Market Intelligence: -Flight School

USA’s Chief of Naval Air Training Graduates First Aviators on Textron’s T-54A Multi-Engine Trainer

USA – The Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) has marked a major milestone with the graduation of the first four student naval aviators trained on the new T-54A “Multi-Engine Training System” (METS), also known as the Marlin II. The event represents the inaugural class to complete multi-engine training on the platform that replaces the U.S. Navy’s long-serving T-44C Pegasus after more than 40 years of service.

  • The U.S. Navy declared initial operational capability (IOC) for the T-54A in May 2024.

  • The T-54A is based on the Beechcraft King Air 260 and introduces advanced avionics, digital displays, and enhanced safety systems.

  • Integrated with a suite of high-fidelity simulators and a redesigned curriculum under the METS program, the training more closely mirrors fleet aircraft systems and procedures.

  • Graduates are now better prepared to transition into frontline multi-engine platforms including the P-8A Poseidon, E-6B Mercury, and C-130J Hercules.

  • With the first four graduates moving on to their fleet replacement squadrons, Training Air Wing FOUR (TW-4) is set to expand training as more T-54A aircraft and simulators are delivered, aiming for full operational capability in the coming years.

Headquartered at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas, the Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) oversees five training air wings and 17 training squadrons across Florida, Mississippi, and Texas. These squadrons conduct primary, intermediate, and advanced flight training for student naval aviators, naval flight officers, and air vehicle pilots. CNATRA remains steadfast in its mission to train, mentor, and deliver the highest quality naval aviators prepared to win in competition, crisis, and conflict.

Source:  Chief of Naval Air Training Public Affairs

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US Aviation and Flight Training Group Epic Flight Academy Receives FAA Approval for Self-Examining Authority

USA– Epic Flight Academy has been granted FAA self-examining authority for Private Pilot and Instrument Rating checkrides, allowing the school to conduct in-house examinations under its Part 141 certification. The approval marks a significant operational milestone for what is recognized as the largest FAA Part 141 flight school in the United States.

  • The authority enables Epic to conduct in-house checkrides, reducing reliance on Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs).

  • Benefits to students include:

    • Faster scheduling of checkrides, avoiding long wait times caused by limited DPE availability.

    • Cost savings, with examinations administered directly by the academy’s check airmen.

    • Seamless integration of training and evaluation, ensuring consistency in safety and assessment standards.

  • Benefits to the academy include improved scheduling flexibility and streamlined operations, particularly during periods when large numbers of students are ready for testing.

  • Several senior instructors are already designated to conduct exams, with additional staff set to qualify as the academy expands testing capacity.

Statements

  • “Epic can now set checkride dates and times internally, avoiding delays caused by limited DPE availability. This reduces bottlenecks when many students are ready at the same time. Also, instructors and check airmen align training and testing closely, which promotes a uniform safety and evaluation culture,” said Shane Williams, Director of Flight Operations.
  • “Students can now avoid long wait times for a DPE and can schedule their checkrides soon after they’re ready. There is also a cost savings for students,” added Ray Altmann, Chief Flight Instructor.

Source: Epic Flight Academy

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USA’s NAFI and King Schools Launch USD 20,000 Flight Instructor Scholarship Package

USA – The National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) and King Schools have announced a new scholarship programme to support aspiring and active flight instructors in advancing their certification and training.

  • The award provides $5,000 toward an initial CFI rating or any CFI add-on rating.

  • Recipients also gain lifetime access to the King Schools online training library, valued at $15,000, along with lifetime access to Flight Instructor Refresher Courses (FIRCs).

  • To be eligible, applicants must be NAFI members and hold a current FAA commercial pilot certificate with instrument rating or a CFI certificate.

  • Applications must be submitted by email only by January 7, 2026.

  • The scholarship reflects the Kings’ long-standing commitment to raising training standards in aviation. Over their 50+ year careers, John and Martha King have educated thousands of pilots through classroom instruction, video courses, and now online platforms.

Source: King Schools

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Spartan Education Group’s Illinois Aviation Academy Receives Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam Approval in 2025

Illinois, USA – Aviation education provider Spartan Education Group, which owns several pilot and aircraft maintenance training institutions across the US, flight training organisation Illinois Aviation Academy has received official approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) to train Vietnamese pilots under internationally recognized standards.

  • With CAAV approval, IAA can now welcome Vietnamese students into programs aligned with both FAA and CAAV requirements. Graduates complete training in the U.S. before converting their licenses and qualifications for use in Vietnam.

  • Training at IAA provides exposure to complex U.S. airspace, varied weather conditions, and advanced facilities, preparing cadets for international airline operations.

  • IAA operates from DuPage County Airport (KDPA) near Chicago with a 30,000-square-foot training facility, a fleet of over 30 aircraft, and a simulator-equipped satellite base at DeKalb Airport.

  • The school has over 30 years of experience, offering programs from Private Pilot through Certified Flight Instructor, with additional advanced ratings and ground school.

  • IAA joins a select group of U.S. academies authorized to train for the Vietnamese market, reflecting both its credibility and the rising importance of international training cooperation.

Statements

  • “From the first day of training, we provide students with personalized support from experienced instructors. They gain experience flying in a wide range of weather conditions and navigate complex airspace from well-equipped airports,” said Robert Werderich, Executive Vice President of Illinois Aviation Academy.

In June of 2025 SEG hosted a delegation from Vietnam’s low-cost carrier VietJet at its Illinois Aviation Academy facility to explore collaborative training efforts and regulatory alignment.

  • VietJet representatives visited Illinois Aviation Academy, a flight school acquired by Spartan Education Group in October 2024.

  • The visit aimed to strengthen collaboration on pilot training techniques and ensure alignment with CAAV (Vietnamese Civil Aviation Authority) certification standards.

  • Discussions were held between VietJet officials and the Spartan leadership team on potential future training pathways for Vietnamese cadet pilots.

Source: Spartan

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UK-headquartered Leading Edge Aviation Adds 4th Elixir Aircraft to Spain Base Fleet

Spain – Leading Edge Aviation, a flight training group operating bases in the United Kingdom and Spain, has expanded its training fleet with the arrival of its fourth Elixir aircraft at its Alhama campus in Spain.

In October 2024, Leading Edge Aviation announced a significant new partnership with Elixir Aircraft and Green Aerolease that will enhance training capabilities and further its commitment to more sustainable flight training through the addition of five Elixir Aircraft.

Statements

  • “I had the opportunity to fly alongside one of our amazing Flight Instructors, Filipe Balsa, in the latest addition to the fleet at Alhama, our 4th Elixir, which arrived this week. Light, responsive, and with great performance, it truly represents the latest generation of training aircraft.” – Dave Alexander, COO

Source: Leading Edge Aviation

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