A lifelong aviation enthusiast who joined&nbsp;AIN&nbsp;in 2007, Curt came to&nbsp;the publication&nbsp;from the broadcast industry where he was a national science and technology television reporter and producer. He writes on the FBO field, aviation finance, and sustainable aviation and occasionally contributes to&nbsp;AIN&nbsp;sister publication&nbsp;Business Jet Traveler. Curt was a member of the AINtv reporting staff that won the 2008 Aerospace Journalist of the Year award for Best Airshow Daily. That same year, he was a finalist for another AJOYA award. He earned an AJOYA for Best Business Aviation Submission in 2018 and was a finalist in that category in 2021. He received the National Air Transportation Association’s&nbsp; Aviation Journalist Award in 2012 and won a Pegasus Sapphire Business Aviation Award for outstanding journalism in 2021.
Before joining AIN, Curt worked with&nbsp;Consumer Reports’ television division, CRTV, and for several local television news staffs. An honors graduate of the State University of New York at Stony Brook, he earned a master’s degree in broadcast journalism from Boston University in 1995. Curt lives in New York State with his wife and two young sons.

Business Aviation Services Editor

Curt Epstein

Cirrus Aircraft completed a multimillion-dollar expansion of its Grand Forks, North Dakota manufacturing facility last week. According to the company, this move “addresses the growing need for additional manufacturing space as Cirrus aircraft demand continues to increase.”
The expanded facility, which is designed to sustain current and forecasted production rates, will enable a streamlined flow of composite parts. It will support the airframer’s product portfolio, including the SR-series high-performance pistons and SF50 Vision Jet.
Cirrus employs approximately 500 employees, approximately 80 percent of whom are dedicated to direct manufacturing operations. The OEM noted the facility’s expansion also provides greater production flexibility to better support the innovation process.&nbsp;
“This expansion reflects our continued investment in our people, our products, and the Grand Forks community,” said company CEO Zean Nielsen. “By adding more than 30,000 square feet, creating new jobs, and enhancing our workplace for our team members, we're positioning Cirrus for continued growth.”
In addition to Cirrus’ investment, contributions from local partners signify a shared commitment to economic growth and advanced manufacturing in the region.
Aside from Grand Forks, Cirrus has six other manufacturing locations in the U.S., including Duluth, Minnesota; Dallas; Phoenix; Orlando, Florida; Knoxville, Tennessee; and Benton Harbor, Michigan.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Cirrus Expands North Dakota Aircraft Manufacturing Facility

The Grand Forks location supports the airframer's composites work

Cirrus Aircraft has expanded its composites manufacturing in Grand Forks, North Dakota to meet future demand for its SR series aircraft and the VisionJet.

Cirrus Expands North Dakota Manufacturing Facility

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Amy Wilder

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

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.

Eagle mod downtime falls 20 percent, company reports

CitationPartners Nears Q4 Slot Capacity for Eagle Mods

Charlotte Bailey

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Lockheed Martin and Embraer could be in contention for defense deal 

Indian Air Force Seeks New Transport Aircraft Proposals

German blended-wing developer opts not to pursue project 

Horten Puts Flying Wing Aircraft Design Up For Sale 

Kerry Lynch

$123 million center is most expensive Pilatus facility investment yet

Pilatus Opens Center To Expand Composite Use

Neelam Mathews

Indian officials are reportedly willing to encourage new seaplane services 

Noemi Taps Seaplane Demand in India and Philippines

The MV250 is equipped with a GE turbogenerator that can produce one megawatt of power.

Beta's eVTOL Goes Hybrid To Fly Farther on Defense Missions

Charles Alcock

Organizers say Gulfstream, Bombardier, Dassault will exhibit in Dubai

MEBAA: 100+ Exhibitors Expected for December Dubai Show

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

In this article

Cirrus Aircraft

More In Aircraft