FSANA CONFERENCE 

Sixth Annual Flight School Operators Conference Brings Flight Training Providers and Industry Professionals Together to Discuss Critical Training Issues
 

Over 115 Flight school operators, managers, chief flight instructors and others came together in San Diego, CA last week to discuss, explore and learn from various conference presenters what is new and exciting in the world of flight training.

  

Both the formal presentations and the workshops again offered a real time opportunity to get the latest and greatest information. The 2015 conference was the largest in FSANA's history and included over 20 supply chain partners with exhibits. Based on early feedback from attendees, the 2015 event delivered pertinent information that will assist flight schools in their day to day business operations.  


The date and location for the 2016 conference should be announced within the next few weeks. FSANA has already heard that the 2016 event will be larger and the conference committee will start working on 2016 in the near future.

 

FSANA CONFERENCE
 
King Schools Discusses Power 
Marketing for Flight Schools
 

Speaking as the keynote address during lunch on the second day of the Sixth Annual Flight School Operators Conference in San Diego, long time and very successful aviation training industry leaders, John and Martha King discussed strategies and techniques that flight schools can use to "power market" to both new and existing customers.

 

Highlighting their own story of success through hard work and building their own brand, they talked about the experience they have and discussed some of the lessons they have learned, some that they have seen others learn, and some that they have developed through their business experience.


John and Martha highlighted some of the changes they have seen since starting King Schools. They emphasized that flight schools become early adapters of new marketing methods to reach modern customers while not forgetting about traditional marketing channels. While "Internet" or "Social Media" marketing is a new part of the marketing mix, flight schools should not disregard traditional methods such as direct mail or telemarketing that are still powerful channels to reach potential customers.


An important point they highlighted was not just the need to market the product you are providing to customers, but to also give customers all the necessary information they will need to make an informed decision for choosing your product, the motivation to do so, and a way to do it. As a part of flight training providers' marketing efforts, they should be sure to tell their customers what they want them to do and how they want them do do it. Promise your customers something, ask them to do something, and make it easy.

 

There is no doubt that the experience that John and Martha King have within the aviation training industry is vast and something from which the attendees of the conference and the rest of the flight training industry can learn. FSANA is grateful for the time that they spent with attendees at the Sixth Annual Flight School Operators Conference. 

PILOT TRAINING PIPELINE
 

FSANA and Airlines to Set Meeting 

in June to Discuss Pilot Training Pipeline

 
FSANA announced at the recent flight school conference in San Diego that it is working with multiple airlines and others to develop a meeting that will take place in June focused on coordinating efforts between the flight training industry, airlines and business aviation to bolster the pilot supply pipeline.

FSANA is pleased that the trade association will begin to engage with the Part 121 carriers to develop and collaborate on programs that will assist the airlines to engage with flight training providers to enhance and expand the pilot supply pipeline.

The development of the program will include the creation of pathway models for both air-carrier and business and corporate aviation for both fixed and rotary wing aircraft.
TSA's Andrea Vara speaking to conference attendees
FSANA CONFERENCE

Government Agencies Discuss Guidelines for Training International Students with FSANA Conference Attendees
 
For the first time, representatives from the Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) joined a public panel in San Diego to share their insights into the foreign flight student program. The SEVP has agreed to share information with FSANA in order to help deliver good, quality information about the SEVP and processes.

TSA representatives were also on hand to share their views and provide input with respect to foreign flight training security which is an ongoing concern in the United States.

The government panel session generated the most inquiries during the Q&A portion of the conference which provided the attendees with a wonderful opportunity to work side by side with their governmental counterparts. 
 
The ongoing relationship between FSANA and federal agencies is an important part of the conference and the day-to-day work that FSANA does on behalf of its members.
FSANA AWARDS

FSANA Awards Recognition 

FSANA presented several awards to both people and organizations during the Wednesday awards presentations in San Diego.

Peggy Chabrian, President and Founder of Women in Aviation (WIA) was recognized and awarded the "Moyer Leadership" award. This is a new award named after Vern Moyer, President of Moyer Aviation and the first Chairman of FSANA.

Bob Rockmaker, President, CEO and Founder of FSANA stated, "We are especially pleased to be able to recognize Peggy for her years of dedication and hard work to launch and create WIA. WIA is an important industry association which helps women to engage and connect with the aviation and aerospace industry. We know it is not easy to create a new association, and Peggy and her team continue to advance WIA initiatives and goals that directly support their mission statement."

FSANA also recognized John and Martha King with the FSANA "Pinnacle" award for their years of service to the general aviation industry. The award is bestowed to people involved in the supply chain segment of the industry.

John and Martha have been involved in helping people learn to fly for decades and they have been instrumental in helping many to earn their first pilot certificate. The training materials they provide have literally been the tools that tens of thousands of pilots have relied upon to gain the knowledge they need to get their pilot certificate or obtain advanced pilot ratings and certificates.

FSANA also recognized two flight schools for their planning and execution of FSANA "Aero" programs.

Leading Edge Aviation in Doylestown, PA was recognized for their deployment of the FSANA "AeroSolo" program. During the summer of 2014, three young people elected to enroll in the "AeroSolo" program and all three have soloed and are now heading toward their first checkrides for the private pilot certificate.

Triad Aviation Academy in Greensboro, NC was
recognized for their deployment of the FSANA "AeroCamp" program. During the summer of 2014, over thirty young people elected to enroll in the Triad Aviation "AeroCamp" program.
 
FSANA recognized Miriam Hernandez, K-ABC TV Eyewitness News reporter from Los Angeles for her accurate reporting of a flight school at the Long Beach, CA airport which abruptly shut its doors and left the flight students in the dark and with estimated losses that could reach over $1.2M dollars in deposited funds. FSANA appreciates accurate reporting by the news media and Ms. Hernandez did a wonderful job of bringing the story to the general public.

The
FSANA board was pleased that the Media award was presented to Ms. Hernandez to recognize her for delivering high level, unbiased reporting. FSANA established a "Code of Ethics" during the early days and urges all flight schools to adopt the code. View the FSANA Code of Ethics
FSANA NEWS

Utah Helicopter Inc Newest Accredited Flight School

FSANA announced the newest member of the list of accredited flight schools, Utah Helicopter Inc. at the San Diego conference.
 
Utah Helicopter Inc. is the second helicopter company to be accredited under the FSANA accreditation program. Utah Helicopter Inc. offers career training for pilots, helicopter flight instructors, or just individuals wanting to learn to fly in rotorcraft. Utah Helicopter Inc. also offers Air Tours, Charter flights, Aerial Survey and Pipeline, and many more services.
 
For more information about Utah Helicopter Inc. visit http://www.utahhelicopter.com/. 

FSANA AeroChapter Program Launches 

 

On Wednesday, January 7, 2015, the Flight School Association of North America (FSANA) offically launched the associations new AeroChapter program. The program is supported by FSANA members who will become chapter hosts. Chapters will have chapter advisors and assistant advisors. 

 

The program offers young men and women (youth) in grades 6-12, the opportunity to learn and explore the aviation and aerospace industry. Youth members will develop their leadership skills and explore aerospace industry disciplines that include science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in their local community. 

 

The primary objectives of the AeroChapter program are:

 

1. Introduce aviation and aerosapce to the youth of America through monthly activities.

 

2. Educate youth about and promote career opportunities in the aviation and aerospace industry.

 

3. Provide an opportunity for youth to develop leadership skills by leading their AeroChapter.

 

4. Teach youth about the steps to becoming a pilot.

 

5. Explore with youth the various STEM elements that help define aviation and aerospace.

 

6. Provide a pathway for youth to participate in other FSANA programs.

 

FSANA members have received their detailed AeroChapter toolkits which includes how to start and operate a local chapter. The FSANA programs committee has worked for the past several months to create the new platform. AeroChapters is designed to help young people become acquainted with the aviation and aerospace industry in a real time environment.  

 

Chapters will offer a variety of educational and leadership opportunities which will help to create the future aerospace backbone for America.  Chapters will be lead by youth with mentorship and leadership from adult advisors. 


"This program will help drive interest in aviation and aerospace and help build critical skills for participating young people who will one day become involved with the program said Bob Rockmaker, FSANA's President and CEO. AeroChapters has the potential to someday engage with over 100,000 young people on an annual basis.

FSANA members in the following membership categories are eligible to host an AeroChapter.
  • Flight School Operator
  • Business Partner
  • Associate
Please contact Debbie Sparks, FSANA Director of Business Development at 561-767-6826 or dsparks@fsana.com
if you have questions or would like to host a chapter. The program is open for all FSANA members and non members are welcome to contact Debbie with questions.

View the AeroChapter brochure here
FLIGHT SCHOOL BUSINESS

Flight School For Sale in Texas

Interested in expanding your flight school or taking on a new location? How about buying a flight school for the first time?
 
A flight training operation in Texas may be the opportunity for which you are looking.
 
The operation is a successful flight training business with two Piper Cherokee 180's, a Cherokee 140, a Cessna 172N, and  Piper Arrow. The operation also has a Redbird FMX and a XWIND simulators. Additional leased aircraft at the operation include a Cirrus SR20 and an A36 Bonanza.
 
The school operates both FAR Part 61 and 141 training, is SEVP approved, has VA approval, and operates a CATS testing center with a current and active base of customers.
 
Interested in finding out more? Interested parties should call 806-438-4289. 
FSANA INFORMATION
 
Becoming a FSANA "Partner"

FSANA is a growing association that represents the interests of flight training providers. The membership is a group of motivated and successful business operations that provide flight training across the country. If your company or a company you know would be interested in joining the team of support that FSANA is building for its efforts, it is time to become a "Partner."

Core platforms of FSANA include:
  • Helping flight training businesses operate successfully and profitably;
  • Increasing the pilot population;
  • Working with other aviation and aerospace industry associations and companies to promote quality flight training pipeline development;
  • Providing programs and services that will assist FSANA members to better serve their customers and local communities;
  • Promoting best practices in the flight training community;
  • Reducing the general aviation incident and accident rates;
  • Engaging both youth and adults to explore aviation and aerospace.
Becoming a FSANA "Partner" offers year round brand exposure for your organization in both print and electronic platforms in multiple channels. 

To learn how to become a FSANA "Partner" please contact Debbie Sparks, Director of Business Development at dsparks@fsana.com or 561-767-6826. 
We want feedback from the readers of this newsletter! Tell us what is important to you
as a school owner, manager or chief flight instructor. We will share comments received
in an upcoming edition of Flight Schools News eMonthlySend your thoughts to info@fsana.com.
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in this publication

TRAINING NEWS LINKS

FAA Clarifies CFI Checkride Requirement [About Complex Aircraft Usage]

Goodbye NDB and other Outdated Test Questions

ASA - Changes Coming to the Airman Certification Process

Moving Into Mobile Payment Options [for Flight Schools (AOPA Flight School Business)]

Continental Motors To Power Cochise College's Next Generation Flight Training Aircraft Fleet

NASA Tackles Memorized Pilot Training

FlightSafety Restores all Training for Cessna Customers after King Air crash

Spartan College Agrees To Buy 20 Electric Trainers

What are the Biggest Challenges of an Airline Career (AOPA Flight Training Magazine)

FAA Withdraws Sim
Training Device Final Rule


FAA 8710 Form Updated 12-31-2014

FAA meets Internet: Ruling on General Aviation Limits the Sharing Economy

Flightglobal: Modernising Global Airline Pilot Training

Piper Delivers Arrow Trainers to Kent State

Mobile Payment Pptions [for Flight Schools] AOPA Flight School Business

Commercial Flight Training and Simulation Relies on New Aircrafts and Stiffer Training Standards to Sustain Market

Airline Industry Leaders Gather at Embry-Riddle to Discuss Pilot Shortage

Electric Airplanes Are the Future of Pilot Training
Inviting the Best
Aircraft Operators
in the Business to
Join Our Network.
UPCOMING EVENTS
2016 FSANA International Flight School Operators Conference
More information to be announced.

Flight Training
Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C.
More information to be announced.
U.S. HOUSE AND SENATE

Find Your U.S. Congressman  

 

Find Your U.S. Senator 

 

U.S. House Aviation Subcommittee 

 

U.S. Senate Aviation Subcommittee 

 

US Senate Education Committee 

 

US House Committee on Education and the Workforce 

Click on images to download sample Aero program brochures
AeroCamp brochure
AeroParty brochure
AeroSolo brochure