The Tailwheels Etc. Flight School has moved to new facilities at the Lakeland-Linder Regional Airport (LAL) in Lakeland Florida.
Independence Aviation opens second Colorado satellite operation
Denver-based Independence Aviation has opened a second satellite operation at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) in Colorado.
A tale of two flight schools
Flight schools — like many private buyers — are hyperfocused on, “What does an aircraft cost to operate?” Busy flight schools operating at high volume simply must track how all the pennies add up. In this post we asked US Aviation’s Scott Severen for additional info. Why US Aviation? While much of aviation has been down in the dumps, this Texas operation has been growing rapidly. Everybody is else down. They’re up. How to explain? Could it be the company’s willingness to embrace change?
Breezer Aircraft moves to LAL
Breezer Aircraft USA has entered into a five-year lease agreement with SUN ’n FUN to move its flight training and related aviation services to the SUN ’n FUN campus at Lakeland-Linder Regional Airport (LAL) in Lakeland, Florida.
An unexpected mentor
Sitting across the table from a distinguished looking airline pilot who is both youthful and highly experienced, I can’t help but reminisce about the old days. As we chatter away about scheduling, performance, weather issues, family, and mutual friends, I can’t help but remember that this is the man who taught me to fly.
It was this specific individual who introduced me to the secret of doing a decent turn-around-a-point. He walked me through hold entries and my very first ILS approach, not to mention the significantly more challenging and far less precise NDB. He even accompanied me on the trip that resulted in my multi-engine instructor certificate being issued, even if we did participate in sinking a Seminole in a mud hole in the process.
One solution to the flight school dilemma
Anyone who has tried to borrow money in the last five years knows how tough it has become. Banks supported by government guarantees practically gave money away before the subprime meltdown but are now being much more careful. That’s a good thing, but it means even some credit-worthy customers can’t get the loans they need. Commonly rejected are flight schools. Flight training enterprises across the nation are struggling to obtain financing to buy new aircraft to replace aging fleets of trainers.
Despite the challenges, one LSA outfit has found at least a partial answer.
Cessna launches Discover Flying Challenge
Cessna Aircraft Co. has launched its Discover Flying Challenge, challenging aviation students to see who can generate the most awareness and hands-on experience for the company’s Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA), the Skycatcher.
IMC Club launches new website with a chance to win headset
The new IMC Club International website is up and running, thanks to a generous grant from Hartzell Propeller, and a web design company, Webbright Services. And thanks to the generosity of another IMC Club corporate member, LightSpeed Aviation, if you join the IMC Club or upgrade your membership to full access between now and the beginning of AirVenture on July 23, you will automatically be included in a drawing for a Zulu 2 aviation headset.
Kentucky Institute for Aerospace Education pioneers Solo Flight Camp
For the next two weeks, students and teachers from four high schools will participate in the first annual Kentucky Institute for Aerospace Education (KIAE) Solo Flight Camp at Capital City Airport in Frankfort, Kentucky. The goals are for student pilots to solo and pass the FAA’s Private Pilot Written Examination.
Lakeland Aero Club opens
Gulf Coast Avionics President Rick Garcia has a new venture: He’s founded the Lakeland Aero Club at Lakeland-Linder Regional Airport (LAL), the home of the SUN ’n FUN annual Fly-In and Gulf Coast Avionics.