From Citation Jets To Cirrus: Why Mindy Lindheim Chose Lone Mountain For Her Transition Training
At Lone Mountain Aircraft, we support pilots at every stage of their journey—whether they’re new to Cirrus or seasoned aviators expanding their skillset. Recently, Mindy Lindheim, an experienced pilot and aircraft sales broker, completed her Cirrus Transition Training with us in Cincinnati. With a flight background that spans from Cessna Skyhawks to Citation jets, Mindy came ready to take on a new challenge. As a result, her experience at Lone Mountain helped her elevate both her flying and her professional expertise.
Why Cirrus?
Before training with us, Mindy had built a strong foundation in general aviation, with extensive experience flying both piston aircraft and jets. However, her experience in a Cirrus aircraft was limited to a single flight—over a decade ago.
So why Cirrus now?
“I wanted to pursue Cirrus training to align with my professional career as an aircraft sales broker,” she explains.
“Since a lot of my sales with Lone Mountain Aircraft are the Cirrus brand, it was time for me to start flying them!”
— Mindy L.
For a sales professional like Mindy, firsthand product knowledge is essential. Her goal was clear: to align her flight experience with the insight and credibility she brings to clients.
A Streamlined Training Experience, Built For Proficiency
Mindy completed her Cirrus Transition in just two highly focused days—an ideal structure for experience pilots transitioning into the Cirrus platform. On day one, she focused on VFR maneuvers and landings, while on day two she emphasized IFR procedures.
“For an experienced pilot learning a new model, this felt like the perfect amount of time,” she said.
Before arriving, Mindy completed the Cirrus Approach online courseware, which laid a strong foundation before she even stepped into the cockpit.
Mindy notes, “The courseware is top tier, with high-end video production that makes following along enjoyable (and bearable!).”
Adapting To The Cirrus: Key Differences
While the Cirrus is intuitive in many ways, it does require some adjustment—especially during landing.
“In a Cessna, it’s common to go for a full-stall landing with a big flare. In contrast, in the Cirrus, the goal is to ‘fly it onto the ground’ with less flare and more airspeed.”
Her extensive experience with Garmin G1000 avionics also helped streamline the transition.
“Garmin is Garmin. Although it might look different or have new buttons, it has the same brains. That made a huge
difference.”
— Mindy L.
Training You Can Trust
Mindy highlighted the professionalism and consistency of instruction as one of the most impressive aspects of her experience.
In fact, “I flew with two different instructors from different backgrounds, and both had equal knowledge and identical processes in the Cirrus. That speaks volumes about the standardization Cirrus requires of its endorsed instructors.”
She also appreciated the modern aircraft and training environment, which includes a G6 SR20 and full-featured flight simulator.
Advice For Future Cirrus Pilots
For those considering Cirrus Transition Training at Lone Mountain, Mindy has one big piece of advice:
“Before you arrive, complete and understand the Cirrus Approach courseware. That way, you can focus most of your energy on the flying.”
Would she recommend Lone Mountain Flight Training to others?
“Absolutely. Not only are the instructors are exceptional, but the equipment is top-notch and the training center is centrally located in Cincinnati, Ohio—easy to fly into and spend a few productive days.” — Mindy L.
Ready To Fly Further?
Whether transitioning into Cirrus or growing as a pilot, Lone Mountain Flight Training delivers expert instruction, modern aircraft, and a streamlined curriculum designed to set you up for success.
To learn more, visit lmaflighttraining.com. Mindy is based in Las Vegas and is happy to connect.