Market Intelligence: North America

Flex Air Flight Training Advocates for Independent Flight Schools in Ongoing FAA and Legislative Reforms

USA – independent flight training provider Flex Air Flight Training, led by CEO Paul Wynns, has called attention to ongoing legislative efforts and regulatory reforms that could significantly impact independent flight schools and veteran access to training benefits. The organization is actively advocating through the National Flight Training Alliance (NFTA) for greater recognition and modernization within the flight training ecosystem.

  • Independent flight schools, such as Flex Air, account for approximately 50% of total flight training capacity in the United States.

  • Three key legislative proposals impacting pilot training are up for vote in the current US Congressional session.

  • A major FAA initiative to modernize Part 141 training regulations is underway, which may reshape how flight training organizations operate and receive oversight.

  • Flex Air and NFTA are lobbying representatives and senators from Kansas and California to ensure policy reflects the critical role of independent schools and veterans in pilot development.

  • Future advocacy will focus on easing regulatory barriers that limit veterans from utilizing their benefits for flight training.

Statements:

  • “Independent flight schools like Flex Air Flight Training collectively make up 50% of flight training capacity in the US. It’s time to unleash our potential,” said Paul Wynns, CEO, Flex Air Flight Training.

  • “We’re out here with the National Flight Training Alliance to make sure our representatives and senators from the KS and CA delegations know that safe operations begin with good training – and the current system overlooks the outstanding contributions of independent schools and veterans,” Wynns added. “Next up this summer will be initiatives to release the stranglehold on veteran benefits for flight training.”

Source: Paul Wynns (Flex Air Flight Training)

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US-Based Wenmar Aviation Now Represents FAA Holders in Over 40 Countries

USA – Wenmar Aviation has announced that it now represents FAA certificate holders across more than 40 countries, reinforcing its global position as a trusted FAA Designated Agent for Service. The update comes ahead of the 7 July 2025 compliance deadline for new FAA regulations impacting foreign certificate holders without a U.S. address.

Wenmar Aviation continues to accept new subscriptions to help individuals comply with the FAA’s new rule requiring foreign pilots and certificate holders to designate a U.S. agent for service. The directive, which applies to those without a U.S. physical address, became effective April 2, 2025.

  • The FAA’s final rule requires applicants and certificate holders under 14 CFR parts 47, 61, 63, 65, 67, and 107 to designate a U.S. agent for service if they have a foreign address with no U.S. physical address.
  • The FAA introduced the U.S. Agent for Service System (USAS) as the sole compliance method for this requirement.
  • Due to technical delays in USAS development, the compliance deadline for new applicants has been extended from January 6, 2025, to April 2, 2025.
  • The deadline for existing certificate holders remains July 7, 2025.

For more information kindly contact Wenmar Aviation and check out their website.

Source: Wenmar Aviation

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Tecnam Aircraft Announces New P2006T MKII Delivered to Melbourne Flight Training

Capua, Italy & Florida, USA – Tecnam is proud to announce the delivery of a brand-new P2006TMkII aircraft to Melbourne Flight Training (MFT), a leading Part 141 flight school based in Melbourne, Florida. This latest addition expands MFT’s multi-engine fleet to eight aircraft—five of which are Tecnam P2006T models—and supports the launch of the school’s innovative new Platinum Multi-Engine program.

MFT’s Platinum Multi-Engine program provides an accelerated, no-wait multi-engine training path, designed to address growing industry demand for efficient and high-quality pilot training. With the FAA’s approval of self-examining authority, students enrolled in the program can now complete their checkrides in-house, significantly reducing delays traditionally caused by limited Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) availability.

“We’re thrilled to offer our students this accelerated multi-engine training option,” said David Cruz, Chief Instructor at Melbourne Flight Training. “Our mission has always been to provide top-tier flight training, and the addition of this new course will take our students to the next level in their careers.”

The Tecnam P2006T MkII continues to be the aircraft of choice for multi-engine training institutions around the world. Its modern avionics, proven reliability, fuel-efficient twin Rotax 912 engines, and low operating costs make it an ideal platform for training the next generation of commercial pilots.

“We’re honored to support Melbourne Flight Training’s mission of excellence with our P2006T,” said Giovanni Pascale Langer, Tecnam Managing Director. “Their commitment to providing high-quality, efficient training aligns perfectly with our values, and we’re proud that Tecnam plays a central role in their growing fleet.”

Additionally, Melbourne Flight Training is proud to announce its new self-examining authority across multiple flight training programs, including Instrument, Commercial Multi Add-On, and Certified Flight Instructor courses. Students enrolled in these programs can now take their checkrides directly with MFT’s qualified instructors, without the need to wait for availability with outside DPEs.

“This expansion of our self-examining authority for our 141 commercial multi engine program breaks through the current industry barriers affecting students who are waiting in long lines for DPE checkrides,” said Derek Fallon, President. “MFT is a leader in commercial multi engine training and is committed to providing the most efficient, effective multi engine flight training possible.”

Melbourne Flight Training continues to attract both local and national students, reinforcing its reputation as a premier destination for aspiring pilots. Tecnam is pleased to be a trusted partner in MFT’s ongoing growth and success.

About Melbourne Flight Training
Melbourne Flight Training is a leading FAA Approved 141 flight training school located in Melbourne, Florida. Founded by Husband & Wife team Derek & Kristina Fallon in 2016, the school provides premier flight instruction to recreational and professional pilot students. Our mission is to provide safe, high-quality flight trainingthat empowers our students to achieve their aviation goals. We offer a variety of flight training programs including an accelerated Career Aviator Pathway (CAP) program, multi engine pilot training, and advanced training up to Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certifications. Melbourne Flight Training operates a fleet of 34 trainingaircraft, including three new Tecnam P2006T MkII multi engine trainers, operating in a spacious training facility.

About TECNAM; “Quality Aircraft since 1948”
Tecnam is an Italian aircraft manufacturer and one of the world’s leading piston aircraft manufacturers. Founded in 1948 by brothers Luigi and Giovanni Pascale, the company is headquartered in Capua, Italy, and operates two subsidiaries in Sebring, Florida, USA, and Brisbane, Australia, to serve and support the needs of local Tecnam owners and operators. Tecnam designs and manufactures a wide range of aircraft for personal use, commercial operations, business travel, flight training, surveillance, law enforcement and other specialised applications.

Source: Tecnam
Photo Credit: Tecnam

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Acron Aviation Academy Welcomes Pilot Recruiter from Avelo Airlines in May 2025

Sanford, Florida, USA – Acron Aviation Academy hosted Captain Hal Hinton, Pilot Recruiter at Avelo Airlines, for an industry engagement session aimed at providing insights into Avelo’s pilot pathway program. The visit offered cadets and instructors a detailed look into structured career opportunities with the U.S.-based low-cost carrier.

Source: Acron Aviation Academy
Photo Credit: Acron Aviation Academy

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Aircraft Insurance Company Avemco Join AeroSummit 2025

USA – flight training finance provider Stratus Financial has announced that Avemco Insurance Company will participate in AeroSummit 2025. As the only direct writer of aircraft insurance in the U.S., offering pilots direct access to personalized coverage, expert support, and real-world flexibility.

AeroSummit 2025 – the aviation education and training summit set to take place from May 21-22, 2025, at Wynn Las Vegas, with an offsite Aircraft Demo Day on May 23 – is designed for flight schools, certified flight instructors (CFIs), aviation suppliers, and students, focusing on key industry challenges and innovations.

  • The event will feature expert speakers, panel discussions, and networking opportunities aimed at shaping the future of flight training and operations.
  • Attendees will have access to innovative exhibitions showcasing the latest technologies and solutions in aviation education.
  • The summit’s theme is “Partnering for a New Era of Flight Training & Operations in an Evolving Market: What’s Driving the Change in Flight School Training?”

Source: Stratus Financial
Photo Credit: Stratus Financial (shown as meta image)

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Spartan Education Group Cadet’s Visit Atlas Air Training Center in April 2025

USA – The Atlas Cadet Academy (ACA), a pilot training pathway developed in partnership with Spartan Education Group (SEG) and Atlas Air, Inc. (“Atlas”), recently provided its cadets with an extraordinary hands-on experience at the Atlas Training Center in Miami, Florida.

  • This immersive visit offered ACA cadets a unique glimpse into the operational excellence, leadership culture, jet familiarization, and career pathways that set Atlas apart as a global leader in air cargo transportation.
  • The Atlas Cadet Academy’s official training takes place at Illinois Aviation Academy (IAA) in West Chicago, Illinois.
  • A part of SEG, the facility provides cadets with comprehensive flight training, including training for six FAA certificates and ratings. The visit to the Atlas Training Center provided cadets with a behind-the-scenes experience, showcasing how their training is laying the foundation for potential future careers at Atlas.
  • During the visit, ACA cadets witnessed firsthand the flight crew’s decision-making process, safety protocols, and dynamic business model that are the foundation of Atlas’ success. A highlight of the trip was the opportunity to fly in the Boeing 747 full-motion flight simulator — a rare opportunity for cadets to apply their flight training skills in a highly advanced environment.

“This experience brought the entire Atlas Cadet Academy journey full circle,” said Jim Borgaard, Director of Business Development at SEG. “From classroom learning to hands-on simulator training, cadets can see how their skills align with the operational standards of an airline like Atlas Air.”

Cadets also had the opportunity to meet with Atlas Air’s Chief Pilots, Safety Management Systems (SMS) leadership, and members of the executive leadership team, including Michael Steen, Chief Executive Officer of Atlas Air Worldwide. The one-on-one interactions highlighted Atlas’ commitment to fostering the next generation of aviation professionals.

“The visit to the Atlas Training Center in Miami was an incredible experience for our Atlas Cadet Academy cadets. What stood out most was Atlas’ commitment to making each cadet feel valued—not just as future pilots, but as potential integral members of their team,” said Robert Werderich, Executive Vice President of Flight Operations, SEG. “From meeting Atlas’ CEO and SMS Director to experiencing the 747 simulator and seeing the application of the IAA abnormality flow in action, every moment reinforced the opportunities and support available through the Atlas Cadet Academy.”

The Academy is designed to prepare aspiring aviators for the possibility of attaining First Officer opportunities with Atlas, a leading global provider of outsourced aircraft and aviation operating services, serving domestic, regional, and international cargo and passenger operations. This collaboration strengthens Atlas’ workforce development strategy and continued growth across its global aviation network. This visit, which is a part of the ACA curriculum, reinforces the Academy’s mission to develop skilled aviators prepared to meet the needs of the growing aviation industry. The academy is now enrolling cadets at SEG’s Aviation flight school in West Chicago, Illinois, Illinois Aviation Academy.

About Spartan Education Group
Spartan Education Group, LLC (SEG), headquartered in Chicago, IL, operates McAir Aviation flight school in Broomfield, CO and Illinois Aviation Academy in West Chicago, IL. Separately, SEG acquired Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology in 2012. Spartan College, established in 1928, has trained over 100,000 pilots and aviation technicians at its four campuses located in the following areas: Tulsa, OK, Los Angeles, and Riverside, CA, and Denver, CO. 

About Atlas Air Worldwide
Atlas Air Worldwide is a leading global provider of outsourced aircraft and aviation operating services. It is the parent company of Atlas Air, Inc., and Titan Aviation Holdings, Inc., and is the majority shareholder of Polar Air Cargo Worldwide, Inc. Our companies operate the world’s largest fleet of 747 Freighter aircraft and provide customers with the broadest array of Boeing 747, 777, 767 and 737 aircraft for domestic, regional, and international cargo and passenger operations. 

Source: Spartan Education Group
Photo Credit: Atlas Air (shown as meta image)

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