For Dr. Tom Nasser, aviation has always been a passion. But like many pilots, life took him on a different path for a time. Today, as a Vision Jet owner and pilot, Dr. Nasser reflects on his journey with Cirrus — one that reignited his love for flying and changed his life forever.
Table of Contents/Summary
- A Passion for Aviation, Rekindled
- A Life-Changing Experience
- Rediscovering Aviation
- From Piston to Turbofan: A Natural Progression
- The Cirrus Life™: Freedom to Fly
- Safety, Community and Lifelong Learning
- Living the Dream
A Passion for Aviation, Rekindled
Tom’s journey in aviation began in 1978, when he took his first flight lesson at just 15 years old. He fondly remembers the moment: “I grew up in Indianapolis, and got a discovery flight for Christmas in a Cessna 150 at Eagle Creek Airport. It was in 1978, and I can still remember the feeling of that first flight. That flight completely changed my life. It kept me off the streets and sparked a passion for flying.”
However, Tom’s aviation dream almost stayed just that—a dream. “My high school grades weren’t great. I was so obsessed with aviation that I spent most of my time reading flight manuals instead of doing schoolwork,” he admits. Yet despite his passion, Tom chose a more practical path. “My father, a cardiologist, convinced me to pursue a different career and make flying a hobby. So, I did just that and focused on dentistry instead.”
A Life-Changing Experience
Tom’s journey took a dramatic turn in 1980. On December 31st, while scuba diving in the Florida Keys, his boat sank. “It was a near-death experience, and I don’t want to go into details because it’s still really emotional for me,” he shares, his voice tinged with emotion. “But that experience gave me a second chance at life. I began studying harder in college and decided to pursue a career in dentistry, ultimately leading me to dental school. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, so I took basic courses. It wasn’t until later that I decided on endodontics.”
Tom’s story underscores the transformative power of second chances. “I’m not the smartest guy, and I’m a slow reader, but I’m motivated, and I’m really good with my hands. Endodontics allowed me to do something I love while making a living, and it’s also provided me with the financial freedom to pursue flying for fun,” he reflects.
Rediscovering Aviation
It wasn’t until 2005, after a 15-year hiatus, that aviation truly called Tom back. At a dental convention, he spotted a friend wearing a Cirrus shirt. “I asked him, ‘What’s a Cirrus aircraft?’ He told me to check it out when I got home. That moment, I knew — I wanted one. I was ready to dive in.”
This set the stage for a thrilling return to aviation. “I called a fellow dentist and Cirrus owner I hadn’t spoken to in years. He invited me to the airport for a quick flight, and from that moment, I couldn’t stop grinning. It was like love at first flight. The next day, I was signing the papers.” In October 2005, Tom took delivery of his first SR22 in Duluth, Minnesota. “It was surreal. They asked me, ‘Dr. Nasser, are you ready to see your new plane?’ That moment will stay with me forever. The dream was finally real.”
From Piston to Turbofan: A Natural Progression
Tom didn’t just stop his aviation goals at owning an SR22. He pursued flying with unmatched enthusiasm. “I was flying almost every weekend, going to every Cirrus pilot training session I could. I was learning nonstop. Then in 2016, I upgraded to an SR22T, and two years ago, I made the leap to the Vision Jet. At 60, I said, ‘It’s time.’”
He recalls the transition with enthusiasm: “The Vision Jet is a completely different experience. Taking the type rating in Knoxville was like staying at the Ritz-Carlton of aviation. The training was incredible, and the jet itself is such a joy to fly. It’s opened up new doors for me, and I’ve never looked back.”
Tom signs the board at the Vision Center, signifying he has achieved his Vision Jet type rating.
The Cirrus Life™: Freedom to Fly
For Tom, flying is more than a hobby — it’s a lifestyle. “Cirrus has given me the freedom to fly where I want, when I want. My wife Jan and I have a place in Heaven’s Landing in Georgia, a private aviation community. We fly down about once a month. It’s only an hour and 15 minutes in the jet. That’s the Cirrus Life in action: I’m airborne in 15 minutes, while others are still waiting at TSA.”
That freedom is priceless to Tom. “We take the dogs! Flying commercial is just so inconvenient now with all the delays and lines. Owning the Vision Jet has truly been a privilege—one I’ll never take for granted.”
Tom, his wife Jan and their three dogs take delivery of their Vision Jet.
Safety, Community and Lifelong Learning
Safety has always been paramount for Tom. “I never stop learning. I never stop training,” he says with conviction. “I’ve lost friends in aviation accidents, and that’s something I take to heart. Cirrus has gone above and beyond in making safety a priority, not just with the parachute and Safe Return, but with the technology and people behind the company.”
Beyond safety, Tom treasures the Cirrus community. “The people I’ve met through Cirrus are some of the most interesting and inspiring individuals. I love the ConVerge events and getting to meet new people who share the same passion for aviation. It’s all about learning and connecting.”
Tom chats with astronauts (L to R) Hoot Gibson, Rhea Sneddon and Frank Culbertson at a Vision Pilots and Owners event.
Living the Dream
As Tom reflects on his aviation journey, he’s humbled by how far he’s come. “I’m just an average guy, but I work hard, and that’s what has gotten me here. I love what I do—root canals, caring for patients, but as my friend at Cirrus Dale Huffstetler says, ‘There’s more to life than root canals.’ And he’s right.”
For Tom, Cirrus isn’t just an aircraft — “It’s a way of life. It’s a privilege to fly this amazing aircraft and it’s a reminder of how far aviation has come since the Wright brothers’ first flight. The Klapmeier brothers revolutionized general aviation, and I’m just lucky to be part of that story.”
As he reaches new milestones, Tom embraces the freedom to fly and the joy it brings. “Life’s short, and I’m living the dream,” he says, with gratitude in his voice. “I’m living the Cirrus Life.”
Are you ready to make your Personal Aviation™ dream a reality? Find your nearest Cirrus location here.