Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

The Cirrus Approach flight training app for Apple’s iPad has been updated with the addition of an augmented reality (AR) preflight feature, which is available for free. The AR training allows users to learn how to conduct a virtual preflight inspection of their SR20, SR22/T, or Vision Jet.
When launching the AR section of the app, it asks the user to choose the Cirrus model. Then the user can position an AR version of the airplane in a suitably sized space and conduct a virtual preflight inspection by walking around in real life and viewing and completing each task on the iPad. The virtual airplane can be expanded to full size to more accurately replicate the real preflight inspection or viewed in a smaller size that fits into the iPad display. In either case, the user can zoom in on any area for a closer look at the particular item that needs to be checked.
A checklist is available, and many items in the list come with an associated video explanation. Checking each item as completed moves the user to the next item until the entire preflight inspection is finished.
“This realistic virtual experience is designed to equip pilots with the skills and confidence they need for real-world operations,” according to Cirrus.
The Cirrus Approach app also offers the Cirrus private pilot program, a complete ground school that is designed to be used while learning to fly at a Cirrus training center with a Cirrus standardized instructor pilot. Instructors can monitor student progress and assess performance with the app while students can study at their own pace, take quizzes, and view simulations of complex topics.
More than 50 training courses are available in the Approach app, from the private pilot program to transition training for new Cirrus pilots or those moving from one model to another, and specialty courses such as flight into known icing, Cirrus Airframe Parachute System training, vertical navigation, and many others.
“The Cirrus Approach app is a valuable flight training resource for owners and flight instructors by increasing accessibility to content that keeps pilots current and safe,” said Cirrus CEO Zean Nielsen. “With the app refresh, we are now able to digitally connect more people to an array of flight training materials accessible at home or in the hangar.”

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

Cirrus Updates Approach App with Augmented Reality Preflight Training

App now offers more than 50 courses

The augmented reality training allows users to learn how to conduct a virtual preflight inspection of their SR20, SR22/T, or Vision Jet.

Cirrus Updates Approach App with AR Preflight Training

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Curt Epstein

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

The online, self-paced program is eligible for CAM credits

NBAA Unveils Customer Service Training Certification

Gordon Gilbert

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Agency to hold a public meeting in March on Part 141

FAA Exploring Update to Flight School Regulations

Combines sophisticated controls in a hand-held device

Yawman Arrow Helps Flight Simulator Community Go Mobile

Sarah Rose

She was a member of the legendary “Magnificent Seven”

Olympic Medalist Shannon Miller to Keynote SDC2025

Charles Alcock

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Portugal-based operator has a fleet of around 220 helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft

Avinicis Plans New Emergency Air Service Training Center

AmyWilder

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Toulouse facility provides targeted training

Daher Opens New Learning Center in Southwestern France

Sheryl Barden

Now is the best time to plan the rest of your career

AINsight: Plan Your Future, Own It

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

In this article

Cirrus Vision SF50

Cirrus Aircraft

More In Training and Workforce