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News

Eastern Michigan U. expands program to Lansing

Eastern Michigan University is bringing its professional pilot program to Lansing, Mich., in partnership with Eagle Flight Center. Flight training will take place at Capital Region International Airport, which formerly hosted Lansing Community College’s (LCC) flight program. LCC cut that program, along with some others deemed too expensive, in the spring. Eastern Michigan and Eagle operate a similar partnership at Willow Run Airport in Detroit. Flight training also will be available for individuals who are not enrolled at the college. For more information, see the website.

Husband and wife open Mich. flight school

Dan and Johanna Walker have opened a new flight school that features sport pilot instruction at Lenawee County Airport in Adrian, Mich. Skywalker Flying had its grand opening on June 28. The Walkers decided to start the business when the airport lost its previous flight school, which relocated to Ohio, according to The Daily Telegram. For more information, see the website.

Air Force Academy selects Cirrus trainer

Duluth, Minn.-based Cirrus Aircraft  has issued a statement confirming that it will sell 25 SR20 aircraft to the U.S. Air Force Academy at a total price tag of $6.1 million. The academy’s Powered Flight Program will receive the aircraft, designated as T-53A trainers in a customized configuration, starting this summer and continuing through 2012, the company said. The aircraft will be based at the academy’s airfield in Colorado Springs, Colo. Read more >>

EVENTS: Join Flight School Business at EAA AirVenture for an invitation-only reception in Oshkosh on Monday July 25 at 5 p.m. The reception is a great opportunity to meet other flight training providers, give your feedback on Flight School Business, and hear the latest from AOPA’s Flight Training Student Retention Initiative. In true Oshkosh fashion, we’ll have brats and free drinks. Click here to learn more and to register by July 22.

Training Trends

Being a veteran has its benefits

With two wars drawing down, veterans are coming home by the hundreds of thousands, and looking at what’s next for their future. Flight training and the aviation industry are natural extensions for many veterans. You can help them see their potential and increase your customer base by appealing to this unique clientele. But doing so requires understanding the various benefit programs and who is eligible for what. We help break it down in three parts, beginning with this issue. Read more >>

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Poll

Simulation nation

Flight simulators are everywhere you look now. To some, simulation is the savior of flight training. To others, it represents a distraction from the airplane, and is not valuable. Does your school use a flight simulator? Tell us in this issue’s poll.

Marketing

How to avoid jargon

When a customer calls a flight school, it’s hard not to talk at length about the aircraft, the qualifications of our instructors, and our FAA approvals. After all, we are deservedly proud. But that’s exactly what you shouldn’t be talking about, says contributor P. Jerry Lee. Instead, he says, you must focus on the customer’s desires and appeal to their emotional needs. Read more >>

Sealing the deal

How many of your introductory flight prospects go on to learn to fly? If you’re like most, your answer is not enough. You can increase your odds with some simple guidelines, but first you have to check a few boxes. Is the prospect even ready to fly? Read more >>

Quick tip

Give back to students

In a recent Inc. story about Oprah Winfrey’s exit from her daily television show, the writer said one of Oprah’s keys to success was that she gave back to her fans. It’s a great lesson for flight schools as well. Your students invest thousands in your school. Make sure to thank them when they solo, maybe with a framed photo and their shirttail. When they finish a certificate, give something meaningful, such as an engraved plaque of their new certificate, or maybe a coupon for a free flight hour. Or better yet, garner repeat business with a coupon for money off their next certificate or rating.

Safety

Flight training is safe, but…

You know that flight training is safe. The AOPA Air Safety Institute’s Nall Report is clear on that. But did you know that most flight training-related accidents are completely preventable? In fact, it may surprise you to learn that in the majority of cases, a flight instructor was on board during the accident, and sometimes it’s clear that the proper supervision the instructor is entrusted with providing just wasn’t there. Read more >>

Mach1: We accelerate your flight training school business With nearly 20 years of professional experience in sales and marketing, Mach1 Consultants can help your school get and keep more customers. Our on-site training brings your school proven & affordable techniques that increase overall business and student retention. Learn more >

Editor: Ian Twombly

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