International Hellenic University and Egnatia Aviation Launch Greece’s First Aviation PhD Dedicated to Aviation Tourism

Kavala, Greece – The International Hellenic University and Egnatia Aviation have launched Greece’s first Industrial PhD dedicated to the Aviation Tourism Ecosystem, blending academic research with hands-on industry expertise to drive innovation in aviation marketing and tourism.

  • The PhD program will focus on applied marketing knowledge in airport and general aviation services.
  • The initiative highlights the importance of collaboration between academia and industry to solve real-world aviation challenges.
  • George Triantafyllidis, Chief Commercial Officer of Egnatia Aviation, will act as the corporate representative, ensuring alignment between research and industry needs.
  • Dr. Antonios Giannopoulos, Assistant Professor at the International Hellenic University, will serve as the scientific supervisor and academic mentor.
  • The program is expected to enhance Greece’s position in aviation research and tourism innovation.

Source: Egnatia Aviation
Photo Credit: Egnatia Aviation

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US Regulator to Update Part 141 Pilot School Regulations – Seeks Industry Input in 2025

Washington D.C., USA – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced a public meeting and request for comments on the modernization of pilot schools under Part 141 regulations. The initiative aims to update training regulations to align with modern technological advancements and evolving industry needs.

  • The FAA is initiating public engagement on the modernization of Part 141 regulations through a series of meetings, beginning with a virtual session on March 6, 2025.
  • The initiative seeks to address outdated training regulations that have roots in early pilot training practices and the Civil Air Regulations.
  • The FAA emphasizes that updates should support 21st-century challenges related to technology, safety, and advancements in training methodologies.
  • The National Flight Training Alliance (NFTA) has been named co-chair of the initiative, raising industry discussions about the potential influence of large-scale training providers in shaping the regulatory updates.
  • The Flight School Association of North America (FSANA) has urged all flight training stakeholders to participate in the process to ensure that all perspectives are considered.
  • The FAA is requesting written comments on the proposed modernization efforts, with a submission deadline of March 21, 2025.

The FAA said: “The process of licensing or certification of pilot schools in the United States is approaching 100 years of existence. Although the FAA has revised certain regulatory requirements pertaining to pilot schools during this time, part 141 still has many foundational ties to Civil Air Regulations (CAR) part 50, which was implemented in the 1940s. Regulations for pilot schools are typically promulgated to improve safety, reduce aircraft accidents, and embrace changes such as advances in technology and the need for data collection and analysis. Modernizing part 141 would address challenges pertaining to certification, certification management, examining authority, and evolving technology and learning methods. The FAA’s objective of modernizing part 141 is to increase safety and create a foundation for a more structured training environment to aid in the reduction of general aviation accidents and fatalities.

Therefore, part 141 must be analyzed to determine how it can evolve with the changing aviation industry. Over the course of the project, the FAA is seeking engagement from the flight training industry through participation in public meetings and submitted comments. Collaboration within the industry is encouraged to stimulate the innovation of a modern part 141 that will serve the needs of current and future pilot schools, as well as provide a robust and safe training environment that instills the necessary knowledge, skills, critical thinking, and aeronautical decision making in its pilots to create a safer national airspace system.”

See the FAA announcement here.

Source: FAA

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Flight Training Industry Vendors Set to Showcase Products at 2025 Flight School Operators Conference

Orlando, USA The 2025 Flight School Operators Conference is set to host a diverse lineup of vendors and exhibitors, offering attendees a unique opportunity to engage directly with key suppliers and service providers in the flight training industry. These companies play a vital role in advancing aviation training through innovative products, services, and solutions that enhance efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and safety.

  • Notable companies exhibiting at the event include:
    • Aircraft Wheel and Brake
    • Aircraft Engine Specialist
    • Aircraft Spruce & Specialty
    • Alsim
    • Ameravia, Inc.
    • AOPA
    • Assured Partners Aerospace
    • Aviation Conversations
    • Aviatize
    • Avemco
    • Airplane Sim Solutions
    • Cirrus Aircraft
    • Collegiate Housing Services
    • David Clark Company
    • Delta Hawk Engines
    • FlightLogger
    • Flight Schedule Pro
    • FlightSchools4Sale.com
    • Flight Sim Wings
    • Flycore
    • ForeFlight
    • Four Forces
    • FRASCA
    • Garmin International
    • Gleim Aviation
    • Gold Seal Ground Schools
    • Kore Headset
    • Lightspeed Aviation
    • Lycoming Engines
    • NATA Compliance Services
    • NAFI
    • PlaneEnglish
    • Piedmont Airlines
    • Private-Radar
    • Right Rudder Marketing
    • Rotax Engines
    • Skybound
    • Simbird by Montauk Systems
    • Southern AeroMedical Institute
    • Southern Cross Aviation
    • Sporty’s
    • Stratus Financial
    • Symbiotics
    • Talon Systems LLC
    • The DTSB, Inc.
    • Travers Aviation Insurance
    • Tecnam
    • Textron Aviation
    • UpskillAir
    • Virgin Experience Gifts
    • Wings Leasing

Source: FSANA
Photo Credit: FSANA

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US Flight Training Group SEG Expands with New 2025 Satellite Training Base and Deployed AATD

DeKalb, Illinois, USA Illinois Aviation Academy (IAA), home to the Atlas Cadet Academy, has announced the opening of a new satellite flight training base at DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport (KDKB). The expansion aims to enhance accessibility to professional pilot training in Illinois while strengthening the pipeline for future Atlas Air first officers.

  • The new training location will feature an FAA-approved Advanced Training Device (ATD) to support instrument training under IAA’s FAA Part 141 program.
  • The expansion aligns with IAA’s mission to provide high-quality flight training for both recreational and professional pilot candidates.
  • Enrollment is now open for the Atlas Air Academy, designed to prepare pilots for potential first officer positions at Atlas Air, one of the world’s largest Boeing 747 operators serving both cargo and passenger markets.
  • The academy is operated by Spartan Education Group.

Statement:

“This expansion aligns with IAA’s mission to make quality flight training accessible and streamlined for aspiring recreational and professional pilots across Illinois.”Robert Werderich, Executive Vice President of Flight Operations, Spartan Education Group. 

Source: Illinois Aviation Academy
Photo Credit: Illinois Aviation Academy

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European Airline Offers Up to Euro 80,000 in Training Support – Visiting Norwegian Flight School in February 2025

Norway and Luxembourg Luxair visited Pilot Flight Academy (PFA) at Torp Sandefjord Airport on February 3rd to present its Cadet Sponsorship Program, which offers up to €80,000 in training support for aspiring pilots.

  • Attendees learned about the Cadet Sponsorship Program, including financial support and training conditions.
  • Luxair representatives discussed the airline’s modern fleet, safety standards, and training philosophy.
  • The sponsorship aims to attract and support future pilots as Luxair continues to expand its workforce.

Source: Pilot Flight Academy
Photo Credit: Luxair

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UK Based Full Flight Simulator Training Center Quadrant Pilot Training Sees Strong Start to 2025

United King – Quadrant Pilot Training has successfully completed the theoretical phase for another group of Type Rating students, who are now progressing to Full Flight Simulator training. The organization continues to support airline customers by facilitating pilot transitions to new aircraft types. The training provider has had a busy start to the year, with increasing demand for type rating programs.

I am proud of our Team at Quadrant Pilot Training. It is so rewarding to facilitate training and progression for groups of motivated and engaged individuals. I wish each and everyone of the trainees every success for the exciting future ahead!” stared Simon Bill, Managing Director at Quadrant Pilot Training.

Source: Quadrant Pilot Training
Photo Credit: Quadrant Pilot Training

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Airbus and Air India Appoint Leadership Team for New Training Centre in India

Gurugram, India – Airbus and Air India have formally onboarded the leadership team for the Airbus India Training Centre, a 50:50 joint venture aimed at strengthening pilot training infrastructure in the country. The facility, set to launch soon in Gurugram, Haryana, will serve as a key training hub supporting India’s growing aviation sector.

  • The Airbus India Training Centre spans 3,300 square meters and will feature 10 Full Flight Simulators.
  • The facility will provide A320 and A350 flight training for approximately 5,000 new pilots over the next decade.
  • The centre is part of Airbus and Air India’s strategic initiative to develop a highly skilled aviation workforce in India.
  • The newly appointed leadership team is expected to drive the centre’s operations and ensure training quality.

Source: Manmeet Mahiwal (Airbus)
Photo Credit: Airbus

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Flight Training Financing Provider Stratus Financial Welcomes Scott Schondau as Chief Financial Officer

USA – Stratus Financial LLC, a leading provider of financing solutions for student pilots, is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Schondau as the company’s new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This strategic addition to the leadership team further reinforces Stratus Financial’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge financial solutions while positioning the company for long-term success.

“Scott’s appointment as Chief Financial Officer represents a significant step forward for Stratus Financial,” said Anthony Geraci, CEO of Stratus Financial. “With over two decades of experience in finance, capital markets, and strategic financial management, Scott brings a wealth of expertise that will be invaluable as we continue to scale and expand our business. His proven ability to develop and execute sophisticated financial strategies, coupled with his leadership in optimizing financial operations, will play a critical role in enhancing our organizational efficiency and driving sustainable growth. Scott’s experience in managing complex financial portfolios and mentoring high-performing teams aligns perfectly with our vision for Stratus’s future. We are confident that his leadership will be instrumental in helping us navigate the next phase of our growth while continuing to deliver value to our customers, investors, and stakeholders.”

Brandon Martini, COO of Stratus Financial noted, “As we grow our portfolio and further refine our offerings in the flight school loan market, Scott’s expertise in financial strategy and operational optimization will be key to ensuring we maintain a solid financial foundation. He has a proven track record of driving significant growth, improving financial processes, and enhancing organizational efficiency, all of which will contribute to our ability to execute on our long-term vision. We are confident that with Scott at the helm of our financial strategy, Stratus will not only maintain its competitive edge but will continue to set new standards in the industry for financial excellence and customer-centric innovation.”

Throughout his 25 year+ professional career, he has held Managing Director and similar roles at prestigious financial firms such as J.P. Morgan/Bear, Stearns, Deutsche Bank and Guggenheim. Most recently, he was CFO for an auto finance & loan servicing company and an EVP, partner and advisory board member for a private equity firm.

“I am both honored and excited to join Stratus Financial as Chief Financial Officer,” said Scott Schondau, Chief Financial Officer at Stratus Financial. “Stratus has established itself as a leader in providing innovative financial solutions to students pursuing careers in aviation, and I look forward to contributing to this mission. With over two decades of experience in finance and capital markets, I am committed to strengthening the company’s financial infrastructure and ensuring we maintain our position of leadership in the flight school loan sector. By improving financial processes, optimizing operational efficiencies, and driving strategic initiatives, my goal is to support Stratus’s continued growth and success as we expand our offerings and enhance our impact on the aviation industry. I’m eager to collaborate with the talented leadership team to further elevate Stratus as we help more aspiring pilots achieve their dreams.”

As CFO, Scott will oversee Stratus Financial’s financial operations, working alongside the executive team to refine financial strategies, streamline internal processes, and maintain a high standard of financial integrity across all functions. His leadership will be instrumental in ensuring Stratus continues to meet the evolving needs of students pursuing careers in aviation.

Source: Stratus Financial
Photo Credit: Stratus Financial

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