Cirrus Access Program?
 

I was just wondering what people's view are on the Cirrus Access Program? I am interested in Part 135, Corporate flying, or possibly aircraft sales in the future and consider this a great opportunity to make some great newtork connections as well as to build some time flying and teaching Cirrus owners. The pay seems to be higher than instructing for a Part 61 or 141 school and is a combination of instruction and corporate flying. The only downfall is that you are not building crucial ME time but I figured with the need for MEIs, that when I get my MEI I would be able to build enough time before I got to the 600 TT (750TT prefered) at my current 141 school. If anyone has any views I would appreciate some input. I know the experience depends some much on the owner you will fly for but is this a good stepping stone for a future carreer? How much time an average access pilot logs in a year? Any personal info would be very informative.

As far as getting where you want to go, it's all about you, your needs, and where do you actually want to go. There's 1000's of ways to get there, the main thing is being comfortable in what you are doing, and obviously supporting yourself while you do it. What's your current experience anyways??? Will Cirrus actually use you to instruct? If you're only looking to build a few hundred hours, not going to bode well with Cirrus if they train you etc.... and you leave quickly. The industry right now is in the low-timers favor to move up quickly, so making that known is a good idea wherever you go. There is no right or wrong way in my opinion, as long as you evaluate your involvement in each given situation. I have tons of friends that have moved up and on very fast, and are very happy. I also know people that made a bad decision(well maybe a few) and they are stuck in a long contract and can't get out. Bad pay, poor treatment, etc.. So really educate yourself, but never be afraid to change your plan as you go, because things really do change, and opportunities come up that are a side-track, but in the end might just be better than what you had going in the first place.

You apply for the program once you meet the minimums and choose which state(s) you would like to work in. Once they have a client in one of those states they pick from a pool of instructors (that you will be in) who they want to interview. You will interview with the aircraft owner. It's as much of an interview for them as it is for you. You may end up just being a corporate pilot for the whole year because they don't want to fly or you may teach them quite a bit. You fly as much as the owner needs to fly. It all depends on who is buying the airplane. Several owners in the program have since upgraded their aircraft and decided to keep their access pilot and put them on their personal payroll making much more than they did in the access program. It's a great tool for networking especially if you get hired by a great owner.

how much cirrus charges to the owners for this? how much is the cfi making?

The Instructor is paid 30 -35K based on where you are located. 1 year Contract.
It sounds cool but I chose another option.

does the owner pay this amount or higher amount?

The Cirrus owner pays something around 80K for the program.

went to barrett jackson today and found the cirrus tent

for 80k, the owner as well as two other family members can get the training for private and instrument

ca-ching...

Damn, $80K, sounds a little ridiculous.

For someone throwing down $500,000 for a plane, it is a little more. Access looks like an option for someone with a ton of money and wants to get into flying.