May 14 issue of Flight School Business

VOL. 9-ISSUE 10-5/14/2019

TRAINING TRENDS

Flight School Spotlight:

Aerodyne Flight Center

Did you know the FAA has a free program that can help your clients and your business? If it’s been more than a few years since you’ve looked at Wings, it’s time to see what’s new. Doug Cox, co-owner of Aerodyne Flight Center, explains how Aerodyne uses Wings to create better pilots. READ MORE ›

NEWS

Birthday bash at AOPA

AOPA welcomed pilots and nonpilots alike while celebrating its eightieth birthday May 10 and 11 at an event that featured parachutists reenacting a wartime jump and a short takeoff and landing contest. AOPA plans two more fly-ins for 2019: June 21 and 22 in Livermore, California; and September 13 and 14 in Tullahoma, Tennessee. READ MORE ›

ADS-B rebates almost gone

Fewer than 1,000 Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Out rebate reservations remain available from the FAA. Because aircraft owners are reserving rebates at an average of 60 to 100 per day, the available rebates could be exhausted in two weeks or sooner. READ MORE ›

Student pilot’s death prompts meeting with Chinese consulate

Representatives from a Denton, Texas, flight school met with the Chinese Consulate in Houston after a Chinese student pilot was found dead in his apartment April 16. The Tarrant County, Texas, Medical Examiner ruled the death a suicide, from hanging. Police reports indicated Yan’s roommates mentioned his performance at the school ”may have been a contributing factor in his death,“ according to CBS affiliate DFW Channel 11. U.A. Aviation Academy CEO Michael Sykes said Yan ”was not meeting safety and quality standards, but a request to cease his training was denied.“ Executive Vice President Mark Taylor said the school does not tolerate mistreatment of students. Taylor said the flight school is reviewing its training policies and procedures with its commercial airline customers, and that the visit with the Chinese consulate was focused on any role the school could play in assisting Yan’s family with the situation.

Airport in the sky reopens

California flight schools, it’s time to plan a fly-out to Catalina Island’s Airport in the Sky. The historic airport re-opened May 3 after being closed since January for runway repairs. READ MORE ›

POLL

FAA Wings program

How often do you or your flight school utilize the FAA Wings program? Tell us in this week’s survey. And feel free to email a photo to [email protected].

Results

In the April 30, 2019, survey, we wanted to know whether your flight school has a resident pet. Here are the results.

<em>Flight School Business</em>

MARKETING

Who’s training the trainers?

Flight instructors don’t magically become good teachers just because they pass the CFI checkride. Here’s a cautionary tale of a flight instructor who came close to crushing a student pilot’s dream because he let personal issues create too much stress during a lesson. READ MORE ›

QUICK TIP

Employee turnover is a fact of aviation, but too much turnover can dramatically affect your business. If employees are quitting too frequently, it’s time to ask why. Are you paying a competitive wage? Do you provide predictable schedules when possible? Perhaps most important, is your management style behind some of this turnover?

SAFETY

Do you know the marshalling dance?

Your flight school may cater to seasoned pilots as well as folks brand-new to aviation. If they’re planning to fly to an unfamiliar airport, knowing the correct visual signals is integral to their safety. Help them be confident in translating marshalling signals by sharing this video from the AOPA Air Safety Institute.

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Flight School Business Editor:
Jill W. Tallman

Production Specialist:
Sylvia Horne

Advertising Production Coordinator:
Donna Stoner

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