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Cirrus Training in the Twin Cities

Train in modern Cirrus SR20 aircraft with experienced instructors at one of Minnesota’s only official Cirrus Training Centers.

If you’ve ever looked into learning to fly, creating a more flexible travel option for business, or exploring the skies over Minnesota for fun, chances are you’ve come across the name Cirrus. Built right here in Northern Minnesota, the Cirrus SR Series is one of the most advanced, trusted single-engine aircraft in the world, and Lake Elmo Aero is proud to be one of only three Cirrus Training Centers in the entire state.

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What Makes the Cirrus Aircraft Different

The Cirrus SR Series is not just another single-engine airplane. It was designed from the ground up around safety, comfort, and modern technology. That’s why it has become a popular choice for private pilots, business owners, and aspiring commercial pilots alike.
A few standout features include:
  • CAPS Whole-Airframe Parachute System: In the rare event of a true emergency, the entire aircraft can descend under a parachute, giving pilots and passengers an added layer of safety.
  • Garmin Perspective+ Avionics Suite: This modern glass cockpit gives pilots clear situational awareness, intuitive controls, and tools that help reduce workload in flight.
  • Garmin Autoland: Available on our G7+, this emergency system can autonomously land the aircraft at a suitable airport, communicate with air traffic control, and bring the plane safely to a stop. All with a push of a button.
  • Comfortable cabin design: The Cirrus cabin feels more like a modern car interior than a traditional small aircraft, with a spacious layout designed for comfort.
  • Excellent speed and range: The SR Series is practical for more than training flights. It can support business travel, weekend getaways, and personal flying with real flexibility.

Lake Elmo Aero’s Cirrus Fleet

Lake Elmo Aero’s Cirrus fleet includes two of the most modern training platforms available:

  • Cirrus SR20 G6 (N333LN): A 2019 model equipped with the Garmin Perspective+ avionics suite, air conditioning and ideal for private pilot, instrument, and commercial training.
  • Cirrus SR20 G7+ (N311YM): A 2025 model featuring the latest generation of Cirrus technology, including Garmin Autoland, air conditioning and representing one of the newest and most advanced SR20 platforms available.

Both aircraft are available for training and rental, which means your relationship with the Cirrus platform doesn’t have to end once you earn your certificate, rating, or checkout. Once licensed and properly approved to rent, you can use an SR20 for a business trip across the state or country, a weekend flight to the cabin, or simply an afternoon in the air. Have a business meeting in another state, but want to be home for dinner? The Cirrus aircraft makes that scenario just another Tuesday.

Cirrus Training Programs Available

As an official Cirrus Training Center, Lake Elmo Aero partners directly with Cirrus Aircraft to bring Cirrus-trained instruction to pilots throughout the Twin Cities and beyond. Our team includes Training Center Instructors (TCIs) and Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilots (CSIPs), which means the training you receive follows the same standards Cirrus has established for its aircraft nationwide.

Cirrus Transition Training

Whether you’ve never flown a Cirrus before or you’re already comfortable in the cockpit and want to sharpen your skills, our transition training is built to meet you where you are. We can train you in our SR20 or in your personally owned SR Series aircraft, helping you build confidence in the aircraft, its systems, and the Garmin Perspective+ avionics suite found in newer SR Series models.

Cirrus Embark Program

If you recently purchased a Cirrus aircraft and need to complete Embark training, Lake Elmo Aero can help you complete the required checkout for your new aircraft. We are approved to work directly with you and your insurance company, aligning with your aircraft and training requirements.

Thanks to our experienced CSIPs and TCIs, we can also support unique training needs, including training in your own aircraft and, when appropriate, at your home field in or around the Twin Cities and midwest.

Cirrus Advanced Transition Training

Designed specifically for instrument-rated pilots who are new to Cirrus, this expanded course goes beyond the basics. Advanced Transition Training helps pilots better understand the aircraft’s full capability, with a strong emphasis on real-world IFR flying, avionics management, decision-making, and confident use of the Cirrus platform.

Cirrus Discovery Flight

Not ready to commit to a full training program yet? A Cirrus SR20 Discovery Flight is a great way to experience the aircraft firsthand, get a feel for Cirrus training, and decide whether the Cirrus platform, and flying in general, is the right next step for you.

What to Expect From Your First Cirrus Lesson

Stepping into a Cirrus for the first time can feel like a lot, especially with a full glass cockpit in front of you. But your first lesson is designed to build familiarity, not overwhelm you. Here’s a general idea of how it goes.

Your instructor will start with a pre-flight briefing, walking through the aircraft, the flight plan for the day, and what you can expect to work on. This is also when you’ll go through a thorough preflight inspection together, so you understand exactly what’s being checked and why before you ever leave the ground.

From there, you’ll settle into the cockpit for a proper introduction to the Garmin Perspective+ avionics suite. Rather than trying to explain every button and screen at once, instructors focus on the handful of tools you’ll use early on. Once you’re in the air, the emphasis is on comfort and orientation rather than performance. You’ll get a feel for how the Cirrus handles and practice some basic maneuvers with your instructor.

Afterward, your instructor will walk through what you covered, answer any questions, and outline what the next lesson will build on. Most students leave their first lesson with a much clearer sense of what Cirrus training involves and what to expect moving forward.

How Long Does Cirrus Training Take?

Timelines vary from pilot to pilot, but here’s a general sense of what to expect from each of our programs.
  • Cirrus Transition Training: Most pilots complete transition training in roughly one to two weeks, though this depends heavily on prior flying experience. A pilot coming from another aircraft type with a strong foundation may move faster than someone building comfort with a glass cockpit for the first time.
  • Cirrus Embark Program: Embark training is typically completed in a handful of days, often one to five, depending on your insurance requirements and prior experience with the aircraft.
  • Cirrus Advanced Transition Training: As the name suggests, this course runs five or more days, reflecting the deeper focus on IFR operations and full utilization of the aircraft’s capabilities.
Flight frequency has the biggest impact on how quickly training moves. Students who fly several times a week generally progress faster than those flying once every week or two, simply because skills stay sharper with less time between lessons. Prior experience also plays a role, since pilots transitioning from another aircraft usually need less time than someone newer to flying altogether. Whatever your starting point, your instructor will give you a realistic sense of pacing early on, and adjust the plan as training progresses.

Who Trains With Us: Hobby Pilots, Business Travelers, and Future Aviators

People come to the Cirrus Training Center at Lake Elmo Aero for many different reasons. Some are pursuing a lifelong dream of becoming a pilot, while others want a more flexible way to travel for business or personal trips. And some simply want to experience the freedom of flying in one of the most modern single-engine aircraft available today.

Here’s how the Cirrus platform supports three of the most common goals.

Flying for Hobby and Leisure

For recreational pilots, the Cirrus SR20 offers a comfortable, modern, and enjoyable way to experience general aviation. You can take scenic flights over Minnesota, fly to the cabin for the weekend, or bring family and friends along for the experience. Either way, the Cirrus SR20 gives you a comfortable way to enjoy flying on your own terms.

Flying for Business and Personal Travel

For business owners and frequent travelers, the Cirrus SR20 can open the door to a more flexible way to move around the region. Instead of working around commercial airline schedules or spending hours on the road, trained pilots can fly themselves directly to the airports that make the most sense for their destination. The SR20’s speed, range, comfort, and modern avionics make it a practical option for regional business trips, client meetings, weekend travel, and personal transportation.

Becoming a Future Pilot

For students who are serious about aviation, training in a Cirrus offers exposure to one of the most modern platforms in general aviation. The SR20 gives you experience with advanced avionics, glass cockpit systems, and procedures that can help prepare you for more complex aircraft in the future.

At Lake Elmo Aero, students learn from Cirrus Training Center Instructors and Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilots who are trained to Cirrus standards. That means you’re not just learning to fly but learning to operate a modern aircraft with discipline, confidence, and strong decision-making.

Why Choose Lake Elmo Aero as Your Cirrus Training Center

Lake Elmo Aero gives Twin Cities pilots and future pilots access to official Cirrus training, modern aircraft, and experienced instruction close to home. As one of only three official Cirrus Training Centers in Minnesota, we offer a direct connection to one of the most innovative aircraft brands in the world, built right here in Duluth. If you plan on purchasing a Cirrus SR series aircraft, the best place to start is at Lake Elmo Aero.

When you train with Lake Elmo Aero, you have access to:

  • A modern Cirrus fleet, including a 2019 SR20 G6 and a 2025 SR20 G7+ with Garmin Autoland and air conditioning
  • Instruction from Cirrus Training Center Instructors and Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilots
  • Training options for students, licensed pilots, aircraft owners, and renters
  • Embark and transition training, including options at your own home field when appropriate
  • Support for every stage of training, from a first Discovery Flight to advanced IFR transition training
  • A Twin Cities-based Cirrus Training Center with a strong connection to Cirrus aircraft’s Minnesota roots
  • Leaseback options are available

Begin Your Cirrus Training Today

Ready to experience Cirrus training in the Twin Cities? Lake Elmo Aero offers official Cirrus instruction for new students, licensed pilots, aircraft owners, and anyone ready to explore one of the most advanced single-engine aircraft platforms in general aviation. Schedule a Cirrus Discovery Flight or contact our team to learn more about transition training, Embark training, rentals, and advanced Cirrus instruction.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cirrus Training

Do I need previous flying experience to start Cirrus training?

You do not need previous flying experience to start Cirrus training. This type of training is designed to take pilots from zero Cirrus experience all the way to full confidence in the aircraft. If you’re brand new to flying altogether, a Discovery Flight is a great first step to experience the aircraft and see if training is right for you.

If you already own a Cirrus, we can train you in your own aircraft. Our Cirrus Embark Program is built specifically for new Cirrus owners, and we’re approved to work with your insurance company to complete the required checkout. In many cases, we can train you in your own aircraft at your own home field in or near the Twin Cities.

Our G6 is a 2019 model equipped with the Garmin Perspective+ avionics suite, while our G7+ is a 2025 model featuring the newest generation of Cirrus technology, including Garmin Autoland. Both are excellent training platforms, and which one is right for you often depends on your training goals and experience level.
Of course! You can rent a Cirrus once you finish training. Both our SR20 G6 and G7+ are available for rental once you’ve earned your license or completed the appropriate checkout. You can rent our aircraft for a business trip, a family getaway, or simply for the enjoyment of it.
Official Cirrus Training Center status means our instructors and training programs meet standards set directly by Cirrus Aircraft itself. With only three locations holding that designation statewide, Lake Elmo Aero offers Twin Cities pilots direct, convenient access to factory-standard Cirrus training without having to travel far outside the metro area.

The Cirrus is a good aircraft for someone who wants to use flying for business travel. The SR20’s speed, range, and modern avionics make it a practical option for business owners and professionals who want more flexibility and control over regional travel than commercial flights or long car rides allow. Many of our clients use the Cirrus to reach meetings, job sites, or clients across the region far more efficiently than they could otherwise.

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I, (PARTICIPANT MENTIONED ABOVE) voluntarily desire to take an airplane (collectively, “Aircraft”) ride, pilot an Aircraft, rent an Aircraft, and/or train to pilot an Aircraft (collectively, the “Activity”), as well as to participate in the associated activities including, but not limited to, boarding, deplaning and/or walking on the runway and/or around the Aircraft, etc. (the “Associated Activities”), with LAKE ELMO AERO, LLC (collectively, the “Company”). Such activities may result in bodily injury, death, and property damage. I understand and acknowledge that engaging in any of the above activities are purely voluntary and I have made the decision to participate of my own free will. I also understand and acknowledge that, but for my voluntary execution of this Release of Liability (“Release”), the Company would not allow me to be in or otherwise near any Aircraft or participate in any Activity or the Associated Activities.

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