For Blaze Grubbs, aviation wasn’t just a career aspiration—it was a calling that took flight at the age of 16. During the COVID-19 pandemic, while many were navigating uncertainty, Blaze saw an opportunity. With time on his hands and a passion for adventure, he turned to flight training, setting the foundation for a journey that would lead him to Cirrus.
Table of Contents/Summary
Getting Started
Blaze’s journey into aviation began early, earning his Private Pilot’s License as a teenager. As he and his family became more familiar with the aviation world, one priority stood out above all: safety. That’s when Cirrus came into the picture.
“My mom didn’t want to put me in anything but a Cirrus,” Blaze recalls. “I feel very fortunate that my family was in the position to get an SR22 Turbo. I was 17 when I stepped into that aircraft.”
The SR22T became a pivotal part of Blaze’s training—a combination of performance, technology, and the confidence that comes with flying an aircraft equipped with the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®). With advanced avionics and thoughtful design, it gave Blaze and his family the peace of mind they were looking for.
With the best training available and a relentless drive to improve his skills, Blaze progressed through his ratings. While the journey to higher-performance aircraft often comes with challenges—especially in terms of insurance requirements—he worked his way up strategically, accumulating experience in both the SR22T and a Diamond before stepping into the Vision Jet.
“People don’t realize how big insurance is when moving to the next step,” he explains. “You really have to work your way up. I had a lot of Garmin time, but not a lot of retractable gear time, so we had to make sure I was ready for the transition.”
The Cirrus Life
When asked what “The Cirrus Life” means to him, Blaze’s response is immediate: it’s about the people.
“Cirrus hires so well, and the people who fly Cirrus aircraft are just different. You step into the Knoxville Training Center, and it’s like, ‘Oh my goodness, this is so cool—I just want to be a part of it.’ The community of Cirrus owners and pilots is unlike any other, built on a foundation of innovation, passion, and camaraderie.”
Cirrus isn’t just about the aircraft—it’s about the experience. From the first flight lesson to earning a type rating, every step in the journey is supported by a world-class network of instructors, mentors, and fellow pilots who share a common passion for flight. And, of course, the aircraft themselves stand in a class of their own—offering cutting-edge technology, industry-leading safety features, and an ownership experience that’s second to none.
Flying the Vision Jet
Today, Blaze is the primary pilot for his family’s Vision Jet. Whether for personal trips or mission-driven travel, the aircraft has become an indispensable part of their lifestyle. With the convenience and performance of the Vision Jet, they can maximize every journey, whether staying close to home in Sacramento or venturing beyond.
“I’m the only one who flies it for my family, so I get to use it a lot,” he says with a smile. “It’s a privilege to fly an aircraft like this.”
One of Blaze’s most unforgettable experiences? Crossing the Atlantic in the Vision Jet. “We started in Knoxville, Tennessee, and ended up in Sweden,” he shares. “We went through Canada, Greenland, Iceland, and Norway. Obviously, you’re over a large body of water for quite a while, but with the turbine on our back and the parachute, I felt very safe. I wouldn’t have done it in another plane.”
The transatlantic journey showcased the Vision Jet’s impressive capabilities. From its efficiency in fuel burn to its intuitive avionics, the aircraft proved itself in demanding conditions. Blaze describes the experience as “awe-inspiring,” reflecting on the views of the vast ocean, the unique stops along the route, and the confidence he felt knowing he was flying one of the safest aircraft in its class.
“Flying over Greenland was unreal. The ice, the remoteness—it was like something out of a movie. But at the same time, I was completely at ease in the Vision Jet.”
Not every memorable flight takes place over oceans—some have a more profound emotional impact closer to home.
Last July, while in Arizona with his family, Blaze received an urgent request: a cleft-palate puppy needed a flight to Sacramento for a life-saving procedure. “I said absolutely,” Blaze recalls. “My girlfriend and I picked up the puppy, and my dad and I flew it safely back. Most cleft puppies are put down, but this one had a chance thanks to aviation.”
Last October, Blaze combined his two worlds — aviation and athletics. As a professional waterskier, he flew his family to San Marcos, Texas, for the 2024 Collegiate Waterski Nationals representing ASU. “It was a beautiful flight into the regional airport,” he says. “Another pilot recognized the tail number and offered me a hangar spot—such a small world.” Blaze ended that week with his first collegiate title and flew home to Arizona with a gold medal in hand and an even deeper appreciation for the reach of the aviation community.
Beyond the Flight Deck
Aviation isn’t just about flying—it’s about the doors it opens. For Blaze, aviation has allowed him to connect with an incredible network of people, travel in ways he never imagined, and continuously push himself to new heights.
“It always feels like a party with Cirrus,” he says about attending Cirrus events. “The people are amazing, the food is incredible, and I’ve already learned so much. It’s just fun. So many familiar faces, and I’m only 21. I’m just getting into this all, but it feels like home. That’s what’s really important.”
At just 21, Blaze has already achieved what many pilots only dream of—earning his Vision Jet type rating, flying internationally, and becoming part of an elite aviation community. But for him, this is just the beginning.
Looking Ahead
Blaze’s journey is just beginning. As he continues to refine his skills and gain experience, he has his sights set on bigger and bolder aviation goals. Whether it’s flying new routes, mentoring aspiring pilots, or exploring the many career opportunities aviation offers, he knows that with Cirrus, the sky is truly the limit.
His advice to aspiring aviators?
“I definitely encourage everyone to get into aviation. Whether as a pilot or in another aspect of flying, I truly think it’s all about the people you know. The aviation community is unlike anything else. It’s a small world, and those connections can take you far.”
For Blaze, aviation is more than just flying—it’s a way of life. And with Cirrus, that life is limitless.
Want to learn how to fly? Check out the Cirrus Locator to find a location near you.
