place. 

If you’ve ever dreamed of flying, now is the time to make it real. Learn more about how to start training with Cirrus on our website.