Market Intelligence: North America

Flight Simulator Manufacturer Survey Shows Significant Increase in Flight Training Cost Since 2020

On March 4, 2024, at the 2024 Redbird Migration Flight Training Conference, flight simulator manufacturer Redbird Flight (Redbird) released the results of its fourth annual State of Flight Training Survey. The report offers insights into how stakeholders – from prospective students to flight school owners and designated pilot examiners – responded to questions about their motivations, aspirations, challenges, tools, activities, and results related to flight training. It includes a high-level brief and visualizations.

The report covers key market dynamics, emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping flight training, allowing industry professionals, advocacy groups, policymakers, and the general public to better understand and improve the health of the industry.

“We are excited to offer our latest report for free to the flight training community,” said Redbird VP of Marketing Josh Harnagel. “Since its launch in 2020, the report has become an essential resource for individuals and organizations wanting to make strategic decisions about their careers, businesses, and capital allocation based on years of industry data and analysis. We are grateful for the strong participation in the survey – up 57% from last year – and encouraged by industry stakeholders harnessing its insights to create a better future for aviation.”

Key highlights of the report include the following:

  • While, for the most part, the median time for a learner to complete a certificate or rating has decreased over the past four years, the median cost to achieve a certificate or rating has increased. For instance, the median time to complete a private pilot certificate decreased from 30 weeks in 2020 to 24 weeks in 2023. Yet the median cost increased from $9,000 to $14,000 over the same period.
  • Larger flight training providers consistently report better business results than smaller providers. In 2023, independent CFIs rated their business outcomes as 3.2 on a scale of one to five. Large flight training organizations (FTOs) rated their outcomes as 4.6.
  • Learners and pilots are more likely to value flight simulation in ab into training than are flight training providers, a trend that has persisted all four years of the survey.

To access the full report, please visit https://offers.redbirdflight.com/state-of-flight-training.

Source: Redbird
Photo Credit: Redbird

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Flight School Operations and Payment Management Software Four Forces to Host Live Virtual Demo in March 2024

United States based flight school management software Four Forces has shared that it will hold a live virtual demo on the 12th of March 2024. The simplified flight school software with all of the tools an operator need to streamline their operations and save their margins. Four Forces comes with a custom built scheduler, maintenance tracker, student progress tracker and most importantly an integrated payment processor. The features include:

  • Scheduling
  • Invoicing
  • Training
  • Maintenance (Work Orders & Inventory)
  • CBTA Specific Grading

A unique feature is Four Forces payment processing ability – “The great news about using our payment processor is that our partnership brings the best rates to you, to save right off the top.” shared Four Forces.

The Four Forces team will also attend the WAI2024 Women in Aviation International conference on March 21st in Orlando, Florida.

Source: Four Forces

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Global Pilot Training Group Skyborne Expands Piper Training Aircraft Order by Additional 20 Aircraft

Global pilot training group Skyborne which operates flight training bases across the United Kingdom and the United States, has signed a US $8million contract for a further 20 Piper Pilot 100i aircraft, growing the US academy’s all-Piper fleet at its base in Vero Beach, Florida. The significant investment follows an initial order of 11 new Pilot 100is, with the first delivered to Skyborne in November 2023 as part of a multiyear fleet agreement.

Lee Woodward, CEO, Skyborne, says: “Over the last three years, Skyborne’s US footprint has grown exponentially as demand for airline-focused pilot training continues to rise. A partner and ally from the beginning, Piper has been crucial to helping us meet this need.

“We’re proud to be supporting a Florida-based company that aligns with our values of trust and quality, and we look forward to seeing our fleet expand to more than 80 Piper aircraft.”

With state-of-the-art technology and equipment, the Pilot 100i operates with a full Garmin suite of avionics, including the Garmin G3X touch system and autopilot capabilities, enhancing the flight training experience.

Dan Peterson, managing director, Skyborne, says: “Our top priority is to provide industry-leading equipment to support students through their pilot training. By expanding our Pilot 100i order, we’re investing in aircraft we trust to be safe, professional and reliable as we grow for the future.

“From our FAA Part 141 programs to the Propel Flight Academy by Delta, the Pilot 100i is central to delivering world-class pilots for our airline partners.”

Ron Gunnarson, vice president of sales, marketing & customer support, Piper Aircraft, adds: “We’re thrilled to support this additional aircraft order from our neighbors here in Vero Beach, Skyborne, and it’s a privilege to have them as a Piper Flight School Alliance member.

“We look forward to being a part of Skyborne’s growth in our community by providing them with top-of-the-line trainers that are reliable and cost-effective.”

The additional Piper 100i aircraft will be delivered to Skyborne through 2024 and beyond.

AFM team note – In addition to the Piper Aircraft on order Skyborne expanded their order for electric training aircraft with 40 Bye Aerospace eFlyer on order.

Source: Skyborne

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