June 08 issue of Flight School Business

Flight School Business

VOL. 11-ISSUE 12-June 8, 2021

TRAINING TRENDS

Flight School Spotlight: Racine Flyers

Does aviation have an attitude problem? The owner of Racine Flyers started up his small flight school because he couldn't get phone calls returned when he was trying to lean to fly. He adheres to two mantras: Answer the phone and try to give customers what they want. READ MORE ›

NEWS

Biden's proposed budget includes increase for FAA, aviation programs

President Joe Biden sent his first budget request to Congress on May 28, totaling more than $6 trillion. The budget request includes a 2.7-percent increase for the FAA and aviation programs. It does not include any proposal to privatize our nation’s air traffic control system or impose user fees on general aviation. READ MORE ›

Diamond Aircraft offering remote simulator installation service

Diamond Aircraft has begun offering live remote installations of its flight simulators, in order to service worldwide customers in the face of continuing travel restrictions. The company has completed first remote installation for several customers. "Besides the necessity to support our customers in the best possible way during the given circumstances to get their simulators installed and qualified, this is also an opportunity for us as a company to get the most out of this situation and use the collected data for further improvements in regards to training and maintenance," said Christian Schmid, project and key account manager, Diamond Aircraft Austria.

Michigan high school program creates 100th pilot

West Michigan Aviation Academy, Cascade Township, Michigan, reached a milestone last month: The public charter high school produced its 100th private pilot. Established in 2011, West Michigan Aviation Academy is located at Gerald R. Ford International Airport. Aiden Nacke, the 100th pilot who graduated the charter school in May, will attend Grand Rapids Community College in the fall and plans to become a commercial pilot, according to WZZM13.com.

AOPA highlights punitive approach of Massachusetts landing fee bill

AOPA has called on members in Massachusetts to contact the sponsor of a bill that would charge a $1,000 "climate mitigation" landing fee on private, corporate, and charter aircraft using Bay State airports and insist that he pull back the broadly panned measure from consideration. The bill would have an "immediate and devastating impact on general aviation and each of the state’s 39 public-use airports," AOPA said. READ MORE ›

POLL

Designated pilot examiner fees

What are most designated pilot examiners in your region charging for the private pilot practical test? Tell us in this week's poll.

Results

In the May 25, 2021, poll we wanted to know whether your flight school requires employees to undergo drug testing. Here are the results:

MARKETING

For want of a seat cushion

Should flight schools provide cushions—free of charge—for their students? One student pilot thinks so, but hygiene and personal preference argue against it. 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

ASI introduces 'Reality Check: The Runway Behind You'

Is the impossible turn in a single-engine airplane possible after all? The AOPA Air Safety Institute decided to test the disputed turnback theories, using a Piper PA-18 Super Cub, a Van’s RV-4, a Cessna 172N, and a Beechcraft Bonanza A36. The different results were surprising. View the video.

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Flight School Business Editor:
Jill W. Tallman

Production Specialist:
Sylvia Horne

Advertising and Sales Specialist:
Donna Stoner

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