February 9, 2016, issue of ‘Flight School Business’ newsletter

News

FAA reauthorization bill proposes privatized ATC, user fees

The FAA reauthorization bill announced Feb. 3 would create a federally chartered, not-for-profit organization to manage air traffic control and includes language on third medical reform, certification reform, and user fees for airlines and Part 135 charter operators. AOPA President Mark Baker said the association firmly opposes user fees for any segment of GA, including business aviation. The plan to separate ATC from the FAA “raises important questions that demand meaningful answers,” he said. Read more >>

Cessna chooses 2016 Top Hawk University partner schools

Kent State University, LeTourneau University, Purdue University, and Westminster College have been chosen to participate in Cessna Aircraft Co.’s 2016 Top Hawk University program. The four colleges each will receive a new, custom-branded Cessna 172 in February, which they will use for flight training, recruitment efforts, and promotional activities throughout the year. In 2015, Top Hawk University partner schools Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Kansas State University, Liberty University, and the University of North Dakota logged thousands of hours while promoting general aviation.

Cirrus launches interactive flight ops manual

Cirrus Aircraft has launched an Apple iOS-based interactive flight manual for pilots and training facilities, the company announced Jan. 21. The Interactive Flight Operations Manual includes checklists, flight maneuver outlines, and flight profiles. The manual updates automatically, similar to applications on the iTunes App Store, the company said. Read more >>

AOPA Air Safety Institute offers free collision avoidance video

Not only do flight instructors teach “see and avoid,” they also put the concept to the test during flights with their clients. Help your CFIs convey additional ways to look out for traffic with Collision Avoidance: See, Sense, Separate—an indispensable tool to share with students. The video offers tips on being more visible to other aircraft, how ATC can help, and limitations of ATC assistance in a nonradar environment. Watch the video >>

Sporty’s, Prevailance partner for upset recovery training

Sporty’s and Prevailance Aerospace are teaming up to offer upset recovery and unusual attitude training to pilots. Two packages will be offered. Prevailance’s instructor pilots will conduct the training in an Extra 330LX at its Chesapeake, Virginia, headquarters.

Winds, rain curtail Sport Aviation Expo

The U.S. Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring, Florida, experienced two days of nasty weather, forcing the show to close on Jan. 22 and limiting the crowds—and the flying—to the final day, Jan. 23. The show opened its twelfth year with hopes of breaking a run of bad weather and reduced attendance. Directly after the show’s conclusion, its executive director resigned. Meanwhile, Sebring Airport Executive Director Mike Willingham said planning for 2017 is under way, and the show’s dates may shift as staff members study past years’ weather patterns to determine if changing the dates will increase the chance of favorable weather.

FBOs predict increased fuel sales in 2015

Fixed-base operators predicted increased fuel sales in 2015, according to a survey conducted by Aviation Business Strategies Group. Just more than one-third (35 percent) of survey respondents said they predict an increase of 1 percent to 4 percent over 2014 sales. Another 18 percent predicted a 5 to 8 percent increase, and 8 percent predicted an increase of more than 8 percent. “Overall, the outlook for 2015 shows a perceptible increase in optimism compared to the results from the 2014 survey where the majority of respondents predicted at least a break-even marketplace, with only about 40 percent projecting an increase in fuel sales volume,” said John L. Enticknap and Ron R. Jackson, principals at Aviation Business Strategies Group.

Students propel Marion to best Indiana airport

A pair of Purdue University aviation students performing their internship duties helped Indiana’s Marion Municipal Airport to bring home the state’s coveted 2015 “Airport of the Year” award. Paul McGuire and Macy Cupp, who are both training to become certificated flight instructors, brought attention to the airfield by creating a ground school for high school students, printing brochures highlighting the airfield’s economic benefits, and making presentations to lawmakers. Read more >>

Training Trends

She wins, you win

Women of Aviation Worldwide Week, March 7 through 13, is a unique and free opportunity for flight schools to secure new students. Read more >>

Poll

Chart challenge

Do you sell paper charts? Take the poll >>

Results

In the last issue, we wanted to know who your biggest competitor is. Here are the results:

Marketing

Dear Northeast flight school

Customers aren’t as quick to accept things at face value as they once might have been. Everyone has an “expert” a few clicks away. Jill W. Tallman discusses a flight school whose telephone quote for flight training did not go over well with a potential customer when he talked it over with his friends on an aviation internet board. Read more >>

Quick tip

How often do you revisit your flight school’s budget? Small-business experts recommend that you revise your monthly and annual budgets regularly to get a clearer, updated picture of your business finances. This will help you better control financial decisions, because you’ll know exactly what you can afford to spend, versus how much you are projecting to earn. See more budgeting tips in Business News Daily.

Safety

The ‘weaker sex’?

Accident data reveal that women pilots are less likely to be involved in accidents than male pilots. Are they better risk managers, or is it because they are flying fewer hours than men? Read more >>

Editor: Jill W. Tallman

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