April 23 issue of Flight School Business
| VOL. 14-ISSUE 9-April 23, 2024 |
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TRAINING TRENDS
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| Electric offerings light up Aero Friedrichshafen |
| At Aero Friedrichshafen, Germany's general aviation convention, manufacturers were talking about electric aircraft they plan to offer to the flight training market and beyond. Diamond Aircraft said it plans to make its all-electric eDA-40 for flight training. The manufacturer has been working with Lufthansa Aviation Training to test the aircraft in real-world conditions. (Photo courtesy Diamond Aircraft) READ MORE › |
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NEWS
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| FAA returns airman standards to regulation |
| The FAA has issued a final rule effective May 31 that will incorporate dozens of airman certification standards for pilots, mechanics, and others into a single Part 61 regulation. AOPA and others in an FAA working group recommended against doing this because of concerns that it will stifle innovation when it is needed more than ever. The FAA reassured flight instructors that checkride failures will not trigger enforcement action, and that the agency will explore an expedited process for making quick updates to the airman certification standards or the practical test standards. READ MORE ›
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| King Schools celebrates 50 years |
| They outlasted Nixon, Skylab, and the Rubik's cube: John and Martha King of King Schools celebrated 50 years of providing aviation training tools while keeping on top of regulatory changes and technological advances. "It's humbling to think that our little idea has turned into something so successful and enduring," Martha King said. The pilots got their start traveling to cities and towns to conduct in-person private pilot ground school courses. They've transitioned from in-person ground schools to video instruction via VHS cassettes and DVDs, and have moved their entire library online to streaming so that students can access their lessons anywhere. |
| Alabama flight school celebrates one-year anniversary |
| Blue Skies Above began offering flight training at Lanett Regional Airport (7A3) in Lanett, Alabama, in 2023, and recently celebrated its one-year anniversary with a pancake breakfast and open house. Owner Matthew Bourguignon is a CFII who named the flight school in honor of a phrase his mentor and CFI would use. Bourguignon originally graduated from an aviation program but entered the tech industry. During the pandemic his passion for flying was reignited and he earned a commercial pilot certificate. Bourguignon said the flight school's location makes it easily accessible for people who live in Montgomery, Alabama, and Atlanta. |
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POLL
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| Results |
| In the April 9, 2024, issue, we wanted to know if your flight school fleet has ever been damaged by a weather event. Here are the results.
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MARKETING
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| Targeting 'elder' pilots |
| When you think of older pilots, are you picturing somebody in their 60s or 70s? Many prospects believe that they're too old to become pilots at 35 or 40. So it's time to broaden your thinking on marketing to mature audiences. READ MORE > |
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QUICK TIP
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| Flight reviews are a requirement, but they don't have to be routine. Do you have a special aircraft or service to enhance the experience? For example, CubFlying.com at Ormond Beach Municipal Airport (OMN) in Ormond Beach, Florida, advertises flight reviews in tailwheel aircraft to challenge customers to try a new experience. The flight school's website emphasizes that pilots don't need a tailwheel endorsement to receive a flight review, and stresses the "romance of tailwheel flying and grass runways." |
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SAFETY
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| Respect the rudder |
| Every flight instructor has a student who is guilty of rudder neglect. Use this quick reminder from the AOPA Air Safety Institute to emphasize to your customers the importance of yaw recognition and coordinated flight. View the video here. |
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