March 01 issue of Flight School Business

Flight School Business

VOL. 12-ISSUE 5-March 1, 2022

TRAINING TRENDS

If you see something, say something

A rash of aircraft break-ins and avionics thefts reminds pilots to be vigilant about suspicious activities at their airports. How vulnerable to break-ins are the aircraft in your flight school’s fleet? (Photo courtesy of Mike Christensen) READ MORE ›

NEWS

Industry rallies to make GA lead-free by 2030

General aviation leaders, petroleum industry stakeholders, and the U.S. government announced an ambitious commitment on February 23 to transition to lead-free aviation fuels for all piston-engine aircraft by the end of 2030. The initiative is called EAGLE (Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions). EAGLE will conduct its activities under four pillars: regulatory and safety policy, unleaded fuel testing and qualification, research and development, and business infrastructure and implementation. Some of its goals include researching and testing for a viable, safe, high-octane replacement for 100-octane, low-lead, while also maintaining 100LL availability and airport access during the transition. READ MORE ›

Aircraft market roars back

Airplane makers reported gains in all segments, with standout sales totals for some spotted in the 2021 industry data released February 23 by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. When compared to 2020 figures, all aircraft segments (GA aircraft and business jets) saw an increase in shipments. Preliminary aircraft deliveries were valued at $25.2 billion, an increase of 10.2 percent over the previous year. The total preliminary value of airplane deliveries for 2021 is set at $21.6 billion, an increase of 7.6 percent. Helicopters accounted for $3.7 billion, an increase of 28.0 percent from 2020. READ MORE ›

FSANA compiles list of designated pilot examiners willing to travel

The Flight School Association of North America (FSANA) has compiled a list of designated pilot examiners (DPEs) who are willing to travel to other states to complete practical tests. “While this effort is being made in general, it is even more relevant as many DPEs self-selected to delay a return to providing practical tests during this period of COVID-19 uncertainties,” FSANA said. The list of examiners with contact information is available on the FSANA website. Designated pilot examiners who would like to be added to the list should email FSANA with name, city, state, email, and phone number.

Southwest Airlines to open high school internship program

Southwest Airlines is looking for high school students to apply to an internship program for summer 2022. Internships are paid and part time. Applicants should be rising juniors or seniors and 16 years old by June 13, and a 2.75 cumulative grade point average is preferred. Applications will be accepted March 6 through 13. For more information, email [email protected] or see the website.

Piper Aircraft to host informational sessions for apprenticeship program

Piper Aircraft's apprenticeship program will host informational sessions in March and April for prospective candidates. Apprentices will undergo on-the-job and classroom training to qualify as journeymen in aircraft assembly. The sessions will take place March 3 and April 21 at 6 p.m. Eastern time. Sessions are open to prospective apprentices and family members. Piper announced its apprenticeship program in October 2018 after booking orders to manufacture more than 200 aircraft. READ MORE ›

POLL

Aircraft break-ins

A series of aircraft break-ins in South Carolina and Virginia is reminding pilots to keep an eye out for suspicious activity at their airports. Are your flight school's aircraft parked out on the ramp, in the hangar—or both? Tell us in this week's survey.

Results

In the February 15, 2022, poll, we wanted to know whether you have a simulator of any type at your flight school. Here are the results:

MARKETING

'Top Gun' marketing

Top Gun: Maverick—the long-awaited sequel to the 1986 film Top Gun—is set to hit theaters on May 27. If the original film is any indication, the audiences for the sequel will want to know what it takes to become a daring pilot like Maverick—or at least, what it takes to become a pilot. And that's where you come in. Ed Helmick explains what you can do to grab some of the Top Gun: Maverick marketing excitement. READ MORE >

QUICK TIP

Forty-eight percent of small businesses were struggling to fill open positions as of November 2021, according to a survey conducted by the National Federation of Independent Business. If you are one of them, consider offering free or reduced cost flight instruction and reduced cost aircraft rental as a way of attracting top talent. It's a perk any aviation enthusiast would grab.

SAFETY

'Real Pilot Story: Lost Elevator'

Rob Olsen-Drye was cruising the blue Alaska summer sky at 1,300 feet msl when he lost elevator authority. Luckily among the forest there was a narrow road within gliding distance. Olsen-Drye's skill and proficiency, his airplane's equipment, and a dose of luck helped him walk away, even though the airplane was totaled. Hear all about it in the latest Real Pilot Story from the AOPA Air Safety Institute. Listen here.

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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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