FSANA soft launched a new website last week and FSANA members were the first to see it. The new site is now being rolled out to the world.

The new and improved site has been designed to meet the needs of both flight school operators and their future customers.

If you have not already done so, visit the FSANA site at https://www.fsana.com/ to see the new format and upgraded features..

FSANA flight school members can now sign-in and gain access to a growing list of added features and benefits and information, all focused on helping them advance their school models.

All members including flight schools, supply chain companies, individual members of various capacitys, DPE's and others can now select a wide selection of service categories that they provide.

A new feature area that has been developed and that will be expanded focuses on being a resource for the public to find products of member companies, training and service providers. The public can search for a myriad of services and products based on several search criteria fields.

Visit the FSANA search feature at https://www.fsana.com/school_search.php.

Starr Insurance Companies announced the launch of Starr Gate, a new kind of general aviation policy providing pilots who rent aircraft with unprecedented flexibility for their insurance needs through “high-definition underwriting” and usage-based pricing with a tool that can also improve a pilot’s skills.

Starr Insurance Companies Launches Starr Gate, First-of-Its-Kind, Usage-Based Aviation Insurance for Pilots Who Rent

Until now, pilots did not have real flexibility in their insurance coverage and often paid for coverage they didn’t need. Now, Starr, a leading aviation insurer, has established a way for pilots to pay for coverage based on when they are flying. The program includes the ability to access CloudAhoy, a popular third-party, cloud-based pilot analytics tool, for a potential discount on the premium.

“This product is a significant innovation for Starr,” said Maurice R. Greenberg, Chairman and CEO of Starr Insurance Companies. “For the thousands of pilots around the U.S., it’s a smarter way to get coverage. We’re leveraging technology to enhance safety and tailor coverage to match the market’s actual needs.”

Jim Anderson, Senior Vice President of Starr Aviation, said: “Starr Gate is better aligned with a pilot’s skills and flight time. With CloudAhoy data, we can write coverage in high definition. It’s customized insurance that can make you a better pilot.”

Starr Gate customers get personalized access to CloudAhoy scoring, at no additional cost, that can help them become better pilots by matching their performance — from wheels up to wheels down post-flight — with thousands of other pilots.

“Giving pilots the flexibility to buy on-demand coverage could not have come at a better time as we begin to emerge from this public health crisis,” Anderson said. “Qualified pilots can obtain coverage for when they fly. If you’re not flying now, apply for the coverage you need when you do start to fly again.”

Starr Gate is available now directly to pilots through a convenient iPad app, accessible in the Apple App Store, as well as through insurance brokers.

“Using data-driven technology to provide quantitative, objective feedback to pilots has always been part of our vision,” said Chuck Shavit, the creator and CEO of CloudAhoy. “We are delighted to see it used in a positive way to reward pilots, and to promote safety and proficiency.”

For more information about this new insurance product, click here.

Entrol, a manufacturer of FTD and AATD flight simulators, has announced the launch of their first US office in Miami, Florida, to support their growth in the American market.

visit https://entrol.net/.

For over 244 years America has been the World’s beacon of freedom, hope and inspiration, especially during the most challenging of times. Today, we have one of these challenging times with the COVID-19 pandemic. The resilience of the American people will once again overcome and shine brightly.

America’s resilience is best exemplified by our Healthcare Heroes fighting in the trenches at the front lines to overcome the evil COVID-19 enemy.

Now, all of America is invited to participate in America’s Operation Thank You, The Relay In The Sky, a relay of Aircraft flying across America visiting all 50 States to honor and thank Healthcare Heroes and First Responders.

As part of America’s Operation Thank You, The Relay In The Sky, a special Spirit of Liberty Torch has been created with America’s colors – red, white and blue and a representation of the famous flame from the Statue of Liberty’s torch.

America’s Operation Thank You, The Relay In The Sky, will fly the Spirit of Liberty Torch and Love Healthcare Heroes Flag across America in an unprecedented Relay of aircraft supported at the highest levels of America’s Aircraft Industry including the Flight School Association of North America (FSANA), Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), Commemorative Air Force (CAF), Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) with a combined membership of nearly 700,000. Each organization is inviting their members to participate by making short flights between cities across America. The leading FBOs are also participating. They will hand the America’s Spirit of Liberty Torch and the Love Healthcare Heroes Flag to the next pilot to carry on the next leg of the Relay to honor and support our heroes. Additionally, the major FBO’s including Signature Flight and Atlantic Aviation are participating.

FSANA encourages flight schools to support this program. For more about this effort, visit http://spiritoflibertyfoundation.org/portfolio-items/the-relay-in-the-sky.

The world has changed. Because of the pandemic’s global impact, “Normal” is now history. The airline industry is going through a significant recalibration, and flight training has been interrupted.

Scary times? Definitely. The end of the world? Definitely not.

As I speak with flight schools around the nation, I hear the common panic we’re all sharing. You need to know – you’re not alone. Flight schools of all types and sizes are going through the most challenging times since 9/11/2001 and many have even closed.

What do we do? Where is the economy heading? Should I buy? Should I sell? Should I discount my rates? What should I do?

Based on input from other flight schools, business coaches and those who have watched history repeat itself, I’d recommend five steps to get you through this “interrupted world”:

1. The airlines WILL recover – As recently as February, you were able to promise your students an $80k job at the regional airlines. Today, they can’t even get an interview. Referencing back to how history repeats itself, industry experts like Kit Darby remind us that the U.S. economy depends on the airline industry. It’s not that the airlines are “too big to fail,” but between the banks, the stock market and the government, it’s a safe bet that the airline industry WILL recover.

2. There continues to be a pilot shortage, and it’s going to get worse – While it sometimes feels like the world is crumbling around us and there are thousands of pilots without jobs today, flight schools have to look toward the future. Do you realize that airlines will resume hiring one day? Have you thought about the fact that because of early retirements, there will be FEWER pilots available than there were at the beginning of the year? In theory, the urgency of training pilots has increased since this crisis emerged.

3. There are other options – While there has been a significant drop in Part 121 air travel, Part 135 charter has seen a significant increase in business. And cargo? It’s through the roof right now (thank you Amazon). Too often we focus on the easy recruiting methods of the regionals. Now is the time to help your students see the other opportunities that are available!

4. Focus on GOOD business – Is now the time to expand? Maybe. Is now the time to sell? Maybe. Is now the time to focus on cleaning up debt and doing some of those projects you’ve been putting off for a while? Definitely. Talk with your bank while interest rates are low. Follow up on some of those maintenance projects you’ve been putting off. Maybe it's time for an engine overhaul? How about reforecasting your budget? Things could return to “normal” in six months or six years. Nobody knows, but you should focus on whatever it takes to strengthen your business for the future.

5. Remember who you were with in 2019 – Don’t you wish you could go back to the business climate of 2019? All of us do. Think about those customers you served in 2019 and into early 2020. Have you called them? Have you sent them thank you notes? Have you let people know how much you appreciate them? What about your employees? Have you let them know how valuable they are? NOW is the time to thank people for sticking by your side. Those relationships are the key to propelling your business into the future. Cherish those customers and employees that are still there!

When we focus on these simple business practices, we can position ourselves to end the year strong and “start over” with an even stronger 2021. Remember – if it were easy, everyone would own and operate a flight school. But they don’t, and now you have a great opportunity to make your business a success story.

# # #

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jeff Krinks, Prufrock Communications

(615) 478-0267

The Regional Airline Association Scholarship Foundation has awarded its 2020 scholarships to three outstanding students pursuing aviation studies at institutions of higher learning: Makayla Best, Lothin Serao, and Pardeep Singh.

This year, RAA will award its scholarships in memory of the late Terrell “Terry” Hibler, a longtime RAA associate member who advocated for creating the RAA Scholarship Program and played a pivotal role in transitioning the Scholarship Program into a 501c3 charitable foundation. It RAA’s great honor to award the first three RAA Terrell “Terry” Hibler Memorial Scholarships in the amount of $4,000 each, in memory of our dearly missed friend and his mission to support students preparing for aviation careers.

Makayla Best of Southwestern Illinois College is studying aviation management and flight training and is especially interested in the airline industry. Makayla was looking for something unique and flying held exactly that appeal. Attending a “Women in Aviation” Day through a local university piqued Makayla’s interest in the profession and an airport tour of St. Louis Lambert International reinforced her determination to join the industry. Makayla has been encouraged, along the way, by strong, influential women in aviation and is already determined to give back and motivate others to follow in her footsteps. She notes: “Once I become a professional pilot, I am going to use my image to motivate others…that they can do this too!”

Lothin Serao of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is studying aviation business administration and hopes to additionally advance her dream of becoming a professional pilot. Born in the United States, Lothin spent her childhood in Belgium and the Democratic Republic of Congo and today speaks English, French, Swahili and the Congolese language Lingala. Her passion for flying was inspired in part by her late father, a career military pilot for the Congolese army who spent hours talking with her about what it was like to fly and how being a pilot allowed him to see the world. Lothin turned her grief at her father’s passing into determination and took her first flight three years later. Citing the prohibitive costs of flight training, Lothin is focusing on Aviation Business Administration to remain in the aviation industry, where she one day hopes to fly the A380. She notes: “Receiving this scholarship will make an incredible change in my life…allowing me to explore my potential in the aviation industry.”

Pardeep Singh is studying aviation technology at Thomas Edison State University while also working as a regional airline mechanic. Pardeep’s interest in aviation was sparked in childhood. From his home near JFK Airport, Pardeep spent hours trying to read the N number on aircraft flying over. With his knack for making repairs, he helped to repair household items and even the family’s vehicle. When applying to high schools, he listed Aviation High School as his first, second, third and fourth choice and graduated with a high school diploma plus his airframe and powerplant licenses. Pardeep gained encouragement and insight from teachers and professionals who had advanced in the industry and continues to pick up valuable lessons from everyone he meets. He one day hopes to share his own expertise with others. Pardeep plans to get his master’s in aviation technology and aviation business. Setting goals is central to him, as he explains: “With each goal accomplished, I set two more new goals: one to follow up and one to surpass the current.”

RAA’s Scholarship Selection Committee is comprised of RAA’s Associate Member community. RAA thanks Associate Member Council Chair Dale Reid of Pratt & Whitney and Scholarship Committee Chair Dan Slater of GECAS, along with Philippe Poutissou of De Havilland and David Ropper of Elix Aviation, for contributing their time and talent in support of our Scholarship Foundation.

One of RAA’s paramount goals is to encourage future generations to pursue aviation, while helping to offset the financial burden placed on students during their education and training. This goal has not diminished in its importance.

“In the era of COVID-19, young people are worried about their future,” noted Faye Malarkey Black, RAA President & CEO, “in making this modest contribution to students’ tuition, we are also showing the values of the industry they will one day join, where a sense of community and a steadfast commitment to our shared future runs strong. On behalf of the regional airline community, RAA wishes Makayla, Lothin and Pardeep a lifetime of success.”

More information about the RAA at: https://www.raa.org/

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao announced today that the Trump Administration will award more than $1.2 billion in airport safety and infrastructure grants through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to 405 airports in 50 states and the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Palau, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

“This $1.2 billion federal investment will improve our nation’s airport infrastructure, enhance safety, and strengthen growth in local communities, which is especially important as the economy recovers from COVID-19,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.

A complete listing of grants (PDF) and an interactive map of airports receiving funding is available on the FAA website.

The total includes over $1 billion from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and $152 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act grants to equal a 100 percent federal share.

“The 434 AIP grants will fund critical airport infrastructure projects around the country,” said FAA Administrator Stephen M. Dickson.

The grants will be used for a variety of critical infrastructure and safety projects. The projects include purchasing aircraft rescue and firefighting equipment, constructing runways and taxiways, repairing runways and taxiways, installing aircraft lighting and signage, conducting airport master plan studies and installing airport perimeter fencing.

Since January 2017, the Trump Administration has delivered $13.5 billion to America’s Airports to improve infrastructure and safety. In 2020, the Administration has delivered $10 billion in economic assistance to America’s airports during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Over the last 10 years, Migration has become the leading conference for flight training professionals, and this year we're excited to bring the event to you virtually. Right from your home or office, you'll be able to tune in to presentations from a wide range of industry leaders and participate in small group breakout sessions focused on providing solutions to the real-world problems facing flight training organizations globally.

ASA's 2021 FAR/AIM, FAR for Flight Crew, and FAR for Aviation Maintenance Technicians are shipping now! The 2021 FAR/AIM Series delivers the accurate, reliable, and trusted content aviators and mechanics have come to expect from the leaders in aviation training.

FSANA has been collecting DPE names who have expressed a willingness to travel to help flight training providers secure practical tests since our last newsletter.

This list is published on the FSANA website and is kept up-to-date with contact information, so if you are a flight training provider who is finding a challenge of scheduling DPEs in your local area, feel free to reach out to these individuals and you may be able to have them help serve some of your local testing needs.

This effort is being made in general, but also as many DPEs have self selected to delay a return to providing practical tests during the effects of COVID-19 periods and in some locations. FSANA will continue to hep provide this information as the flight training industry continues to move forward with both new and existing students in all phases of their training.

If you are a DPE who is not on this list but would like to be, please let us know by emailing us at info@fsana.com with your email and phone number that we could list.

As the COVID-19 effect continues to develop, FSANA is working to collect and provide links and resources that are useful for flight training providers. We will continue to share these with you as we encounter them and share them both on our website and in our communications.

At this time, the links and notifications below are some that we have found that may be of use depending on your operation and local restrictions that are in place.

4/17/2020* - CISA Updates memo to better include flight training

"Prohibiting certain flights (e.g., certain locations, types of aircraft, and types of operations): As is normally the case, actions such as these may violate Federal law and the airport’s grant assurances, unless approved in advance by the FAA (and, in some cases, the Office of the Secretary of Transportation (OST) as well). To seek such approval, the airport sponsor should contact the applicable FAA Airports District Office to discuss the matter."

The FAA has offered a deviation memo for FAA Part 141 training providers to better accommodate for distance learning in parts of the approved TCOs.

Visit the following link for regular updates to deviations and policies:

FSANA's Annual Flight School Operators Conference is returning to the Rosen Plaza in Orlando, Florida March 3-5, 2021. The conference committee which is comprised of many FSANA members has been meeting and the early session topics sound outstanding.

With the new world brought on by the virus, every flight school will want to attend the 2021 conference. Several FSANA committees will be meeting real time in conjunction with the conference.

Look for more information in the upcoming months, but for now lock your calendars for March 3-5, 2021.