Sacramento Aviation Incorporated, Sacramento

With its beginner-friendly controls and souped up horsepower, it's easy to see why the Cirrus SR20 has become the airplane of choice for flight instructors. But there's another distinguishing—and borderline unbelievable—feature that draw teachers and students: the light aircraft is virtually crash-proof. That's thanks to the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System. In the unlikely event of engine failure or an attack by vengeful geese, the plane deploys a massive parachute that sends the craft gliding to earth. Against this backdrop of total confidence, students learn everything from the basics of flight to pulling off challenging journeys in inclement weather, all with the help of Sacramento Aviation's FAA-certified instructors.