March 15 issue of Flight School Business

Flight School Business

VOL. 12-ISSUE 6-March 15, 2022

TRAINING TRENDS

Managing rising fuel costs in flight training operations

The price of avgas is going up, and the higher prices may be with us for some time. How will you address this impact on your flight school’s operating cost? Jason Blair explains some approaches you can take, and reminds you of the one thing you shouldn't do: keep your customers in the dark about rising prices. READ MORE ›

NEWS

FAA takes more practical approach to instrument rating requirements

A reinterpretation of instrument airplane rating requirements requested by AOPA in 2021 has been delivered, aligning the FAA's legal view with the plain language of the applicable regulation. The recent memorandum eases burdens related to the use of different navigation systems that are not always available to all applicants. READ MORE ›

Student handles throttle trouble on final

A student pilot was flying solo and on final approach to Watsonville Municipal Airport in California in January when an attempted power reduction sent the engine revving to full power—and further throttle adjustments had no effect. Akash Aggarwal tried to contact air traffic control for assistance and at first was unsuccessful. READ MORE ›

Virginia flight school gets examining authority

The FAA's Washington, D.C., Flight Standards District Office has awarded Aviation Adventures of Manassas, Virginia, examining authority for seven flight training programs. Examining authority means students can earn flight certificates and ratings without the need to schedule a practical test with an FAA designated pilot examiner. "This gets Aviation Adventures' students their certificates sooner, without the added cost and/or possibility of failing an FAA practical test," Aviation Adventures said in a news release. Examining authority was granted for each certificate and rating from private pilot through certificated instrument flight instructor. Aviation Adventures said it is the only flight school in the commonwealth of Virginia to achieve examining authority.

California flight school celebrates tenth anniversary

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) celebrated its tenth anniversary on March 11, commemorating a "decade of dreams" for the flight school that launched at San Carlos Airport (SQL) in San Carlos, California. In 2013 AOPA named SCFC the top flight school in the nation in the very first Flight Training Excellence Awards, now known as the AOPA Flight Training Experience Awards. The Upwind Foundation, a local program that provides fully paid flight training scholarships to high school students in the summer between their junior and senior year, also celebrated 10 years. The two programs are separate but have worked closely to raise awareness about scholarships and deliver flight training to the winners.

POLL

Avgas prices

With avgas prices likely to increase very soon, how will you address the impact on your flight school's revenue? Tell us in this week's poll.

Results

In the March 1, 2022, poll, we wanted to know whether your flight school's airplanes are stored inside, outside, or both. Here are the results:

MARKETING

Careful what you post

Videos are a great addition to your website. Videos that show dangerous or illegal behavior are not great for your flight school’s reputation. What’s more, just because you remove them doesn’t mean they have vanished forever. READ MORE >

QUICK TIP

If you are giving or receiving flight training in an aircraft weighing under 12,500 pounds, whether you are a U.S. citizen or an alien, the Transportation Security Administration’s alien flight training/citizenship validation rule affects you. AOPA has compiled easy to understand information on the parts of the rule that are relevant to flight training providers. Find information on applicability, step-by-step guidance to compliance, and answers to frequently asked questions online.

SAFETY

AOPA Air Safety Institute announces speaking engagement request form

Planning an aviation event—online or in person—at your airport or flight school? The AOPA Air Safety Institute has released a new speaking engagement request form. The institute shifted its national seminar program resources and efforts to monthly seminars, but still wants to connect with the general aviation community in person. The new form will help ASI to identify, assess, and respond to requests for an ASI representative to speak on general aviation safety topics at an aviation event, whether in person or virtual. View the form here.

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Flight School Business Editor:
Jill W. Tallman

Production Specialist:
Sylvia Horne

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Donna Stoner

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