March 28 issue of Flight School Business

Flight School Business

VOL. 13-ISSUE 7-March 28, 2023

TRAINING TRENDS

Here comes AFTA

In 2021 AOPA's You Can Fly program rolled out a brand-new approach to flight training. Two years and hundreds of students later, the AOPA Flight Training Advantage (AFTA) is still going strong. What is AFTA and how can it help you in your flight school operations? AFTA will help you and your flight instructors deliver an efficient, high-quality flight training experience that keeps students coming back for more. Not to mention the business insights you'll gain from knowing what happens in each lesson. READ MORE ›

NEWS

FAA report validates BasicMed safety

An FAA report submitted to Congress on March 10 reviewed three years of general aviation data and concluded that the BasicMed program is safe. The report found no differences in safety when comparing private pilots flying with BasicMed medical qualification to private pilots who obtain third class medical certificates. READ MORE ›

Changes coming to two FAA knowledge tests

The FAA is making changes to the private pilot and commercial pilot knowledge tests. Participants will get less time to finish the private pilot and commercial pilot knowledge tests—120 minutes for the private pilot test, down from 150; and 150 minutes for the commercial pilot test, down from 180. The changes take effect April 24. There is no change to topics or subject matter. READ MORE ›

Piper corrects service bulletin error

Piper released an updated service bulletin last month that corrects a previous version that specified the wrong fasteners in the landing gear assembly. The revised Service Bulletin 1375B supersedes SB 1375A. The updated service bulletin applies to a broad range of single-engine piston models in the PA-28 and PA-32 lines, with specified serial numbers. READ MORE ›

Delta launches flight academy to train pilots

Delta Air Lines will open a pilot training academy in Vero Beach, Florida, that is set to begin enrolling students in June. According to Yahoo News, the Delta Propel Flight Academy will be operated in conjunction with the airline’s training partner, Skyborne Airline Academy, at a 12,000-square-foot facility in Vero Beach. Eligible pilots will get up to $20,000 in financial support, and Delta also said it would cover the cost of interest on student loans from select lenders. Delta’s Propel Pilot Career Path program has enrolled 700 pilots. Another 100 have graduated from the program and are flying for Delta.

POLL

Application fees

Does your flight school charge an application fee for new clients? Tell us in this week's poll.

Results

In the March 14, 2023, issue, we wanted to know how big your flight school’s fleet is. Here are the results:

MARKETING

Rethink the paper holder strategy

If most of your social media posts show a pilot holding a piece of paper standing in front of an airplane, it's time to rethink that approach. Brett Bonnville gives you some ideas to spark up your social media feed and strengthen audience engagement. READ MORE >

QUICK TIP

High interest rates and a tight lending market are projected to persist well into 2023. If you need access to capital but a traditional business loan is out of reach, NerdWallet suggests you consider alternative funding options such as business grants or credit cards with rewards that work for your business.

SAFETY

ASI presents early analysis of Winter Haven midair

A Piper Warrior and a Piper J-3 Cub on floats collided March 7 over Lake Hartridge in Winter Haven, Florida. The NSTB has not released its preliminary report on the investigation into the accident. The AOPA Air Safety Institute has released an early analysis video examining conditions surrounding the flight and highlighting areas the NTSB will likely investigate. View Early Analysis: Midair at Lake Hartridge online.

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Flight School Business Editor: Jill W. Tallman	Production Specialist: Sylvia Horne	Advertising and Sales Specialist: Donna Stoner AOPA Advertising website
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