FSANA NEWS
 AeroCamp Receiving National Marketing Visibility
FSANA is pleased to announce that promotion and advertising for AeroCamp 2016 will be reaching over 5 million print readers in April and another 5 million in May. The number of print impressions does not include E platforms that are connected with the print segment.
While these will be going out in other publications, we wanted to share with you what they will look like.
 |
|
|
Click the image to see a full-size version PDF of the advertisement |
Here is one of the many national print advertisements that will appear in USA Today, Plane and Pilot magazine, Trade-A-Plane and other publications in April and May 2016.
FSANA participating flight schools are already booking AeroCampers for 2016 before the 2016 promotions have even kicked off. This is a continuation of an effort that these schools have begun over the years to bring youth to the industry and, not without worth noting, increase their profitability.
Schools that offer AeroCamp programs are experiencing profit from their efforts. Their efforts are noble, but they are also business minded and this is something that FSANA thinks more flight schools should consider as a part of their business model.
AeroCamp is a great way to introduce young people to aviation and aerospace while simultaneously bringing non-aviation types to the flight school and airport/heliport. As the program grows, FSANA will continue to promote the program in an effort to drive more participants to those schools that are offering AeroCamp programs. This national level marketing is done as an association to help all of the member schools offering this program. As our members support our association, it is our goal as an association to promote the members and their service offerings.
|
|
TRAINING NEWS
 Student and Exchange Visitor Program Offers Webinars about Training for International Students
Beginning April 12, 2016, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) will host two webinars: the first to provide the latest SEVP news and updates, and the second to comprehensively review the new STEM OPT regulation. We encourage our stakeholders, including members of the Flight School Association of North America, to tune in to both webinars.
The
SEVP: InFocus webinar on Tuesday, April 12, 2016, from 1 to 2 p.m. EDT. The SEVP InFocus webinar is part of SEVP's bimonthly webinar series and focuses on providing stakeholders with programmatic updates such as: policy changes and updates, and news and information about compliance for schools and students. It is intended for members of the academic community, including designated school officials (DSOs) and academic organizations, and will discuss topics such as:
* Draft guidance for comment opportunities on Study in the States;
* Progress with decreasing processing times for principal designated school official (PDSO) and DSO updates;
* Upcoming SEVIS releases;
* Updated I-901 SEVIS Fee Tutorial on Study in the States;
* Form I-515A, "Notice to Student or Exchange Visitor," terminations; and
* New resources on Study in the States.
The
SEVP Special Report webinar on Thursday, April 14, 2016, from 2 to 3 p.m. EDT is for all members of the academic community and will provide information on the new STEM OPT rule published on March 11, 2016.
Webinar viewership for each webinar is limited to the first 1,000 participants. We do anticipate both webinars will be extremely popular, and in order to maximize viewership, SEVP encourages stakeholders to hold viewing parties and have multiple attendees view the webinar from one location. If you are unable to enter the room at the time of the webinar due to space limitations, a recording and script will be available on Study in the States after each event.
We've attached Outlook invitations for both webinars that include the date and time of each. Please save these invitations to your personal calendar and join us this week!
You can view both upcoming webinars on the Study in the
States Stakeholder Webinars page
, which will provide an overview of the webinar series and links to the upcoming webinars.
|
|
|
FSANA NEWS
Ignite Payment Solutions Becomes
FSANA Partner - Offers Point of Sale Solutions Flight Schools Should Consider
FSANA is please to present Ignite Payment Solutions as a new partner for the association!
Ignited Payment Solutions offers credit card processing solutions for businesses at rates that are reduced from traditional providers.
In an effort to help all FSANA members, Ignite is offering exclusive, members-only rates on all processing fees and we've committed to providing a minimum of 20% off current processing rates.
Ignite services include point-of-sale solutions for every business that offer:
- Credit Card Terminals w/EMV (chip card) technology
- Clover POS to manage inventory, payroll, appointments, marketing
- Clover GO w/EMV (chip card) technology to accept payments on your smart phone or tablet
- Payment Gateway to accept one-time or recurring payments online
- QuickBooks integration
They provide a free, no-obligation rate analysis for any business who is currently accepting credit cards.
More information about Ignite Payment Solutions can be found at www.ignitepaymentsrus.com of you can contact their office at 847-847-4834 to learn more. Please mention if you are a FSANA member to get reduced rates.
|
|
 |
 |
SIMULATORS IN TRAINING
Simulator Return On Investment
by Tracy Cook
Vice President - Marketing and Sales, Precision Flight Controls Inc.
When purchasing an Aviation Training Device (ATD) for a flight school or other for-profit institution, the first question is usually, "How will I recoup my investment?"
Many variables come into play regarding the choice of a compatible system. Size of the flight training organization, student load, types of training offered, and personnel are all important factors.
For instance, a small flight school in a rural area may find a desktop BATD system the most advantageous. It requires a relatively small initial investment, and provides a basic tool for private and instrument training, continued instrument proficiency, and instrument experience (currency).
On the other hand, a busy flight school that offers certificates and ratings to include private, instrument, commercial, multi-engine, and ATP will find an AATD to be the most beneficial. An AATD provides for generous loggable time for each of these certificates and ratings and can be a great revenue generator in the right environment. Beyond the number of students that an organization is teaching, the most important factor may be staff commitment. If a school's managers and instructors are receptive to the consistent use of an aviation training device within the flight training curriculum, the system can be a game changer. Proper training is the key. If instructors are comfortable with its operation and embrace an Aviation Training Device as another versatile tool in their arsenal, it will prove invaluable. An AATD allows instructors to augment their training with weather conditions and/or maneuvers that they wouldn't attempt in the airplane. It also provides a great platform for continued training when flying outside may not be possible.
Next month we will discuss the range of fees that are charged for BATDs and AATDs.
|
|
|
TRAINING NEWS
Touchstone Helicopters Offers Robinson Helicopter Leasing Options - Welcomes Pam Landis to the Team
 Touchstone Helicopters would like to welcome Pam Landis as leasing coordinator. Pam has over 20 years of experience in the helicopter world and started her career as a flight instructor. She later became an owner of a successful helicopter flight school in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl and VP and Chief Pilot of another Flight School in West Palm Beach, Fl.
"The quality of aircraft that I leased from Touchstone Helicopters for my flight schools over the years, is the reason I was so excited to join the team. John's vision for providing his customers with exceptional aircraft and service was my incentive to bring my knowledge and skills to Touchstone" said Landis.
Pam has in excess of 7,500 flight hours, the majority of which are in Robinson helicopters and her experience as a Lessee and helicopter operator gives her an understanding of all aspects of leasing, maintenance, and flight school operations, making her a perfect fit for Touchstone. She can use her extensive experience to give advice and guidance to Touchstone customers.
"Touchstone is all about customer service, by providing our customers with excellent aircraft, adding flexibility to their operations, and helping them increase their bottom line" said owner,
John Nielsen.
"Pam will add another level of customer attention that will help our new and existing customers grow and prosper."
John Nielsen will continue to operate in California and Pam Landis will operate from Florida to make sure all clients are well looked after.
So please welcome Pam Landis to Touchstone Helicopters. With her excellent reputation and extensive list of contacts in the industry we're sure she'll be a great asset to Touchstone. You can reach her at
Pam@touchstonehelicopters.com.
Pam Landis is a proud member of HAI, Whirly Girls, HAI Training Committee. She was the previous recipient of the Flight Training Excellence Award by AOPA and Mark Baker.
Touchstone Helicopters was opened in 2004 with two R22s for lease and has since grown to be one of the largest helicopter leasing companies specializing in Robinson helicopters. Touchstone is owned and operated by John Ward Nielsen. John's experience as a helicopter pilot since 1987 in charter, ENG, aerial production, and as a flight school owner showed him the challenges that helicopter operators face and lead him to make the decision to provide leased Robinson helicopters to flight schools, private pilots, and business users. Over the last twelve years the Touchstone fleet has grown to 40 Robinson helicopters including 15 R44s.
|
|
 |
INDUSTRY NEWS
 Dynon Avionics announces that its best-selling EFIS-D10A is now approved for STC installation in certain type certificated aircraft.
Over 15,000 experimental and LSA aircraft already fly with Dynon glass panel products. Based on this success, the EAA, FAA, and Dynon partnered to gain FAA approval for the installation of Dynon's EFIS-D10A in type certificated GA aircraft.
Robert Hamilton, Dynon president, says "For years, pilots of type certificated aircraft have been asking us for a way to install Dynon Glass Panel avionics in their airplanes. We jumped at the opportunity to work with EAA and the FAA to make this novel STC approach possible with our EFIS-D10A. This is a breakthrough that can lead the way for many more possibilities."
The EFIS-D10A is the first Dynon product to be STC approved. It is a full 4" Primary Flight Display that includes attitude, airspeed, altimeter, magnetic heading, turn rate, inclinometer, g-meter, winds, and more. Other capabilities include Angle-of-Attack and internal backup battery.
The initial STC allows the EFIS-D10A to replace the existing primary attitude indicator in Cessna 150, 152, 172 and Piper PA-28 and PA-38 series aircraft with a modern EFIS that contains no moving
parts. More aircraft approvals are expected to follow. Based on demand, Dynon also will design turnkey installation kits for installers that include aircraft-specific panels and mounting equipment.
The STC will be available for a nominal price from the EAA. Dynon will sell the EFIS-D10A and installation kits for STC installation through selected dealers.
"Everybody involved from EAA, Dynon, and the FAA were dedicated to the success of this inaugural project, made possible by EAA's strong working relationship with FAA's Small Airplane Directorate," said
Jack Pelton, EAA CEO/Chairman. "This STC process will allow aircraft owners to have the latest proven safety technology available in the cockpit at lower cost."
Unique to this STC, EAA, Dynon, and the FAA worked together to allow the EFIS-D10A to be installed without the traditional Technical Standard Order (TSO) or Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) requirement. Dynon's product is also verified against the recently developed ASTM 3153-15, Standard Specification for verification of Avionics Systems. The EFIS-D10A was flight tested in Oshkosh earlier this year in an EAA Cessna 172M.
The cost and application process for the STC will be finalized in the coming weeks by EAA. Pricing and availability of Dynon's EFIS-D10A for this STC will also be available in the coming weeks.
--------
Founded in 2000, Dynon Avionics' mission is to create the best avionics and aircraft systems for light aircraft. With a worldwide fleet of aircraft over 15,000 strong, Dynon is the leading manufacturer of avionics for Experimental and Light Sport Aircraft. Continuing a tradition started with the introduction of their first Electronic Flight Information System "glass panel", Dynon is committed to developing innovative products at affordable prices for all pilots.
|
|
|
INDUSTRY NEWS
Flight Schedule Pro Launches Updated Version - Mobile Device Friendly
Announced following the release of the native iPhone app, Flight Schedule Pro is on track to offer the only integrated flight training business management system that's mobile friendly and actually easy-to-use. With more than 140,000 appointments already booked using the new version, v4 is well on its way.
"The top training schools and clubs use Flight Schedule Pro and we'd like to provide them great service well into the future. We believe Flight Schedule Pro v4 sets a new standard for web and mobile software in the flight training industry" said Jasen C. Barnes, co-founder and chief executive officer. "This version took us over two years and many thousands of hours of R & D to build. We completely reimagined Flight Schedule Pro from the ground up so we could create new value for our customers in new ways."
The new version uses simple design techniques, and is uniquely architected to work on desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. In addition, it has drag-and-drop scheduling abilities with new 3-day and 7-day layouts. All of the product's modules, including online scheduling, aircraft maintenance, pilot records management, as well as dispatching and flight recording have all been redesigned for the new release.
A brand new student curriculum tracking module is in private beta use by top schools, and a powerful new billing and point-of-sale module is scheduled for release in June 2016.
"Flight Schedule Pro has always been known for great scheduling, but our future is all about providing flight training schools with a fully integrated solution. We can feel the excitement building around this new product and can't wait to see the difference it makes!" Barnes said.
--------
The leader in aircraft scheduling, Flight Schedule Pro helps general aviation and military aviation organizations streamline their flight operations using its web-based and mobile systems. Based in Overland Park, Kansas, with more than 350,000 users in 25 countries, Flight Schedule Pro and its online and mobile aircraft scheduling and business management software is trusted by top flight schools, universities, and flying clubs. For more information, visit www.flightschedulepro.com.
|
|
 |
 TRAINING NEWS
Precision Flight Control's
New B737 AATD Meets FAA
The FAA has approved a newly developed flight simulation system produced by
Precision Flight Controls. in partnership with
Flightdeck Solutions of Newmarket, Ontario, Canada.
Sim-Avionics of London, UK, provided the system software. The FDS B737NG replicates the Boeing 737NG 800 flight deck with great attention to detail and functionality. The system was recently subjected to extensive testing which resulted in approval by the FAA's AFS-800 division as an Advanced Aviation Training Devic
e (AATD).
About the FDS B737NG System
The FDS B737NG replicates the most popular transport jet of all time, the Boeing 737. The system boasts dual-linked column yokes and rudder pedals and a Boeing throttle quadrant assembly. The cockpit ergonomics are faithful to the real aircraft and include refurbished OEM Boeing seats for both Captain and First Officer. The flight management system (FMS) consists of Boeing Smith style CDU's and mode control panel (MCP). A fully functional overhead panel, with accurate systems logic, is also included. The outside scenic view is provided by five large HD LED displays mounted in a modular visual system providing for a 225-degree horizontal field of view. An optional full-motion 6DOF motion system is available to further enhance the system's realism and fidelity.
About Precision Flight Controls, Inc.
Precision Flight Controls, Inc. (PFC) is headquartered in Rancho Cordova, California. Since 1990, the company has been a global leader in providing flight training organizations with affordable, high-fidelity, flight simulation components and systems. PFC's systems simulate dozens of legacy general aviation and commercial aircraft as well as today's most popular technically advanced aircraft. PFC has supplied flight simulation components to many aviation industry leaders such as Northrup Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Rockwell Collins, General Dynamics, Honeywell and Boeing. PFC systems are approved by regulatory agencies around the world and are utilized in hundreds of aviation and educational facilities on every continent including such prestigious organizations as the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, the FAA, the FBI, the U.S. State Department, the European Space Agency, and NASA.
For further information about the FDS B737NG or Precision Flight Controls, Inc. contact:
Tracy Cook
V.P. Marketing and Sales
Phone: (916) 414-1310 Ext. 17
Fax: (916) 414-1326
Email:
tracy@flypfc.com
|
|
|
TRAINING NEWS
New Student Pilot Certificate Process Effective April 1, Step By Step Directions Presentation Available
You probably already know that student pilot certificates no longer can be issued by FAA Airman Medical Examiners, but now can be issued by CFIs in additional to FAA Designated Pilot Examiners, Airman Certification Representatives, and FAA staff.
The new process is a little different than the old way, so FSANA Editor, Jason Blair, has created a step by step walk through presentation of the entire process for the student and the CFI.
|
|
|
Be Recognized as a FSANA Supporting Partner
FSANA is a dynamic trade association that represents the interests of flight training providers. Our members are motivated and successful business operators that provide flight training in the United States and foreign countries. Your company, or a company you know, is encouraged to support FSANA in its achievements by becoming a "Partner."
FSANA's core platforms 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.
For their part, FSANA Partners receive year-round brand exposure in both print and electronic platforms in multiple channels and a host of other benefits.
To learn more, please contact
Debbie Sparks
, director of Business Development, at
dsparks@fsana.com
or
561-767-6826.
|
|
|
Rural Adirondack Airport For Sale
Less than 200 miles (2hr) from Westchester, Boston, Montreal, and Philadelphia. Plateau Sky Ranch 1F2 is a turf field runway on a 29 mile long Great Sacandaga Lake. Two runways (6/24 - 100' x 2400' and 11/9- 100' x 200'). 22 lot fly-in approved sub-division. Contact 518-863-4338 or aaeinc@frontiernet.net for more information.
* * *
Flight School Seeking Investment Capital
An
established
and successful Part 61 and 141 flight school is seeking $1M-3M investment capital for new enterprise start-up. Qualified parties please call 863-327-6880.
* * *
Flight School for Sale in Ohio
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 Ohio may be the opportunity for which you are looking.
The operation has simulators and operates both FAR Part 61 and 141 training curricula, is SEVP approved, has VA approval, and operates a PSI testing center.The operation is a successful flight training business with two owned aircraft and multiple leaseback aircraft, a large client base, a FBO business and maintenance services. Interested parties should Contact John Bonfiglio CPA at 440-461-6227.
|
|
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 eMonthly
.
Send your thoughts to info@fsana.com.
|
|
|
|
Inviting the Best
Aircraft Operators
in the Business to
Join Our Network.
|
|
2016 FSANA International Flight School Operators Conference
Orlando Florida
Februay 9-12
|
|
Click on images to download sample Aero program brochures
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
