February 19 issue of Flight School Business

VOL. 9-ISSUE 4-2/19/2019

TRAINING TRENDS

Death, taxes, and the 2020 mandate

Beginning January 1, 2020, Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast-Out will be required for aircraft to fly in certain airspace. It’s important to understand the requirements of the mandate, as well as what is not required—but may be useful tools for your flight school’s training fleet. READ MORE ›

NEWS

Trump signs spending bill, including presidential TFR relief

President Trump signed into law on Feb. 15 a $328 billion spending package that will keep the government open. The new law also provides $3.5 million in reimbursement funding to airports affected by presidential temporary flight restrictions (TFRs). TFRs have left airports financially drained as many businesses remain inoperable during the restrictions—from fixed-base operators to skydiving operations, flight schools, maintenance shops, and other aviation activities. READ MORE ›

Sun Flyer notes successful flight with electric motor

The all-electric Sun Flyer 2 airplane flew for its first official trial with a Siemens electric propulsion motor on Feb. 8 as it pursues FAA certification. The two-seater flew from Denver’s Centennial Airport powered by a 57-pound motor with a 90-kilowatt peak (120) horsepower rating. More flight testing is projected for this year. READ MORE ›

FSANA announces new flight training financing program

The Flight School Association of North America (FSANA) announced Feb. 15 a new financing program for students seeking flight training. The Skybound program, in conjunction with FMS Bank, offers business lead loans that are secured by a percentage down payment, and non-collateral loans directly usable for flight training, FSANA said. The program is open to FSANA member flight schools. For more information, see the website.

NTSB removes GA loss of control from ‘most wanted list’

The National Transportation Safety Board called for an improvement to Part 135 aircraft operational safety in the “2019-2020 Most Wanted List of Transportation and Safety Improvements,” released Feb. 4. Previous versions had specifically mentioned reducing loss of control accidents in general aviation—but loss of control is no longer included in the targeted list. READ MORE ›

Industry asks agencies to ante up for pilot, technician training

A group of 40 aviation organizations has urged the Trump administration include in its upcoming budget a proposal to fund new grant programs aimed at recruiting and training the next generation of aerospace workers and pilots. The grant programs were enacted in 2018 but have yet to be funded. READ MORE ›

N.C. aviation complex to include flight school

A public-private partnership between the state of North Carolina and a Raleigh-based aviation business will result in a site with a fixed-base operation, maintenance facility, and flight school at Johnston Regional Airport. Blue Line Aviation is set to build a state-of-the-art aviation complex and headquarters as part of the $13 million project, according to The Wilson Times. The state has obtained more than $3.8 million in state and federal funding to put into the project, which also will include hangar space, office and restaurant space, and an observation area and playground.

POLL

No-shows

Do you charge for missed/cancelled lessons? Tell us in this week’s survey.

Results

In the Feb. 4, 2019, survey, we wanted to know how your CFIs teach time-speed-distance calculations. Here are the results.

<em>Flight School Business</em>

MARKETING

The CFI as a salesperson

Your flight instructor staff is also your sales staff. But how do you get them to sign on to that idea? By helping them to recognize that everyone is a salesperson at some level. Ed Helmick gives you more ideas. READ MORE ›

QUICK TIP

Sometimes, an employee needs to be disciplined or terminated. Understanding your responsibilities as an employer may help prevent a discrimination charge or complaint. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has a list of items to consider, including ensuring that disciplinary and termination decisions are consistent with your discipline policy, and documenting the reason or reasons for the discipline or termination. Find more information on the EEOC website.

SAFETY

One little word

How do you get air traffic control’s attention when the frequency is busy and you’re fast approaching their airspace? In the newest episode of “Ask ATC,” controllers explain how calling with your N-number and the word “request” opens the door to the legal communication requirement. See the video.

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Flight School Business Editor:
Jill W. Tallman

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Sylvia Horne

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