May 1 2018 issue of Flight School Business

VOL. 8-ISSUE 9-5/1/2018

TRAINING TRENDS

Flight School Spotlight:

Texas Flight

Should you be providing tailwheel and basic aerobatic training at your flight school? Texas Flight enlisted the aid of a highly skilled CFI and airshow performer to teach fundamental stick and rudder skills in an exciting new program. “[E]arning an instrument rating and doing basic aerobatic/tailwheel training are the two most valuable skills to help you become a safer pilot,” says CFI Wanda Collins. READ MORE ›

NEWS

FAA drops complex aircraft requirement for some flight tests

The FAA has discontinued the requirement that applicants for a commercial pilot certificate with an airplane single-engine rating or a flight instructor certificate with an airplane single-engine rating provide a complex airplane for their practical tests. The policy does not eliminate the complex airplane training and endorsement requirements or existing aeronautical experience requirements. READ MORE ›

Shuster backs down on last-minute ATC kerfuffle

Less than 24 hours after proposing an amendment that had shades of his previous effort to “privatize” air traffic control, Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) backed down on his plans, thanks to an immediate outpouring of opposition by general aviation pilots. Shuster introduced an amendment to FAA funding legislation late April 23, just hours ahead of a planned vote on the bill (H.R. 4). READ MORE ›

American Airlines launches cadet academy

American Airlines announced April 24 it will open a cadet academy aimed at recruiting and training pilots for its regional airlines, with an opportunity to advance to the legacy carrier. American is partnering with three flight schools to provide training. READ MORE ›

Sun Flyer 2 prototype marks first test flight

The Sun Flyer 2, a prototype electric airplane, took to the air on April 10. The zero-carbon-emission two-place airplane designed to slash operating costs and noise is aimed at the flight training market. READ MORE ›

King Schools goes online

After evolving its content delivery for more than 40 years, King Schools has said goodbye to discs and has moved all its pilot training courses online. The most recent edition of King Schools’ Cessna Flight Training System is now available to any flight school, college, high school, or individual flight instructor. All included courses are Part 141-approvable. READ MORE ›

GIFT expands camps for women pilots

Girls in Flight Training (GIFT) Academy, a nonprofit organization that focuses on helping women achieve success in flight training, will expand its offerings in 2018 to include Lancaster, Texas, and Vernon, Texas. GIFT Academy offers mentoring, peer-to-peer learning, and a variety of instructors with different teaching techniques and aircraft. READ MORE ›

Correction

A news story in the April 17, 2018, edition incorrectly referred to ATP Flight School as ATP Flight Schools. Flight School Business regrets the error.

POLL

Complex aircraft

The FAA has removed the requirement to take commercial and certificated flight instructor practical tests in complex aircraft. What impact will this have on your flight school’s fleet? Tell us in this week’s poll.

Results

In the April 17, 2018, issue, we wanted to know whether your flight school has aircraft on leaseback. Here are the results.

<em>Flight School Business</em>

MARKETING

‘Does not have any upcoming events’

Is this what your flight school’s Facebook page says? If so, you may be setting up your business with a negative first impression, causing prospective clients to go elsewhere. Ed Helmick offers ideas to make your flight school look vibrant with activity. READ MORE ›

QUICK TIP

Pilots are passionate about aviation. Your passion will consistently drive you to improve your process so your flight school grows. But Forbes contributor Mike Kappel cautions, “Don’t let passion take over all your decisions.” Conduct market research; talk to target customers to find out your business’s potential; ask experts questions about launching a new business. “Think of it like driving a car. Let your passion hit the gas pedal and your mind control the steering wheel,” Kappel advises.

SAFETY

Avoiding traffic pattern stalls

Your clients know how to recognize stalls in primary training, but would they be prepared to recover in the traffic pattern? Margins of Safety: Avoiding Traffic Pattern Stalls discusses the complexities of the traffic pattern and the ways in which distraction, poor pattern discipline, and sloppy stick-and-rudder flying can cause problems. The free video from the AOPA Air Safety Institute can be found online.

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Flight School Business Editor:
Jill W. Tallman

Production Specialist:
Sylvia Horne

Advertising Production Coordinator:
Donna Stoner

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