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COPA has conducted the Pilot Proficiency Program since 2002 and over 350 COPA members attend each year.  Many members chose to make the CPPP, with its Cirrus-specific ground and flight training, a key part of their ongoing recurrent training, attending every 12 - 18 months.  A wide range of ground sessions and flight training allow each attendee to tailor the course to their personal training needs.

The primary objective of CPPP is to enable pilots to operate their aircraft with greater confidence, safety and enjoyment. Safety comes from many facets of a pilot's knowledge base; including plane handling, weather knowledge and utilizing the advanced avionics the Cirrus pilot has available. As pilots we get satisfaction from executing a text book approach and take pride after a smooth landing. Most of us review our performance after every flight. Nonetheless, the safety performance of SR2x pilots to date has not met our high expectations and the inherent safety advantages of the aircraft are not being realized. We hope that CPPP will help us all be safer pilots!

The Cirrus Pilot Proficiency Program allows two options for participants:

Flight + Ground

9 hours of ground instruction and 6 hours of flight instruction, including pre and post flight briefings. Ground instruction consists of

• Normal and Emergency Procedures, plus two of the elective segments below
• Advanced Avionics
• Aviation Survival
• Engine Management
• In Flight Weather Strategy and Tactics
• Preflight Weather Briefing
• Single Pilot Resource Management

Ground Only

15 hours of ground instruction. (Please note that not all elective segments will be available at each CPPP - see the logistics document for details.)  Ground instruction consists of

• Normal and Emergency Procedures, plus four of the elective segments below
• Advanced Avionics
• Aviation Survival
• Engine Management
• In Flight Weather Strategy and Tactics
• Preflight Weather Briefing
• Single Pilot Resource Management

Flight Instruction

CPPP will include two training flights individually tailored to the participant’s recurrent training requirements – and participants are encouraged to arrive with a list of areas they would like to emphasize during flight training. Those participants who wish to receive a BFR and / or IPC have time available during their flight time to meet the FAA requirements.

Partner in Command

This is a separate track from the student program, available to spouses, significant others, or other non-pilot frequent flying companions. This course is intended to make the non-pilot right seater more comfortable in the aircraft, teach them how to be an active participant in the flight as a resource to the pilot, and explain the availability and use of safety equipment in an emergency, including the CAPS. Availability will be announced on a course-by-course basis. When available, this segment is generally offered Saturday morning from 9 to 11am.

Course Fee
Flight + Ground - $900
Ground only - $375
Partner In Command (accompanying a paid registrant) - Free

All registrants must be members of COPA ($65/year).  If you are not a current member, you may join or renew during your registration.

Flight participants must provide their own Cirrus aircraft; flight instructors are provided by COPA.

Included in the fee are all meals: pizza at the “Hanger Party” Friday night at the hotel, Saturday and Sunday breakfast at the hotel, and box lunches Saturday and Sunday. COPA will provide a group dinner Saturday night–spouses invited.

The course fee does not include hotel registration.  Please see the logistics document for information on making your hotel reservation. 

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