Market Intelligence: -Interview Series

Offering Flight Training in Nebraska for Aspiring Pilots Around the Globe – Ignite Flight Academy

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Bill Heckathorn – President at Ignite Flight Academy – a premier flight school in Lincoln, Nebraska, which is seeking to train pilots from around the world including India.

The conversation covers:

  • Vision: Ignite Flight Academy was founded to offer a more personal, structured, and student-focused approach to flight training. Bill emphasizes that their core mission is to deliver quality over quantity, targeting students who are passionate about aviation and committed to a professional flying career. The academy prides itself on smaller class sizes, individualized attention, and a clear pathway from training to airline employment.
  • Student Support and Culture: A strong emphasis is placed on mentorship, student welfare, and building a supportive training environment. Bill notes that students receive guidance from experienced instructors throughout their journey, both academically and emotionally. Ignite aims to foster a “family-like” culture, where open communication and continuous feedback are key components of success.
  • Future Plans and Innovation: Looking ahead, Bill shares that Ignite plans to expand its training fleet and aim to grow their international student base including explore new training partnerships globally.

For more information:

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Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – Tecnam Aircraft

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Giovanni Pascale Langer – Managing Director at Tecnam Aircraft – an Italy headquartered aircraft manufacturer known for producing light, efficient, and innovative next-generation piston aircraft which have gained popularity with flight training organizations around the world.

The conversation covers:

  • Tecnam’s Legacy and Leadership: Tecnam’s roots trace back over 77 years, beginning with Partenavia, founded by Giovanni Pascale Langer’s grandfather and great-uncle. Built on a strong family legacy in aviation, Tecnam has grown into one of the top three general aviation manufacturers worldwide. Under Giovanni’s leadership as Managing Director the company embraces a philosophy of hands-on, ground-up management. Giovanni himself worked across all Tecnam’s departments. This deep, practical understanding of the business shows Tecnam’s leadership style: engaged, agile, and grounded in the realities of aircraft manufacturing and customer needs.
  • Recent Successes and U.S. Expansion: Tecnam has seen growing demand globally, especially in the U.S., highlighted by a major order from US Aviation Academy: 38 aircraft initially with an option for 52 more. Their agility in adapting production schedules to client needs has made Tecnam a trusted partner for critical projects like training future U.S. Air Force pilots.
  • Addressing the Global Pilot Shortage: Giovanni views the pilot shortage as both a challenge and an opportunity. Tecnam aircraft like the P-Mentor, P2008, and P2010 are tailored for efficient, modern training that helps flight schools produce better pilots, faster. Smart training with smart aircraft is Tecnam’s solution to a growing global issue.
  • Innovation and Market Trends: Tecnam is deeply aligned with industry trends such as cost efficiency, fleet unification, safety, and sustainability. Rather than relying on legacy designs, Tecnam develops certified aircraft tailored to modern requirements. Their diverse aircraft lineup supports a one-stop-shop model for training organizations.
  • Vision for the Future: Tecnam focuses on immediate sustainability gains, such as reducing CO₂ emissions through efficient training platforms. Their innovation pipeline remains strong, driven by real-world needs and regulatory evolution. Giovanni emphasized that meaningful progress in aviation sustainability will come step by step, not through abrupt shifts, and Tecnam is committed to leading that gradual, practical transformation.

For more information:

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Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – Blackshape Aircraft

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Niccolò Chierroni – CEO at Blackshape Aircraft – a leading manufacturer of high-performance, carbon-fiber aircraft, specializing in flight training, leisure aviation, and special missions.

The conversation covers:

  • Overview: Blackshape Aircraft is an Italian manufacturer of high-performance, fully composite aircraft for the ultralight and certified training markets. With over a decade of experience and more than 100 aircraft delivered worldwide, the company is known for its engineering precision, sleek Italian design, and commitment to innovation.
  • Expansion into the U.S. Market: A key milestone for Blackshape Aircraft was obtaining FAA certification for its Gabriel aircraft, enabling entry into the U.S. market. The company has since appointed strategic dealers in the U.S. and received significant interest from American pilots and schools. The U.S. expansion is a major growth area, especially for the new Prime Explorer, a sportier model developed in response to U.S. customer feedback.
  • Technological Advancements: Blackshape Aircraft is advancing its aircraft with new engine integrations, including Rotax 915 and 916 powerplants, and developing a future turboprop version of the Gabriel. A partnership with CMD is also underway to create a new engine platform. These innovations reflect the company’s commitment to evolving customer needs and sustainable aviation solutions.
  • Training Market Focus: With rising global demand for pilots, Blackshape Aiircraft targets both civil and military training sectors. The Gabriel’s tandem-seat configuration is ideal for advanced pilot development and aligns with modern training requirements. The company is also exploring hybrid power and side-by-side layouts for future variants to further broaden its training market reach.
  • Customer Support: Recognizing the importance of after-sales service, Blackshape is heavily investing in customer support and localized service networks. Niccolò emphasized the value of the AFM platform in supporting marketing, competitive analysis, and industry trends, enabling Blackshape Aircraft to stay informed and agile in a dynamic global market.

For more information:

You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.

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Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – Next Generation Training Aircraft – Elixir Aircraft

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Cyril Champenois, Co-Founder of Elixir Aircraft – a France headquartered training aircraft manufacturer specialized in providing flight training organisation’s with a 4th generation part-23 aircraft.

The conversation covers:

  • Mission & Innovation: Elixir Aircraft, established in 2015, is dedicated to building a new generation of safer, simpler, and more efficient aircraft for use by flight training organisations. It uses a unique one-shot carbon fiber technology that reduces the number of parts in the structure. This innovation leads to easier maintenance and improved reliability in every flight.
  • Training Market Focus: The company strategically targets the flight training sector, recognizing the need for modern, cost-effective solutions. The aircraft is designed to meet the specific demands of flight schools, including low operating costs, enhanced safety features (including parachute), and modern avionics.
  • Sustainability & Efficiency: Elixir Aircraft integrates sustainability into its core strategy, starting with highly fuel-efficient piston engines. Looking ahead, they are developing hybrid and electric propulsion systems to align with future environmental regulations.
  • Customer-Centric Design: Pilot and customer feedback play a central role in Elixir Aircraft’s development process. By involving end-users early and often, the company ensures that aircraft design decisions are practical and user-friendly. This has led to thoughtful cockpit layouts, intuitive controls, and an overall better flying experience.
  • Global Growth & Vision: Although based in France, Elixir Aircraft is rapidly expanding its presence internationally, with a focus on entering markets like the U.S. The company is scaling production to meet rising demand while maintaining high standards of quality and innovation. Their goal is to become a global leader in next-generation light aircraft.

For more information:

You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.

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Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – Next Generation Training Aircraft – Smartflyer

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Rolf Stuber – the CEO and Head of Design at Smartflyer – a Swiss aircraft manufacturer that introduces an innovative aircraft for flight training with an easy and fast swap between a hybrid and fully electric versions.

The conversation covers:

  • Innovative Hybrid-Electric Aircraft Design: Smartflyer, founded in 2016, is a Swiss aerospace company developing the SF1 — a hybrid-electric aircraft with a unique configuration. Its electric propulsion unit is mounted on the vertical tail, allowing the nose section to be modular and swappable between a battery pack and a range extender (a combustion engine driving a generator). This design enables flexibility, low emissions, quiet operations, especially during takeoff and landing near airports, and extended range up to 800 km.
  • Progress and Industry Recognition: The SFX1 prototype was successfully rolled out in November 2024 and showcased in April 2025 at Aero Friedrichshafen, gaining strong interest from the aviation community. Smartflyer received positive feedback for its environmentally sustainable concept and is currently seeking industrial partners and investors to support the next phase: certification and production.
  • Strategic Partnerships: Smartflyer has signed a Letter of Intent with FlyOnE, an Australian company operating electric aircraft, for the future purchase of 30 aircraft. This partnership demonstrates early market validation and aligns with Smartflyer’s vision to support regional and training aviation with sustainable solutions.
  • Revolutionizing Pilot Training: The SF1 is tailored for modern pilot training needs, featuring a cockpit and avionics layout that mirrors airline environments. Its modular energy system allows flight schools to adapt operations cost-effectively, offering both battery-electric and hybrid training options. Maintenance is streamlined, and the aircraft design supports efficient learning of both flying skills and airline-standard cockpit procedures.
  • Outlook and Industry Insights: Rolf Stuber emphasizes the growing demand for pilots — projected at 600,000 over 20 years — and the need for modern, cost-effective training aircraft. Looking ahead, Smartflyer aims to certify the SF1 within the next five years. The ultimate goal is to bring Smartflyer aircraft into regular use, helping to modernize the training fleet and make sustainable aviation a practical reality. 

For more information:

You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.

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Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – Cirrus

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Zean Nielsen – CEO at Cirrus. Founded in 1984 Cirrus is a global leader in personal aviation, as well as in aviation training, producing one of the industry’s best-selling piston aircraft, the SR Series and the popular TRAC series used by a number of airline owned flight training organisations.

The conversation covers:

  • Remarkable Growth & Innovation: Since taking over as CEO in 2019, Zean Nielsen has led Cirrus to triple its revenue, expand staff, and solidify its position as a leader in personal aviation. The company emphasizes safety, innovation, and customer obsession, as seen in products like Cirrus SR Series and advanced technologies like the Safe Return Emergency Autoland system.
  • Safety-Driven Design Philosophy: Cirrus pioneered the integration of the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS), which has saved hundreds of lives and is now a core safety feature in all their aircraft. The company’s strong focus on safety extends to its customer support, training ecosystems, and ongoing maintenance initiatives.
  • Strategic Pilot Training Support: Cirrus, particularly the SR20, are widely used by top global flight training organizations like Emirates Flight Training Academy, Lufthansa Aviation Training, and United Aviate Academy. Their appeal lies in unmatched safety features (like the CAPS parachute system), reliability, low operating costs, high resale value, and user-friendly aircraft like the SR20 and SR22, making them ideal for flight school fleets. The combination of air-conditioning, powerful engines, and ergonomic cockpit design creates a more comfortable and safe learning environment.
  • Technology Focus: The company prioritizes Simplified Vehicle Operation (SVO), aiming to make flying more accessible and intuitive. Cirrus offers its own custom-developed PPL syllabus tailored to its aircraft, providing students with focused and relevant training. Tools like Microsoft Flight Simulator integration, augmented reality modules, and Cirrus IQ and IQ Pro enable pre-flight familiarization and lifelong learning, shifting training from an event to a lifestyle.
  • Training for Proficiency: Cirrus prioritizes quality and depth over simply meeting regulatory minimums. While a private pilot license (PPL) requires only 40 flight hours, Cirrus-trained pilots typically complete 70–80 hours to ensure they’re confident, capable, and safe in real-world flying scenarios. The training goes beyond passing exams—emphasizing skills like cross-country navigation, in-flight decision-making, and operational confidence in diverse conditions.

For more information:

You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.

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Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – Bye Aerospace

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Rod Zastrow – CEO and President at Bye Aerospace, training aircraft manufacturer of the world’s first-ever purpose-designed, FAA part 23 certified all-electric training aircraft.

The conversation covers:

  • Industry Leadership: Bye Aerospace leads the industry in developing the first all-electric, FAA Part 23 certified training aircraft, helping shape the innovative future of aviation. Rod Zastrow, CEO Bye Aerospace, brings a rich international background in aviation training, aerospace engineering, after a distinguished military aviation career. Bye Aerospace fields a leadership team exceptional in its target market requirements, design, certification, production, and proven success.
  • Economic and Environmental Benefits of Electric Aircraft: Bye Aerospace (US based) stands at the forefront of electric Aviation innovation. The eFlyer series of fixed-wing aircraft is meticulously designed to disrupt general aviation, starting with the crucial Aviation Training sector. Our mission is to deliver the first FAA-certified, zero-emission, highly cost-effective, low-noise, intelligent, and safety-enhanced aircraft. The eFlyer series offers up to 80% reduction in operating costs compared to legacy training aircraft, thanks to simplified maintenance and lower energy expenses. This economic advantage not only benefits flight schools financially but also makes flight training more accessible to students. Its all-composite structure and absence of fossil fuels or emissions make it an environmentally and economically superior training solution.
  • Global Demand and Strategic Partnerships: With over 1,000 pre-orders, Bye Aerospace has attracted clients worldwide, including the U.S., Europe, Australia, and recently India. Bye Aerospace sees strong international interest—about 45% of commitments are from outside the U.S. Their clients are drawn not just to the low operating costs, but also to the aircraft’s low noise levels, minimal maintenance, and zero emissions—solving key pain points for flight schools.
  • Key Features of eFlyer: The eFlyer is a fully electric, clean-sheet training aircraft meticulously engineered for efficiency, safety, and performance. Its all-composite airframe makes it lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and structurally durable, while its Safran electric propulsion system eliminates the need for frequent engine maintenance. With an estimated operating cost of just $35 per flight hour, it offers flight schools a potential 75–80% reduction in hourly expenses compared to traditional trainers.
  • Vision for the Future: Bye Aerospace aims to lead the electric aircraft sector with a clean-sheet design approach. The company aims to expand into adjacent markets beyond pilot training, including regional air mobility and military missions. Rod envisions the company becoming a market leader by continually evolving its products and services to meet emerging client and regulatory needs, supported by strategic partnerships and cutting-edge talent.

For more information:

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Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – ALSIM

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Audrey Jeffroy – Sales and Marketing Director at ALSIM – a France headquartered global leading manufacturer of abinitio flight simulators with over 400 devices installed and certified in over 60 countries.

The conversation covers:

  • Global Presence: ALSIM has been in the market for 30 years, providing FAA and EASA-certified FNPT and AATD devices. Their product range includes generic simulators as well as type-specific simulators for training from PPL to APS MCC in over 60 countries.
  • Expansion in the U.S. Market: ALSIM has been actively developing the U.S. market, launching the G6 and G7 simulator and preparing to introduce the P100I at the Oshkosh exhibition. Additionally, the company has established a strategic partnership with Flight Sim Solutions (FSS), based in Florida, to enhance sales, customer support, and technical service operations. By developing a dedicated U.S. sales and technical team, ALSIM aims to provide localized support, faster installations, and more efficient maintenance services, ensuring a stronger connection with North American customers.
  • New Partnerships & Key Developments: ALSIM recently completed a factory acceptance test for the ALS R20 Simulator for the Korean National University of Transportation. They also established a partnership with Saskatchewan University for the ALX simulator.
  • Trends & Challenges in Pilot Training: The demand for pilots is at a high level, requiring training schools to be more efficient. ALSIM addresses this by offering improved tools for better pilot screening, ensuring that airlines receive high-quality graduates. Another major trend in pilot training is the increased regulatory scrutiny by authorities. Flight schools must now meet higher training standards, which requires continuous innovation in simulator technology. To meet these evolving demands, ALSIM continuously enhances its flight models, visual systems, and qualification test guides, ensuring that training devices meet the highest industry standards.
  • Commitment to Quality & Customer Satisfaction: ALSIM stands out due to its commitment to customer service, long-standing expertise, and continuous innovation. Their team, with decades of experience, prioritizes reliability, simplicity, and technical excellence in simulator manufacturing. Recognizing that flight schools invest significantly in training equipment, ALSIM prioritizes durability and user-friendly designs that provide long-term value.

For more information:

You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.

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Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – PlaneEnglish

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Muharrem Mane – CEO & Co-Founder of PlaneEnglish. PlaneEnglish developed ARSim Aviation Radio Simulator that enables pilots to learn, practice, and master aviation phraseology and voice communication in an interactive audio and visual simulation environment.

The conversation covers:

  • Introduction to PlaneEnglish and ARSim: PlaneEnglish, co-founded by Muharrem Mane in 2018, developed ARSim, an aviation radio simulator designed to help pilots master radio communication. The tool provides interactive audio and visual simulation environments to enhance aviation phraseology and voice communication skills. Since its launch, ARSim has gained over 700,000 users in 150+ countries.
  • Partnerships and Industry Collaborations: PlaneEnglish collaborates with both civilian and military aviation institutions. Notable partners include Lift Academy, Turkish Airlines Flight Academy, and several universities. The company also works with the U.S. Air Force, supporting undergraduate pilot training and providing English language training for international pilots through the Defense Language Institute.
  • Advancements in ARSim with AI and UI Enhancements: PlaneEnglish has continuously improved ARSim by integrating AI-powered Q&A features and intuitive UI enhancements. These features help pilots better understand aviation phraseology, interact with realistic flight displays, and receive AI-assisted feedback on their communication skills. The tool now supports VFR and IFR communications across multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, and web.
  • Impact on Pilot Training and Industry Challenges: The aviation industry faces a high demand for pilots, with bottlenecks in instructor availability and aircraft shortages affecting training timelines. PlaneEnglish helps address these challenges by allowing students to practice radio communication before flight training, making them more confident and efficient in the cockpit. This reduces training time and enhances the learning experience.
  • Commitment to Safety and Efficiency: By enabling pilots to develop strong radio communication skills before flying, ARSim helps reduce cognitive load in real-flight scenarios, improving safety and efficiency. Instructors report that students using the simulator are more confident and require less time to grasp in-air communication, allowing them to focus on actual flight maneuvers and decision-making.

For more information:

You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.

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Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – Padpilot

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Nathan Gray – CEO at Padpilot, one of the world’s leading digital publishers of pilot training material for flight training organisations and aspiring pilots.

The conversation covers:

  • Introduction to Padpilot: Leading provider of digital aviation learning resources that has been producing educational materials since 2011 to support pilot training worldwide.
  • Padpilot’s Products & Innovations: Padpilot offers various courses: Foundation, PPL(A), PPL(H), ATPL(A) and ATPL(H) theory teaching and learning resources available on all devices, and AI-powered tools such as the Padpilot Briefing Room.  The company focuses on making aviation education more engaging through animations, simple English explanations, and 3D graphics.
  • Industry Partnerships & Market Presence: The company collaborates with over 160 Approved Training Organizations (ATOs) globally, including major players like Etihad Airways and Lufthansa. Its materials are available across different regulatory frameworks, including EASA and UK CAA.
  • Pilot Demand & Training Challenges: Nathan highlighted the growing global demand for pilots, estimating the need for 500,000–600,000 new pilots over the next decade. He emphasized the importance of maintaining high-quality training, addressing instructor shortages, and ensuring lifelong learning rather than rote memorization.
  • Future Growth & Investment Support: Padpilot’s acquisition by Rose Street Partners has provided the company with the resources to expand into new markets and accelerate its growth. With this investment, Padpilot aims to enhance its offerings, develop new training solutions, and continue innovating in aviation education.

For more information:

You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.

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