July 27, 2010 11:42 ET

Delta Connection Academy Joins the Ranks as a Cirrus Training Center

SANFORD, FL--(Marketwire - July 27, 2010) -  Delta Connection Academy (DCA) announced today it has now become a Cirrus Training Center (CTC). This designation allows DCA to provide training to Cirrus owners that has not been available in other Cirrus Training Center locations. Utilizing the aircraft and an FAA certified Level 6 Flight Training Device DCA can provide training that is not available anywhere else in the world. 

In addition to traditional CTC programs pilots will now have the opportunity to take advantage of advanced training including parachute deployment, and Caribbean, mountain and Alaskan flying. 

"We are very pleased to offer Cirrus owners this advanced training. At DCA we are fortunate to have the capabilities to teach at any level," said Paul Woessner, Senior Vice President of Delta Connection Academy.

Delta Connection Academy is the largest owner of Cirrus aircraft worldwide with 33 SR20s in their fleet. DCA has operated the Cirrus fleet since 2007 and has logged nearly 90,000 hours overall. In addition to the aircraft DCA also operates four Level 6 SR20 Flight Training Devices. These devices were designed by Aerosim Technologies and allow the user to explore full operation of the aircraft in a safe and structured environment. 

DCA is among the leading aviation schools and has trained students from 90 different countries and placed pilots with more than 50 airlines. The Academy is a fast track program with a focus on sending graduates to the airlines. Every aspect of the program has been structured to emulate the airline training. Delta Connection Academy is the only flight school that participates in ASAP (Aviation Safety Action Program) which is a voluntary reporting of safety issues in partnership with the FAA.

About Cirrus Aircraft:

Cirrus Aircraft, a member of the global portfolio of Arcapita companies, is a recognized leader in personal aviation aircraft. Its SR20 and SR22 family of composite airplanes incorporate innovative and advanced performance and safety technologies, including the unique Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS™). As of mid 2010, total time on the worldwide Cirrus Aircraft SR-series fleet surpassed 3.5 million hours with more than 40 lives saved to date as a direct result of CAPS being a standard safety feature on all Cirrus aircraft. The Cirrus Aircraft Vision Jet, with nearly 500 production positions reserved, will provide a new personal and regional business transportation solution - the 'personal jet'. All Cirrus Aircraft are made in the USA with a direct sales force in North America and authorized sales centers in more than 55 countries around the world. For additional information on Cirrus Aircraft and its products please visit cirrusaircraft.com http://www.cirrusaircraft.com/.

About Delta Connection Academy:

Delta Connection Academy is part of the Aerosim family of companies, which also includes Aerosim Technologies and AeroElite Training Services. The group was formed in order to position for leadership in the future of pilot provisioning, flight training and the development and marketing of simulation-based flight training products. The Academy, operates a fleet of more than 96 technically advanced aircraft and training devices, including its fleet of 33 new Cirrus SR-20 G2 aircraft.