FSANA COVID-19 Survey Results
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Two weeks ago FSANA sent out a survey to flight training providers asking about the effects of COVID-19 on their training business. With over 150 respondents, and a promise to share their responses with our members and the flight training industry, here is what FSANA found as some of the highlights from that survey.
Approximately Half Didn’t Close
The first question of the survey, “Did your flight school close due to COVID-19” received responses that included “Yes”, “No”, and “To dual training, but allowed solo flying/rental”.
Nearly half, 49.6% said they never closed, while 35% did, and a smaller, 12.7% indicated they limited operations to solo/rental flying.
Relating to this question, for those that indicated they closed, a follow up question was asked. From the 35% who indicated they had closed, only 40% of these respondents indicated they were open again at the time of the survey.
A Full Return to Operations Not Present for Many
All respondents were asked, “To what level of operations are you at compared to prior to closure from COVID-19?” The responses from this ranged with about 30% indicating they were less than 29% of previous operations, with about 56% indicating they were somewhere between 50%-75% of their operational level, and about 27% indicating they were between 75-100% of previous levels. This is somewhat positive in that the majority of respondents indicated they were seeing returns to operational levels, but still shows many have not fully returned at the time of their responses.
Relating to this, the survey asked if the respondents, “Did you loose any customers?”
Nearly 65% of the responses to this question indicated they thought they had lost some of their customers permanently.
Lost Revenue?
Relating to both the above questions, lost customer and reduction in activity, the survey asked if the flight training providers “Do you believe you lost revenue as a result of COVID-19 effects?”
The response was a resounding yes to this question, with over 78% saying yes.
When asked how much of an effect it was on their operation, a combined slightly over 50% indicated that the loss would be less than $100,000 to their business, but there were indications by some that the effects were greater (8% saying $100,000-250,000 and 11.4% indicating a loss of greater than $250,000). The real business effects in customer and revenue loss as a result of COVID-19 are going to be felt for some time by most flight training providers in this country.
Makeup Funding/Revenue?
When considering lost revenue, we wanted to know if respondents were able to take advantage of some of the loan/grant options that were rolled out in response to COVID-19.
When asked if their operation had applied for PPP loans, 53% said they had, but of those that indicated they had applied, only 43% had received those funds at the time of the survey.
Moving Forward
The survey also asked a few questions that we thought would be of interest in efforts to move beyond and forward.
When asked if the operation was going to require “…students and instructors to wear face coverings while in flight?”, 33% said yes, only 12% said no, and 36% indicated they were leaving that choice up to their customers.
Of the responses, 45% also indicated they provided training to foreign students. We asked this question due to the potential concern for many providers related to bringing students from foreign locations into the United States to continue training critical to many business models focused on training for international students. Limiting travel for foreign students will have an obvious effect on these business models if these limitations are persistent.
FSANA will continue to monitor the effects of and recovery from COVID-19 on the flight training industry and provide data and information as it becomes available. We are hopeful that this survey information helps flight training providers compare and contrast their own experiences with the rest of the industry.
Interested in more detail than just the highlights from this survey and the data collected?
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Tracking FAA Certification Activity During COVID-19
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By Jason Blair
It is far too early to tell a great deal from FAA data available, but with a little help from some data shared with industry members from a couple of FAA offices, we can certainly see that the impact on practical test due to COVID-19 has slowed, and also may be showing recovery from the effects of COVID-19.
One early indicator that has been shared is the tracking of FAA practical test activity as it is delivered by FAA DPEs.
It is a short comparison, but if we look at the overall volume of DPE issued practical tests, and compare some of the same date periods from 2020 to last year, 2019, we see an obvious decrease in the number of tests conducted. Worth note, the data here is somewhat limited and I am providing what I have, so full comparisons may not be available that tell the full year-to-year story. But even with that said, some indications and trends that at least tell part of the story seem to be evident.
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*Limited data points that were available have been graphed;
a full trend was not able to be compiled.
The chart above shows an obvious drop in testing volume in 2020 compared to the first part of February moving into March and April as the United States experienced nationwide shutdowns and restrictions.
The good news?
Certifications didn't completely stop and in comparison to 2019 data for the second half of the set, the certification numbers weren't actually as far off from last year's activity level as one might have expected. This can be seen in the table data below.
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So, while we may be seeing a 15-28% decrease period by period in this data, it is a short time frame we are using to estimate some of the effects here and we even see that the first part of June 2020 showed an increase back to, and exceeding (slightly) the testing volume over the same period last year. This may be the result of restarting efforts and some pent up demand from during closure periods, but either way that is a positive data point from the perspective of continued pilot certification flow data considerations.
A major factor in the continued trends going forward will be related not only to re-opening efforts, but additionally the ability of training providers for foreign students to again intake new students for training. We know historically this customer base has been approximately 45-48% of the total training volume in the United States, so if this customer base is not able to return due to travel restrictions from international locations we will likely see some additional decreasing effects comparatively in testing (airman certification) volume.
Another indicator that has been shared is that of ATP certificate issuance. Without providing a big long table here, the general data points have shown typical average issuance numbers per month in the mid-500's range over the past 14 months. Some have been over 600, a few dipped into the high 400's, but all have been higher than the May 2020 number of AMEL ATP issuances that equaled only 361. This is somewhere near the 40-50% reduction rate.
The expectation of this reduction is related to the cancellation of numerous classes of new hires at airlines over that month. Many of the classes that were in process during March and April 2020 were completed at airlines providing the training that results in ATP certification, but they didn't start new cancellations and this data is likely what is showing in the reduction of ATP certification experienced in May. We will have to watch to see how June plays out and as airlines rally to recover, what levels of certification will return for AMEL ATP certificates going forward.
These data points are initial views at some of the effects of COVID-19 related slowdowns, closures, and cancellations. There are negative points we can see already, but we are already starting to see some positive indicators of training (and certification) levels coming back as the country re-opens.
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Starr Insurance Companies Launches Starr Gate, First-of-Its-Kind, Usage-Based Aviation Insurance for Pilots Who Rent
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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.
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.”
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Updated Draft of FAA Order 8000.95A Available for Review
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The FAA recently issued a draft of FAA Order 8000.95A which contains policy relating to FAA Designee Management Policy.
This policy will be open for public review and comment before implementing changes.
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Updated FAA Aviation Instructors Handbook Published
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Training CFI applicants? Working to make sure you as a CFI have the most up-to-date information for your teaching efforts?
Then make sure you have the most current version of the FAA's Aviation Instructor's Handbook. The biggest changes to this document were the reorganization of some chapters, updating references from "Practical Test Standards" to "Airman Certification Standards", and the addition of a chapter on "Teaching Practical Risk Management During Flight Instructions."
This document was recently updated and released on June 2, 2010.
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DPEs Available to Travel For Practical Tests
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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.
We continue to track a general decrease in overall systemic volume of practical tests, most noteablely starting in March and April, with May numbers >>>>>>>>>>>>
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.
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COVID-19 Resources for Flight Training Providers
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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
Version 3.0 of this memo came out somewhere in the second week of April although* the dates still show as March 28 on the document. Of note, this version specifically included an update that includes "flight instructors" as essential workforce.
4/4/2020 - FAA Issues "Information for Airport Sponsors Considering COVID-19 Restrictions or Accommodations"
"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."
3/17/2020 - Part 141 Training Interruptions Related to COVID-19 and Applicable Deviations to Order 8900.1
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.
FAA Dedicates Web Page for FAA COVID-19 Relief For Certificate Holders: Policy Deviations, Exemptions and Rule Changes
Visit the following link for regular updates to deviations and policies:
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Useful COVID-19 Related Links
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Next Annual Flight School Operators Conference Scheduled
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FSANA's Annual Flight School Operators Conference is returning to the Rosen Plaza in Orlando, Florida. Look for more information in the upcoming months, but for now you can lock your calendars for
March 3-5, 2021.
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ARTICLES OF INTEREST FROM THE INDUSTRY
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FLIGHT SCHOOL BUSINESS EXCHANGE
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Busy Western New York Flight School seeks a Part 141 Chief Flight Instructor.
Duties include managing flight school, liaison with local schools and universities, managing Veteran’s Administration system, information sessions and tours, marketing and oversight of fleet maintenance.
Tired of the heat and humidity in Florida? Come to Western New York where summer temperatures almost never get as high as 90!
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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! Email resume to
PamL@universityaircenter.com
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Flight School Needs Cessna 172 AircraftGainesville Florida
If you have Cessna 172 aircraft that might be useable in a flight training program, contact Mike at
mfreed@flyoceanaviation.com
to discuss possibilities.
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Cessna Skycatcher (C-162) For Sale
2013 Cessna Skycatcher with 720TT/540 Hobbs. Call Glen at 601-520-5376
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Tell us what is important to you as a school owner, manager or chief flight instructor. We will share comments in an upcoming edition of Flight Training News. Send your thoughts to
info@fsana.com
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FSANA SUPPORTING PARTNERS
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V I S I O N A R Y
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P A R T N E R S
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D E V E L O P E R
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P A R T N E R S
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B U I L D E R
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P A R T N E R S
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L E A D E R
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P A R T N E R S
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The above organizations are annual supporters of the FSANA mission and work of the association and its members. The follow organizations join our Partners in supporting FSANA's 2020 Flight School Operators Conference.
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C O N F E R E N C E
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P A R T N E R S
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Established in 2009, the Flight School Association of North America (FSANA) is the first and only association of its kind dedicated solely to the flight training industry. FSANA represents flight schools, firms that provide products and services to the flight training or aviation industry, and other supporting partners.
The Mission of the Flight School Association is to support, promote and advocate for the business of flight training; to provide knowledge, programs and services that help its members thrive and better serve their customers and communities; to foster best business practices; to educate and inspire youth; to increase the global pilot population; to improve general aviation safety; and to work in alliance with the aviation and aerospace industry.
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