From the President...
The Value of an Association as YOUR Advocate
 When we first gathered together in Philadelphia, PA at Atlantic Aviation on April 17, 2009
to determine if there was a need for a trade association dedicated to the flight training industry, it became clear very quickly that the need was real and ever present.
The agenda for the first meeting was detailed and contained many challenges for flight school owners and managers. There were times when the agenda strayed and we had to navigate back to the center line.
There are times that the value of an association is invaluable. In some cases, the work that associations like FSANA perform is not fully transparent due to confidentiality and cannot be shared with the broader industry.
We all know that at times, even well managed business models can find challenges on their door steps.
In some cases, FSANA
has saved flight training businesses from closure and/or eviction. This includes small, medium and large schools. While having a quality and consistent business culture is critical, there are times when things happen that lead to major challenges.
The FSANA staff, Board, and in some cases, its contractors have on multiple occasions over the past few years been contacted to help with various challenges. In some cases, FSANA has been able to collaborate with various resources to help re
solve problems related to government matters at both the national, state and local levels.
Topics have included FAA certification and/or oversight, taxing issues, student VISA management and financing arrangements. We can honestly say that in at least four instances, businesses that contacted FSANA were heading toward business closure.
We sincerely hope that none of you reading this ever experience some of the things FSANA has had to help with, but if you do, we hope you reach out to our offices and, if we can help, we will.
This speaks directly to the
value and the
why of having a trade association for the flight training industry. There are other associations in aviation that also do good work, but specifically for the businesses that provide flight training, FSANA is laser focused on the flight training sector.
FSANA works with providers and government agencies on behalf of its members. It is
YOUR advocate. Our members are the strongest asset on our balance sheet and we are here to serve our members.
The value of an association is strengthened through the members. If you are a FSANA member, we thank you. If you are not a member, please join, engage and
help us grow the association. The value proposition that is provided when looked at critically is without measure. It might be your operation that needs our help next time.
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FAA 20 Year Forecast Notes Effects on Regional Airlines and ATP Certification - Training Capacity Not A Factor Included
by Jason Blair
Releasing its 20 Year Aerospace Forecast, the FAA has again highlighted important considerations for the aerospace industry. Noting growth in the U.S. domestic passenger carriage sector over the next 20 years, the FAA credited positive economic indicators and lower overall oil costs that airlines experience. Coupled with this is an expected continued growth in regional jets, which we all know will continue to need pilots to keep them flying. While many factors were noted and considered in the report, a couple directly relate to the training industry.
The full report highlights the fact that mainline airlines are credited with greater numbers of enplanements (they fly aircraft that carry more people) they also typically have a higher "revenue per mile" than the "regional" airlines. To some degree this has been corollary with the efforts of regional airlines to fly aircraft with greater seat loads while at the same time the FAA notes that "the regionals have less leverage with the mainline carriers than they have had in the past as the mainline carriers have negotiated contacts that are more favorable for their operational and financial bottom lines." It goes on to note that,
"Furthermore, the regional airlines are facing some pilot shortages. Their labor costs are increasing as they raise wages to combat the pilot shortage while their capital costs have increased in the short term..."
This point is important for the flight training industry as the regional airlines are many times the first target for many of the customers training providers serve for future employment.
Note is made of the fact that "commercial and air transport pilot (ATP)" certificates have been impacted by a legislative change as well" [that took place a few years ago]. This is something our training industry has been tracking, watching, and evaluating over the past few years and the effects have been far ranging. As these effects have been felt, it is noted that ATP certificates have generally trended down, while the need for them is trending up. This also matches an overall trend that is forecasted to continue for overall active pilot certificates through the end of this report. By nature, this will require a greater percentage of active pilot certificates to be utilized for employment purposes, but it does not necessarily mean that a greater need for pilots is needed. It may in fact just represent a greater (by percentage) decrease of non-commercial flying in the general aviation market.What is of particular interest here is that in this report there is no modeling or even discussion of the training market capacity or ability in the United States.
While our system is estimating an aerospace forecast, it is not estimating how we will train needed pilots for the future or to what degree the available providers are able to meet the need. This is something that we certainly need to consider and address going forward if we are going to meet the forecast needs of the aerospace industry going forward.
You can see a summary and the full report by clicking the following links:
or
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Continued Implementation of Designee Management System (DMS) for Pilot Practical Test Administration - Feedback Wanted
FSANA has been receiving input from flight training providers around the country who are experiencing the implementation of the FAA's Designee Management System (DMS) for FAA Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs) and the effects this system has on practical test scheduling.
Some challenges have been expressed, both by students seeking practical tests, and the DPEs conducting the tests. As these challenges are identified, FSANA has had indications from the FAA that continued improvements and updates are being made to the DMS system that will address some of the concerns. It is through this feedback that the FAA can continue to improve the system and moderate any potential negative impacts. Please help FSANA by continuing to provide feedback.
Any feedback that can be collected and fed to the FAA in a constructive manner has the potential to be included in updates and improve the administrative process of this system, so the FAA really does want input.
We encourage flight training providers to work closely with the DPEs they utilize to determine the best ways to provide the requisite information to keep the flow of testing for pilot certificates and ratings going in the United States. Any feedback you are also able to provide is welcome. Feel free to email us at [email protected] or call our office directly at 610-791-4359 with your experiences so we can help the FAA and DPEs around the country identify and remedy any challenges in the implementation of the DMS system.
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AeroGuard Flight Training Center Expands into Texas with New Austin Flight School
As part of their ongoing expansion, AeroGuard Flight Training Center proudly announces the launch of its new first-class commercial pilot training facility at the Georgetown Municipal Airport near Austin, Texas.
The aviation industry needs pilots. As industry leaders in commercial pilot training, AeroGuard Flight Training Center sets a higher standard for safety, quality of training, and career success. Their new Austin flight school is a critical part of helping to meet that demand.
AeroGuard's accelerated curriculum helps cadets go from zero experience to paid airline pilots in as little as two years. The Flight Training Center's unique student-focused culture attracts cadets from all over the world who want to quickly master the knowledge and skills they need to launch an exciting career in aviation. The Austin flight school is ideally located to not only train students from Texas, but also students across the U.S., and beyond, offering programs for international airlines, universities, and their students.
Click Here to Read More
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RAA Establishes Scholarship Foundation
The Board of Directors of the Regional Airline Association, the industry trade association representing North American regional airlines, on May 7 ratified the establishment of the RAA Scholarship Foundation. The purpose of the foundation is to support RAA's scholarship program, which provides financial assistance to students pursuing careers in aviation.
RAA awards $16,000-$20,000 in scholarships annually to students in collegiate aviation programs. In 2018, RAA awarded four, $4,000 scholarships.
"Through the RAA Scholarship Foundation, we have aspirations of growing the scholarship fund exponentially from our current $20,000-a-year program," RAA President and CEO Faye Malarkey Black said. "RAA is greatly concerned about the financial burden placed on individuals seeking a career as a pilot, or other roles in the airline industry, and is working to find solutions for making a career in aviation more accessible. The scholarship program is one such solution."
The RAA Scholarship Foundation was ratified by the RAA Board of Directors during its meeting in Washington, D.C.
The Regional Airline Association (RAA) provides a unified voice of advocacy for North American regional airlines aimed at promoting a safe, reliable and robust regional airline industry. RAA serves as an important support network connecting regional airlines, industry business partners and government regulators, and promotes the interests of regional airlines in a changing business environment. In the United States, regional airlines operate 41 percent of scheduled passenger flights and provide the only source of scheduled air service to nearly two-thirds of the nation's airports.
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Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) Program Offers May 9th, 2019 Webinar to Update Providers of Training to Foreign Students on Programs
In an effort to keep providers of training to foreign students up-to-date on program news and updates the SEVP office is offering it's Spring 2019 SEVP InFocus Webinar. The webinar is
on Thursday, May 9, 2019, from 2 to 3 p.m. EDT and will focus on the latest program news and updates affecting SEVP-certified schools and international students.
To learn more about the webinar and save the date to your calendar, visit the Spring 2019 SEVP InFocus Webinar page by
clicking here.
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FSANA NEWS
What Are YOU doing to promote Learn to Fly Month?
May is Learn to Fly Month, and FSANA is challenging flight training providers to use this month long effort to try to attract new customers who might want to learn to fly for a career, for business, or just for fun!
FSANA encourages flight schools and organizations to collaborate and hold events and promotions focused on getting more people to learn to fly.
How Any Flight School Can Participate This May
All flight schools across the country are invited and encouraged to participate in Learn to Fly Month, not just FSANA members. If you haven't set anything in motion for this initiative yet, it isn't too late! FSANA is providing this set of six free tools intended to help flight schools and others interested in promoting Learn to Fly Month. Please take a moment to check them out and incorporate them into your own Learn to Fly Month events.
- "Ideas for Flight Schools" (PDF) ... A one-pager of how to create a fun and exciting event(s) at your business
- Customizable press release template for your flight school or organization (DOC)
- Color photograph of Mario Andretti (PDF) ... Credit: Courtesy of Flight School Association of North America
- Learn to Fly Month poster with Mario Andretti (PDF)
- Learn to Fly Month logo graphic for print (PDF)
- Learn to Fly Month logo graphic for web (simply "grab" the above graphic)
We have highlighted it previously, but this effort is promoted not just by pilots, but those who al
so understand and appreciate the impact aviation can have on careers.
Mario Andretti, the world famous race car driver who has won Formula One, Indy Car, World Sports Car, and of course, NASCAR races was interview previously about his love of flight and his involvement as Learn to Fly Month Honorary Chairman.
During that interview, Andretti stressed that, as he says, "I could not have lived or could not have done [what he has done] without either general aviation, which of course I was part of, I owned aircraft since 1968, but also, commercial aviation."
He continues to note that aviation, "was a tool that allowed me to complete my career, not only [to] facilitate movements from event to event, but also to have a family with me. Otherwise, I think that even would have been impossible with the type of schedule that I was keeping."
Andretti has owned and flown aircraft such as Piper Navajos, the Mitsubishi Mu-2, and a few bigger corporate-style aircraft such as the Gulfstream IIB and Hawker 600 and 700. While Andretti did not get a pilot's certificate, he did have the opportunity to fly some unique aircraft in his lifetime under the guidance of qualified instructors.
Mario believes that aviation offers a unique and rewarding career option and encourages "young people, whether male or female, to really look at the potential that there is out there for a career in flying." You can hear more about Mario's thoughts about aviation in an interview with him last year:
FSANA encourages all flight schools and others in the industry, including the supply chain and trade associations, to be involved. To find out how to participate, contact Debbie Sparks at 561-767-6826 or send an email to [email protected].
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 Enrollment Specialist
Join our Team of professionals at our busy flight academy located in the heart of Fort Worth, Texas. Epic Helicopters offers fixed wing and helicopter pilot training to international, domestic and veteran flight students at our exclusive campus at Fort Worth Meacham International Airport (KFTW). We are seeking a highly motivated, personable and experienced specialist to foster our continued growth in the pilot training market. Respond to: [email protected].
Fllight Instructors and More Wanted at Hillsboro Aero Academy
Hillsboro Aero Academy is one of the largest combined airplane and helicopter pilot training schools in the US. HAA flies an impressive 100,000 flight hours per year with over 87 fixed wing aircraft. Hillsboro Aero Academy is now hiring for various opportunities. Apply online at www.flyhaa.com/employment.
University Air Center Flight School, Gainesville Florida
Looking for Certified Flight Instructors-Instrument for a full time busy flight school.
We fly Piper Warrior, Cessna 172 (G1000), Cessna 182 (Garmin glass), Cessna 210 and Piper Aztec. We have the option of time as flight instructor then move into the Caravan for Part 91 operations then to our Charter department flying Citation Jets. Come join the UAC team!
Flight Instructor Sought
Wanted CFI for 141 flight school, added ratings a plus, but not required. When not instructing, right seat on Navajo available for qualified applicant. Respond to Moyer Aviation, Inc. Pocono Mountains, Pa. 800-321-5890
[email protected].
Charter Captain Wanted
Wanted Captain for 135 charter operation in Northeast. Flying Navajos & Seneca Minimum 1500 TT, 200 MEL. Respond to Moyer Aviation, Inc. Pocono Mountains, Pa. 800-321-5890
[email protected].
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We welcome 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 Training News
.
Send your thoughts to [email protected].
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