The pass rate for private pilot applicants is hovering somewhere between 50 percent and 60 percent. That's not good news, says Designated Pilot Examiner Jason Blair. What's happening to the state of flight training, and what can be done? READ MORE ›
NEWS
BasicMed limitation lifted
Pilots who qualify under BasicMed will soon be able to act as required crewmembers other than pilot in command—more specifically as safety pilots. The FAA announced November 16 that Acting Administrator Billy Nolen signed a final rule that will take effect 30 days after its publication in the Federal Register. The rule also will require commercial balloon pilots to hold a second class medical certificate when conducting commercial operations.
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Pilot job market has never seen numbers like this
Unprecedented hiring by the 12 major airlines continues as 2022 ends. According to Future and Active Pilot Advisors, 11,372 pilots were hired from January through October. FAPA projects about 13,500 pilots will be hired by year-end, making 2022 the best year on record for pilot hiring.
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FBOProps, a new social app for airport experiences, is designed to help pilots and their loved ones find memorable general aviation destinations by gathering reviews and other airport information from fellow aviators. Founder Josh Harrell said, "I was looking for a way to crowdsource aviation…consider it Yelp! for pilots and nonpilots." Launched in August, the free app lets airport visitors share their experiences, what services were available, and any other helpful tips or potential criticisms.
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Scholarships heat up as temps cool off
Whether your clients are interested in flight training, maintenance, or business aviation, now is the time to share scholarship information with them. Check out these opportunities from the Experimental Aircraft Association, the Flying Musicians Association, the Spaatz Association, and the National Business Aviation Association.
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University of Oklahoma plans $30 million expansion of its flight school
The University of Oklahoma is planning a $30 million expansion of its flight school, including the construction of a new building, the acquisition of more airplanes, and hundreds of additional students. The university plans to increase enrollment in its flight program from 250 to 600, starting in the fall of 2023, according to the Oklahoma City Journal Record. The university said it has seen a sharp increase in the number of students interested in aviation amid an industry hiring surge.
POLL
Pass/fail rate
What is your flight school's pass/fail rate for first-time private pilot applicants? Tell us in this week's poll.
Results
In the November 8, 2022, issue, we asked whether your flight school had instituted a fuel surcharge in 2022. Here are the results:
MARKETING
‘Rusty Pilot’ success for a Utah flight school
How to reach out to customers when most of them live in another part of the state? Hold a Rusty Pilots seminar, as Pilot Makers Advanced Flight Academy did. Ed Helmick explains how the seminar was a success for the Heber City, Utah, flight school. READ MORE >
QUICK TIP
Many flight schools consider themselves to be an extended family for their students. It’s Thanksgiving week, so remember to extend holiday greetings to your customers and let them know that they’re appreciated via your social media and marketing channels. Find this and other seasonal marketing ideas in this article on Promo.com.
SAFETY
AOPA Air Safety Institute releases 'Wings Over Dallas Midair' early analysis video
On November 12 a Bell P-63F Kingcobra and a Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress collided midair during the 2022 Commemorative Air Force Wings Over Dallas WWII Airshow at Dallas Executive Airport in Texas. All six people aboard the two airplanes died in the crash. Early Analysis: Wings over Dallas Midair, from the AOPA Air Safety Institute makes a preliminary assessment of the accident, addressing notable portions of the flight and highlighting areas the NTSB will likely investigate to determine a probable cause. View the video here.