Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Cirrus Aircraft is expanding flight training options for Vision Jet pilots with the addition of a simulator at its facility in Scottsdale, Arizona. The simulator, built by CAE, replicates the flight deck of the very ight jet to provide recurrent training in procedures, maneuvers, and emergency situations.
Located close to Cirrus’ existing facility at Scottsdale Airport (KSDL), the simulator has the capacity to be used by 45 pilots each month. The manufacturer will start recurrent training at the site in March 2026.
Cirrus Scottsdale provides flight training for both the Vision Jet and SR Series piston aircraft through the Cirrus One program. Now, the company said, it is recruiting additional instructors, simulator technicians, and administrative staff.
“Cirrus is making Vision Jet flight training more accessible to customers on the West Coast,” said company CEO Zean Nielsen. “We are expanding flight training in Scottsdale, enhancing our capacity and convenience for our customers. The Cirrus Scottsdale investment is integral for our new community seeking Vision Jet recurrent training.”
As it approaches the 10th anniversary of the Vision Jet program, the Duluth, Minnesota-based manufacturer said it has delivered almost 700 examples of the seven-passenger, single-engine aircraft. Cirrus markets the model for personal or business use, as well as for Part 135 charter operations.
Vision Jet owners get support through the manufacturer’s Jetstream program, which covers maintenance, training, operating subscriptions, and normal wear and tear at fixed price rates. In-flight connectivity is available through the Cirrus IQ Pro premium plan delivered via the Cirrus IQ mobile app, through which operators also receive real-time updates covering inspections and maintenance requirements, as well as flight data.
Cirrus has mobile unit service teams based in Arizona, Illinois, Florida, Maryland, Tennessee, and Texas. These are available in tandem with the company’s network of authorized service and flight training centers.
To date, worldwide flight time on both the Vision Jet and the SR Series aircraft totals 19 million hours. According to the company, 280 people have returned home safely after deploying the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System, which comes as standard equipment.

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

Cirrus Adds Vision Jet Flight Simulator in Scottsdale

CAE simulator will be used for recurrent pilot training 

Cirrus Aircraft is set to expand recurrent training for Vision Jet pilots with the availability from March 2026 of a simulator in Scottsdale, Arizona.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Amy Wilder

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.

Online booking platform debuts at NBAA-BACE

CAE Adds Flexibility to Technician Training

Kerry Lynch

Company opened a $40 million Career & Learning Center 

Textron Aviation Workforce Initiatives Paying Dividends

AviationStart bringing AI to match student scholarships

NBAA Career Zone Showcasing AviationStart Scholarship Resource

Matt Thurber

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.

First implementation of advanced upset prevention and recovery training in Portugal

Omni, Unlimited Aerobatics Partner on UPRT Training

Curt Epstein

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.

Michigan location is company's first to obtain this approval

Duncan Aviation Battle Creek Gets FAA Nod as Test Center

New members will have one year from joining to complete the training

GLADA Launches Aircraft Sales Broker Training Program

News and information about crew, passenger, aircraft and airport security issues.

NBAA-BACE 2025

In this article

Cirrus Vision SF50

CAE

More In Training and Workforce

CAE Adds Flexibility to Technician Training

Online booking platform debuts at NBAA-BACE

Textron Aviation Workforce Initiatives Paying Dividends

Company opened a $40 million Career & Learning Center

NBAA Career Zone Showcasing AviationStart Scholarship Resource

AviationStart bringing AI to match student scholarships

Omni, Unlimited Aerobatics Partner on UPRT Training

First implementation of advanced upset prevention and recovery training in Portugal

Duncan Aviation Battle Creek Gets FAA Nod as Test Center

Michigan location is company's first to obtain this approval

GLADA Launches Aircraft Sales Broker Training Program

New members will have one year from joining to complete the training

AINsight: Euro Bizav Leaders Get Real about Challenges

Candid discussions at AIN’s CALS Europe Summit were revealing

People in Aviation - October 2025

People in Aviation - October 2025

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN