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Training & Safety Flight Schools Flight School Business Flight School Business November 8 issue of Flight School Business
Flight School Business
AOPA
VOL. 12-ISSUE 23-November 8, 2022
TRAINING TRENDS
Letter from a satisfied customer
After reading our special You Can Fly issue of Flight Training magazine, a brand-new student pilot went shopping for a flight school. Using our tips he found the perfect one. Here's what he told us worked—and didn't work—when the seven different flight schools he visited pitched their services. READ MORE ›
NEWS
AOPA represents general aviation in EPA hearing on fuel
The transition to an unleaded general aviation future must be done in a way that promotes and protects safety. That's the message AOPA gave November 1 at a hearing on the Environmental Protection Agency's proposed endangerment finding with respect to lead emissions from aviation gasoline. The hearing was held to gather public comment before the EPA makes its final finding in 2023—which will likely require the FAA to develop a plan to remove lead from aviation gasoline no later than 2030. READ MORE ›
Flight School Connector webcast covers the value of customer insights
How can you better understand your customers' wants and needs? Using the insight from this installment of the Flight School Connector, you will be able to start figuring out how to help your customers see the value in what you offer. Listen to the webcast online.
FSANA opens registration for 2023 flight school operators conference
The Flight School Association of North America (FSANA) has opened registration for the 2023 flight school operators conference and trade show. The event will be held March 1 through 3 in Orlando, Florida, and is aimed at flight school owners, managers, chief flight instructors, assistant chief flight instructors, and others involved in the successful operation of a flight school—or anyone thinking of starting a flight school. Mentor sessions are available to connect new flight school owners with veterans in the flight training industry. Panel discussions will cover emergency operations; contracts and agreements; managing growth; insurance; and more. Early bird registration ends December 31. For more information or to register, see the website.
AOPA pushes back on national park air tour plans
AOPA submitted comments opposing the National Park Service and the FAA's air tour management plan, citing safety concerns, economic impact, and lack of industry consultation. Air tour management plans seek to restrict air tours operating over at least 20 national parks. The Park Service has also stated its goal is eventually to eliminate tour overflights, citing noise pollution as a main concern. READ MORE ›
Fight to save Reid-Hillview Airport gets a boost from local leaders
While Santa Clara County, California, supervisors are actively trying to close Reid-Hillview of Santa Clara County Airport (KRHV), some local officials are fighting back—arguing the airport plays a key role in its local community. AOPA has filed a complaint with the FAA against Santa Clara County, arguing that its decision to prohibit the sale of higher-octane avgas causes a safety issue for pilots. San Benito County Supervisor Peter Hernandez and San Jose Councilmember Matt Mahan are paying attention to the issue. READ MORE ›
POLL
Fuel surcharge
Has your flight school instituted a fuel surcharge in 2022? Tell us in this week's poll.
Results
In the October 25, 2022, issue we wanted to know if your flight school is experiencing a shortage of qualified mechanics. Here are the results:

 
<em>Flight School Business</em>
MARKETING
Turn background activities into communication achievements
Your website and social media footprint are often the first place potential students visit when searching for flight schools. By incorporating background business achievements into your communications, you will not only add informational depth to your school story, but also inject value in messaging that can fuel student attention and enrollment. Read more for examples from Brett Bonnville. READ MORE >
QUICK TIP
Want some free advertising? List your business on search engines so that your flight school shows up when people search for flight training on the Internet or a mobile device. According to USA Today, you can get listed free at Google, Bing, and Yelp.
SAFETY
Pilot Short Story: The French Disconnection
After demonstrating his skills in the air, Mike Filucci prepared to land, only to discover that his French-built Socata TB 30 Epsilon airplane has had a gear failure. In the latest episode of the Pilot Short Story video series, learn how Filucci responded to a partial gear failure and made a safe landing. View the video online.
AOPA
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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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