October 13 issue of Flight School Business

Flight School Business

VOL. 10-ISSUE 21-October 13, 2020

TRAINING TRENDS

Flight School Spotlight: SkyTrek Alaska

Can success be too much? It might have been for Jamie Patterson-Simes, who was working 100-hour weeks at her flight school, SkyTrek Alaska. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and Patterson-Simes had to re-evaluate how she operates. Now there's no going back. READ MORE ›

NEWS

Proposed immigration rule could affect flight training

A federal rulemaking proposal could disrupt the flight training of some foreign students by imposing a deadline on visas that currently allow them to remain in the United States until their training and study are complete. Public comments will be accepted on the proposed rule until October 26. READ MORE ›

Airman knowledge testing almost back to pre-pandemic levels

In a sign of flight training activity bouncing back from its low ebb during the coronavirus pandemic, an FAA working group noted that monthly knowledge testing volume has recovered to pre-pandemic activity following steep declines this spring and is approximately 90 percent of the activity seen during a comparable period in 2019. READ MORE ›

Pandemic relief scaled back in latest SFAR amendment

The FAA has revised the special federal aviation regulation that has governed training and testing requirements during the coronavirus pandemic, extending by two months the validity of medical certificates and knowledge tests that were to expire between October 2020 and January 2021 and adding two months to flight review deadlines that would have passed during that period. READ MORE ›

Manufacturers praise FAA action on standards

The FAA's acceptance of a second package of industry-drafted aircraft certification standards that AOPA considers "pivotal" to future aircraft development should encourage safety and innovation and help bring advanced air mobility and electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft into service, an industry group said. READ MORE ›

Nevada flight school diversifies fleet

Las Vegas, Nevada, flight school All In Aviation has added two Cessna 172s to its formerly all-Cirrus fleet of aircraft. The Garmin G1000-equipped airplanes were acquired to provide student pilots with an economical entry-level training option, according to a news release. The aircraft will be based at All In Aviation's Henderson Executive Airport location. The flight school has a second location at North Las Vegas Airport.

Something tangible for prospects

Several flight schools have told AOPA that "You Can Fly: Your Path to Become a Pilot," a special, annual edition of Flight Training, makes a great takeaway for introductory flight customers. If you're running low, request additional copies or a countertop display, all provided at no charge to your school. Contact AOPA at [email protected].

POLL

CFI head count

How many CFIs do you currently employ? Tell us in this week's poll.

Results

In the September 29, 2020, poll we asked whether your flight school has received any type of financial assistance to get through the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are the results.

MARKETING

Marketing to your CFIs

Marketing is what you do to attract, develop, and keep customers. But should you market to your flight instructors as well? It’s in your best interest to figure out ways to find and keep good flight instructors. Here are some ideas. READ MORE >

QUICK TIP

Just as you celebrate solos, checkrides, and other flying milestones, don’t forget to celebrate the milestones of your business. "From renting your first office to processing your first payroll run, the experience of starting and running a … business is filled with important milestones," says Rise, a company that markets human resources software platforms. "Take the time to appreciate each new experience together."

SAFETY

'Sightseeing Safely'

Sightseeing is at the top of almost every recreational pilot's list of activities. Your customers can learn a lot from The Finer Points' Jason Miller and the AOPA Air Safety Institute's John Collins as they discuss in this webinar the best way to sightsee in an airplane while not ending up an accident statistic. Find the webinar here.

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Flight School Business Editor:
Jill W. Tallman

Production Specialist:
Sylvia Horne

Advertising Production Coordinator:
Donna Stoner

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