FSANA members flew into Washington, DC from across the United States to participate in our second annual "Advocacy Day" on the Hill. October 28 started out with an evening reception followed by breakfast the next morning and then off to the Hill to meet with legislators and staff from both the U.S. House and Senate.

Attendees were briefed and prepared to discuss a focused agenda with the legislators and their staffs. It was clear during the meetings that the elected officials in DC were aware of the many challenges facing the aviation industry as we approach the end of the year.

One of the interesting points that came up several times during the discussions was that the independent flight training providers of America produce between 65%-70% of the career pilots.

Many in DC are not aware of that career pilot metric which forms the foundation for the future career pilot pathway.

View the 2025 FSANA Congressional Leave-Behind
Advocacy Day Talking Points document here.

FSANA has recently had some data shared with the organization on the activity level DPEs conducted during Fiscal Year 2024/2025 from

October 1, 2024 - September 30, 2025.

There are a number of interesting points that show that the DPE community is working hard to get practical tests done for the training sector:

• DPEs conducted 153,967 test events in FY2025 (up from just over 129,000 in 2024 and 140,000 in 2023)

• 1,122 total DPEs current at the FY2025 end (up from 1035 in FY2024)

• 536 DPEs conducted between 100-400 activities in the FY2025

• 319 DPEs conducted less than 50 activities in the FY2025

• 48 DPEs conducted MORE than 400 activities in FY2025 (22 of them got over 500!)

• 264 DPEs (roughly 23%) are covering 52.9% of the test conducted in the year (doing 200 or more practical tests)

This data shows us that while the FAA continues to add DPEs, there still remains a smaller core number of DPEs who are conducting the largest percentages of practical test events in the system. We continue to have over 28% of our DPEs doing an average of less than 1 practical test per week.

As our industry continues to work together to determine the best methodology to get airman practical testing reliably completed and have it serve the needed goal of being a status check on the validity and quality of training for certificates and ratings, these data points help us better understand the DPE activity level and how it relates to pilot certification events.

FLIGHT TRAINING NEWS

The FSANA 17th Annual Flight School Operators Conference & Trade Show will be in San Diego at the Loews Hotel in Coronado Bay, February 25-27, 2026.

Plan to join your peers, friends, and exhibitors at the 2026 Flight School Operators Conference & Trade Show. Come learn, network, and meet government officials, supply chain partners, and others who interface with your industry. Nearly 20 professional sessions to choose from. Don’t miss out on the most important days of the year for your business.

New Tracks Added = More Sessions

There are now 4 tracks and 7 more educational track sessions over last year -- 19 all together. Attend a mix of sessions from the following track themes:

• Safety
• Vendor Showcase
• Business of Flight Training
• CFI/Student Focus

This is the annual event that has been having a huge impact on businesses like yours. The FSANA conference experience is about learning how to:

• Increase profits
• Engage in growth strategies and new business opportunities
• Adapt to the latest trends and technology
• Manage costs and be more efficient

Click here to learn more about the conference and start making your plans today!

Room Reservations

FSANA is pleased to be hosting its 2026 Conference & Trade Show at the beautiful Loews Coronado Bay Resort. Be sure to book your hotel soon.

Make your room reservation now

FLIGHT TRAINING NEWS

During the recent U.S. government shutdown, many flight operations were restricted or cancelled. These restrictions negatively affected the ability of attendees, speakers and the FAA to travel and participate in the DPE Symposium that was scheduled for earlier this month.

FSANA made the decision to postpone this event and is currently working to reschedule the event in the early part of 2026.

FSANA will provide more information about the rescheduled event in the very near future.

We appreciate your patience as we work to provide the best successful event for all attendees.

Plan now to attend the IAAC 2026 Accreditation Workshop where you will have the opportunity to interact with the IAAC Executive Director, receive a comprehensive overview of IAAC Accreditation Standards, and enhance your school's capabilities for achieving and maintaining accreditation.

This workshop is designed to provide valuable insights and practical knowledge that will help you navigate the IAAC accreditation process and prepare your school to for becoming accredited and what that means.

Here's what you'll learn:

• Update on our Progress with the U.S. Department of Education
• Coverage of the IAAC Process from A-to-Z
• Understanding the IAAC Standards
• Compliance Pitfalls to Avoid
• Submitting a Complete and Thorough Application
• Preparing Critical Documents
• The IAAC Self-Study Process
• IAAC Site Visits
• Responsibilities After your School is Accredited

Workshop Date: February 24, 2026

(Immediately preceding FSANA’s Annual Conference)

Workshop Location: Loews Coronado Bay Resort

Workshop Agenda and Hotel Information

More complete information, including greater detail on our Workshop Program, Registration, and Program Schedule outline, are located at: https://www.iaac.aero/events.php

Make plans to attend and be sure to register by December 19, 2025 to take advantage of the early-bird registration rate.

Early pricing: $750/person, a discount of $100 is available for multiple registrations from the same organization. Book early, as the early-bird price goes away after December 19, 2025 and prices go up accordingly. Do not delay.

Click Here for Registration

Thinking of becoming an exhibitor at the 2026 Conference & Trade Show fast approaching in February? Exhibit space is expected to sell out. Please contact FSANA soon to secure a booth. Contact at info@fsana.com or call our office at 610-791-4359. You can also use the link below to reserve immediately.

FSANA Annual Partners who intend to exhibit are required to submit a registration to save their booth.

Click here to learn more