The FAA requires all U.S. airlines to have a functioning safety management system (SMS). Rainier Flight Service shares how implementing key elements of SMS can improve flight training safety as well. READ MORE ›
NEWS
FAA proposes AD on Piper wing spars
The FAA has proposed a new airworthiness directive (AD) requiring inspection for metal fatigue of main wing spars on many Piper PA–28 and PA–32 single engine airplanes that have reached a certain factored time-in-service level. The proposed AD also would require that the inspection results be reported to the FAA, and wing spars that fail the inspection would need to be replaced. Comments may be submitted until Feb. 4. READ MORE ›
Navigating the government shutdown
How does the government shutdown affect your flight school? While many government offices that pilots rely on are deemed critical and will remain open, certain federal functions will slow or stop. READ MORE ›
FAA slimming down notices to airmen publication
Beginning in February, the Notices to Airmen Publication (NTAP) will remove flight data center notams. The slimming down of the NTAP will continue in succeeding issues. FDC notams will still be considered on-request items when obtaining a briefing from flight service stations. READ MORE ›
AOPA 2019 Fly-In locations revealed
Looking for a fly-out destination in 2019? AOPA has three suggestions: Livermore, California; Frederick, Maryland; and Tullahoma, Tennessee. Those are the locations for three scheduled fly-ins for the 2019 season. READ MORE ›
Some ASI courses to sunset, but info still available
Some AOPA Air Safety Institute online courses are no longer offered in 2019 because of declining browser support for Adobe Flash. ASI has taken steps to ensure the relevant information in most of the affected courses will be available for free to pilots in other ways. READ MORE ›
POLL
Adding an E-LSA
The FAA is considering a proposed rule that would permit a training provider to use an Experimental-Light Sport aircraft for flight training for compensation or hire. If this rule goes through, how likely is your flight school to add an E-LSA to its fleet? Take the poll.
Results
In the Dec.11, 2018, issue, we asked about your business goals for 2019. Here are the results.
MARKETING
Respect is a two-way street
As we roll into a brand-new year, it’s a good time to remind our staff members about the basics: You work for the customer; and it’s best not to insult the people who are paying you. Read on for two examples of disrespectful behavior toward clients. READ MORE ›
QUICK TIP
Kindles, iPads, and other tablets are popular gifts during the holidays. Here’s a great idea from Nashville Flight Training: Use email to point your customers to a selection of free FAA electronic publications they can download onto their new devices. Nashville also used this as an opportunity to promote its online store with eBooks ready to purchase on demand.
SAFETY
Flight following or flight plan?
Many new pilots think that if they’re participating in flight following, a flight plan is unnecessary. Or they may think that if they’ve filed a flight plan, flight following is automatic. Help your clients understand the important differences between the two types of service in this video from the AOPA Air Safety Institute.