October 25 issue of Flight School Business

Flight School Business

VOL. 12-ISSUE 22-October 25, 2022

TRAINING TRENDS

ISO good mechanics: Strategies to find and keep mechanics for your flight training operation

Aviation mechanics are harder to find than airline pilots or CFIs in many locations, and the shortage is projected to get worse in years to come. Jason Blair shares some strategies on finding, recruiting, luring from the competition, or even growing your own aviation mechanics to keep your fleet up and running. READ MORE ›

NEWS

FAA issues special airworthiness bulletin for Piper wing spar issues

The FAA issued a special airworthiness information bulletin for Piper PA-28 and PA-32 aircraft that outlines findings from an airworthiness directive following a fatal 2018 crash and subsequent interim airworthiness directive. The accident killed a commercial pilot and designated pilot examiner during a practical test. It was found to be caused by fatigue cracks in the lower spar cap. The interim AD calls for a one-time inspection of certain lower spar cap bolt holes to determine the number of cracks present in the fleet. READ MORE ›

FSANA survey finds increased examiner fees

Practical test applicants can expect to pay at least $650 for a private pilot, instrument pilot, or commercial pilot practical test in the United States, according to the most recent survey conducted by the Flight School Association of North America. Not surprisingly, examiner fees have risen over the last several years. The survey also found that examiners are upping their game when it comes to accepting payment for checkrides. Instead of just "cash or check," a greater percentage of examiners that responded to the survey now accept digital forms of payment such as Venmo, and also accept payment through the flight training provider. The complete survey is available online.

AFTA gives flight schools data you can use

Did you know that, when your flight school is enrolled in the AOPA Flight Training Advantage program, you get important and useful information about student and instructor performance? It’s true. You’ll get a quick glimpse of all your students and their progress, and a high-level view of your instructors’ teaching and flying hours. From your flight school dashboard, you can get a quick overview of key performance statistics for your students and instructors. AFTA is free for flight instructors, flight schools, and current AOPA members. Learn more information or sign up here.

AOPA files complaint to reverse California county fuel ban

AOPA has filed a formal complaint with the FAA suggesting the decision by officials in Santa Clara County, California, to ban the sale of higher-octane fuel causes a safety issue for pilots and violates federal rules and regulations. The filing was made on behalf of transient and tenant users of Reid-Hillview and San Martin airports who are unable to access 100LL for retail purchase or self-fueling. FAA records for Santa Clara airports indicate a significant number of general aviation operations for the most recently reported 12-month period: 209,314 at Reid-Hillview and 33,166 at San Martin. READ MORE ›

AOPA, COPA call for BasicMed acceptance

AOPA and the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) called on Canada’s Ministry of Transport to allow pilots from the United States to enter Canadian airspace while flying under BasicMed. Canada is one of the most popular international destinations for U.S. general aviation pilots. AOPA and COPA made a similar request in 2021. READ MORE ›

POLL

Mechanics

Is your flight school experiencing a shortage of qualified mechanics? Tell us in this week's poll.

Results

In the October 11, 2022, issue we wanted to know whether your flight school promotes participation in the AOPA Flight Training Experience Survey. Here are the results:

MARKETING

The importance of a motto

Your flight school needs a motto, and it's not just "Learn to Fly Here." Ed Helmick explains why it's not just a slogan, but a constant reminder to staff and customers of your positive, motivational outlook. READ MORE >

QUICK TIP

October 31 is the last day for your clients to participate in this year’s AOPA Flight Training Experience Survey. Share this link to give them a chance to win prizes while providing you with valuable feedback on your training operation.

SAFETY

ASI releases 'Early Analysis: Flight Training Accident N97883' video

On October 6, a Cessna 172 crashed during a training flight at the Newport News-Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) in Newport News, Virginia. The CFI died in the accident. A student pilot and another on board the Cessna were taken to a hospital with serious injuries. The Cessna 172 took off from Runway 20. At 100 feet, about 80 seconds after takeoff, the aircraft reportedly pitched up aggressively, lost lift, and crashed 200 feet from the departure end. In its video, Early Analysis: N97833, the AOPA Air Safety Institute looks at the factors that are likely to be a subject of the investigation by the NTSB. The video also offers flight instructors practical guidance to help prevent a similar scenario when giving flight instruction. View the video online.

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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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