Market Intelligence: -Flight School

US Investment Bank Advises on Texas Based Flight Training Group Transaction in 2024

Thrust Flight (“Thrust” or the “Company”), a provider of professional flight training services, has been recapitalized by Summit Park and AltitudeX Aviation (“AltitudeX”). Headquartered in Addison, Texas, Thrust is a flight training school focused on serving those who aspire to be professional pilots through its Zero Time to Airline® program. Philpott Ball & Werner (PB&W) served as exclusive financial advisor to Thrust Flight.

Headquartered in Addison, Texas, Thrust is a flight training school focused on serving those who aspire to be professional pilots through its Zero Time to Airline® program. The Company was founded in 2006 as an aircraft dealer by aviators and entrepreneurs Patrick Arnzen and Stuart Stevenson. After identifying a clear need and opportunity, the Company shifted strategy to focus exclusively on serving the professional pilot training market. From its three strategic locations in Texas, including operations in Addison (Dallas), Denison (North Dallas), and Conroe (North Houston), Thrust provides a best-in-class student experience by offering access to a modern fleet of aircraft and simulator-based instruction. Students who graduate from Thrust’s program often go on to careers as airline pilots or pilots within other sub-sectors of the aviation industry.

Bob Calton, co-Managing Partner at Summit Park, said, “Patrick and his team have built a tremendous business at Thrust Flight. As their partner, we are excited to support Patrick’s vision for continued growth in the large and fragmented pilot training market. In recent years, Summit Park has been focused on the aviation and training sectors, and Thrust represents a compelling opportunity to invest behind those themes in a market with strong long-term demand drivers.”

Patrick Arnzen, CEO and Co-Founder of Thrust, said, “In seeking a growth partner for Thrust, Summit Park was a clear choice. Thrust has reached an inflection point in its growth, and Summit Park’s experience partnering with founders at a similar stage in their journey was a critical factor in my decision. Looking forward, we are eager to open new Thrust locations and continue to train and develop some of the industry’s best pilots.”

As part of the transaction, Summit Park partnered with AltitudeX, a firm of former senior aviation executives focused on middle market investments. AltitudeX will have members sit on the board and serve as a strategic advisor to the Company.

Source: Philpott Ball & Werner and Thrust Flight

Related Posts

NAFI Summit 2024 Postponed In the Wake of Hurricane Milton’s Potential Impact

he National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) has postponed NAFI Summit scheduled for October 15-17, at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida.

NAFI issued the following statement regarding the event:

“Among the best-known safety challenges in aviation are the ‘go/no-go’ decision and mission- driven ‘get-there-itis.’ As flight instructors, we teach clients to recognize these tendencies and use risk management to stay safe.

“Those lessons also apply to NAFI Summit.

“Hurricane Milton is fast approaching Florida. Although landfall is expected on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the strength of this storm is likely to create greater-than-usual hazards for other parts of the state, including Daytona Beach.

“The NAFI Summit planning team has carefully evaluated all available information. As with any aviation activity, we realize we might have perfect weather by this time next week, and Milton’s aftermath could be less than it is currently forecast to be. For the sake of those living in Florida, we hope that will be the case.

“Our top priority is to keep everyone safe. The aftermath of this storm will likely cause transportation issues for attendees and exhibitors. Also, we want to free up resources like hotels and rental cars for Florida residents impacted by this hurricane. We have therefore decided to postpone NAFI Summit.

“We are in touch with the staff at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University concerning alternative dates. We will advise everyone of the new schedule as soon as possible. In the meantime, please be patient as we work through the administrative details arising from this situation.

“We regret the inconvenience to everyone involved, but we all know the cliché: It is far better to be on the ground wishing to be flying rather than to be aloft in a storm we could have avoided.”

For more information about the Summit, please visit the event website.

Source: NAFI
Photo Credit: NAFI

Related Posts

Italian Pilot Training Organisation Aviomar Cadet Pilots Participate in Ryanair and Boeing Safety Roadshow in Rome

Rome, Italy – Aviomar Flight Academy’s Ryanair cadets recently attended the One Mission Safety Roadshow, an event organized by Ryanair and Boeing at Rome Fiumicino Airport. This gathering offered cadets an insightful opportunity to engage with Ryanair’s leadership and learn about the airline’s safety practices and operational procedures.

  • Cadets had the chance to meet Ryanair Line Management Pilots and Boeing Technical Pilots.
  • The event provided insights into Ryanair’s safety culture and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Ryanair reaffirmed its commitment to safety by discussing ongoing investments in strategies and facilities aimed at ensuring safe operations across all Ryanair Group Airlines.

Statement:

  • “This event was an excellent opportunity for the cadets to meet with Ryanair Line Management Pilots and Boeing Technical Pilots, learn more about Ryanair’s safety culture and SOPs as well as getting to know more about the airline’s commitment in continuing to prioritise and invest in strategies and facilities that ensure safe operations across all Ryanair Group Airlines,” Aviomar Flight Academy said.

Source: Aviomar Flight Academy
Photo Credit: Aviomar Flight Academy

Related Posts

Global Pilot Training Solution Provider CAE Invites Aspiring Pilot to Apply for CAE’s Airline Pathway Program in Phoenix, USA

Phoenix, Arizona operates CAE’s largest flight training base through which it offers the CAE Airline Pathway Program. The training group has now shared on social media – inviting aspiring pilots to apply to this program. The 56 weeks part 141 course includes:

  • 100 hours FAA Ground School (PPL, IR, CPL)
  • 148 hours Single Engine aircraft trainer
  • 32 hours Multi-Engine aircraft trainer
  • 33.2 hours Flight Simulators

Costing:

  • Airline Pilot Pathway – Phoenix (Domestic Pathway) US$86,500

  • Airline Pilot Pathway – Phoenix (International Pathway) US$92,750

    including advanced maneuver training (stalls & spins) as well as time building up to a total of 200 hours total time

CAE’s Airline Pathway Program offers access to premium, air-conditioned aircraft equipped with a digital avionics suite. Trainees will have access to 8 simulators and a team of fully qualified instructors.

Source: CAE
Photo Credit: CAE

Related Posts

Saudi Pilot Training Organisation Tayaran Seeks Safety and Quality Manager in 2024

The National Aviation Academy (TAYARAN), a Riyadh based GACA-Approved Part 141 Flight School, is actively seeking qualified candidates for the position of Safety and Quality Manager. Established in 2021, TAYARAN offers premier initial pilot training in fixed-wing aircraft and operates out of Thumamah Airport, just 20 minutes from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.

As a key post-holding role mandated by GACA Regulation, the Safety and Quality Manager will oversee crucial safety and quality functions within the academy. The ideal candidate should have:

  • A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in the aviation industry.
  • A bachelor’s diploma in aviation, management, or a relevant field of study.
  • Professional experience within a Safety Management System (SMS).
  • While a pilot’s certification is preferred, it is not a strict requirement.

Source: National Aviation Academy (TAYARAN)
Photo Credit: National Aviation Academy (TAYARAN)

Related Posts

Australian Flight Training Group Basair Aviation College Expands Training Aircraft Fleet in October 2024

Basair Aviation College, one of Australia’s largest flight training organisation stationed across Queensland (QLD) and New South Wales (NSW), expanded its training aircraft fleet with the addition of a Piper Archer III. As one of Australia’s leading flight training organization, Basair continues to expand its fleet and maintain a world-class training environment for aspiring commercial pilots.

About Basair Aviation College
Basair Aviation College, founded in 1991, is one of Australia’s largest independent aviation training organization. With campuses in Sydney and Brisbane, it provides a comprehensive curriculum designed to produce world-class commercial pilots.

Source: Basair Aviation College
Photo Credit: The Plane Snapper (shown as meta image)

Related Posts

L3Harris Airline Academy Welcomes 2 Large New Classes of Trainee Pilots in October 2024

United Kingdom headquartered L3Harris Airline Academy, which operates flight training operations both in the UK and in the US, is pleased to announce the commencement of training for its latest two classes of students in the United Kingdom. These future pilots will begin an extensive six-month program focused on theoretical knowledge, followed by flight training in Sanford, Florida.

Source: L3Harris Airline Academy
Photo Credit: L3Harris Airline Academy

Related Posts

Scottish Regional Airline and Global Pilot Training Group Skyborne Launch Pilot ‘Tagging’ Program for ATPL Trainees in 2024

UK regional airline Loganair has partnered with Skyborne Airline Academy to address the growing demand for pilots by offering early career opportunities for ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot License) trainees. This new initiative will “tag” trainees from Skyborne’s Integrated ATPL program after completing their first six months of ground school, giving them priority access to Loganair’s recruitment pool before they even graduate.

  • The partnership with Skyborne, based at Gloucestershire Airport, is the first of its kind for Loganair, allowing the airline to secure future talent early in their training.
  • Trainees tagged by Loganair will receive mentorship throughout their studies at Skyborne’s UK and US campuses, and after graduation, they will undergo type rating training with Loganair to prepare for regional operations.
  • Carla Booth, Skyborne’s Commercial Director (UK), highlighted the significance of this initiative, noting the career security it offers their students, “At Skyborne, our aspiring airline pilots are at the heart of everything we do and through our new partnership with Loganair, I’m proud we can offer a path to a rewarding career with a thriving airline.”
  • Jordan Jennings, Loganair’s Flight Crew Recruiter, praised the quality of training provided by Skyborne and expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, saying “It’s become apparent from our first intake of Skyborne trainees that the quality of the training provided is incredibly high and therefore embarking on this partnership was an easy decision for Loganair. We are proud to be working as a partner for the Integrated ATPL tagging initiative which allows us to meet the growing demand for regional travel with highly skilled, qualified individuals as part of our crews. The successful graduates from Skyborne will join the Loganair family, flying to unique locations across the UK and Europe.”

Source: Skyborne and Loganair

Related Posts