Market Intelligence: North America

International Aerospace Accrediting Commission Accepts Five Flight School Applications for Accreditation

The United States based International Aerospace Accrediting Commission (IAAC) has now accepted five applications for accreditation. The following schools have attended the IAAC Seeking Accreditation Workshop and have met the initial eligibility criteria:

  • Academy of Aviation, Main Campus, Farmingdale, NY
  • Academy of Aviation, Branch Campus, West Harrison, NY
  • Academy of Aviation, Branch Campus, Peach Tree City, GA
  • Academy of Aviation, Branch Campus, Gastonia, NC
  • Thrust Flight, Main Campus, Addison, TX W/Satellite Campus in Denison, TX

Next steps for these schools are to submit the IAAC Standards Self-Study and receive on-site visits to review compliance with accreditation criteria.

About IAAC

The International Aerospace Accrediting Commission (IAAC) was formally launched in February 2023 as a separate and independent accrediting commission. The IAAC accreditation program will bring cultural change to the Ab Initio flight training and aviation focused career-training space within the United States and ultimately other nations. The genesis of the Commission began in 2017 with original support from the Flight School Association of North America (FSANA).

The Scope of the International Aerospace Accrediting Commission is for institutions that offer career training primarily in non-degree clock-hour vocational flight, aviation and aerospace related trade and technical occupational programs.

Institutions eligible for application to, and accreditation from, the IAAC must offer programs that lead to gainful employment in an aerospace related field as its primary purpose. Such training may include, but not be limited to, programs that are approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Such programs as those offered under 14 CFR Part 141 for Pilot Training, Part 142 Simulator Training Centers, Part 147 for Mechanic Training, Part 65 Dispatch Training, Air Traffic Control (ATC) Training and Part 107 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) Pilot Training. [Note: schools training under Part 61 may be eligible if for such training the institution utilizes an FAA Approved Curriculum and meet the IAAC Standards].

Source: IAAC

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Reno Air Racing Association Seeks Local Applicants for Flight Training Scholarships

The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) is excited to announce the launch of its 3rd annual Flight Training Scholarships, aimed at supporting aspiring pilots aged 16 to 20 from the Reno-Sparks and surrounding areas in achieving their Private Pilot License. Committed to fostering aviation education, RARA will award 12 scholarships, each valued at up to $10,000. These scholarships help alleviate the financial barriers that many aspiring pilots face as they pursue their dreams of flight and careers in aviation. The application period for this year’s scholarships will be open from Thursday, Feb. 1 through Sunday, March 31.

“We are proud to continue our tradition of supporting young, ambitious individuals who aim to soar to new heights in the field of aviation,” said Fred Telling, RARA Chairman and CEO. “We’re proud to offer two additional scholarships this year, a new offering in our program, which allows a donor to honor an individual or organization as the named sponsor for one or more scholarships. These contributions represent a significant investment in the future of aviation while recognizing those whose impact continues to make a difference. We look forward to awarding many more scholarships as we discover and nurture the talents of the next generation of pilots.”

Applicants for the scholarships are evaluated based on their dedication, passion for aviation and commitment to obtaining a Private Pilot License. The scholarship selection committee is composed of experienced aviation professionals who understand the importance of diligence and mentorship throughout the training process.

The scholarships are made possible through the generous support of various organizations and individuals, including significant contributions from The Ray Foundation, The Ellsworth Hovey Getchel Foundation, Si Robins and numerous other philanthropic donations. The Ellsworth Hovey Getchel Foundation and Si Robins joined the Ray Foundation this year in adding two named awards as part of the scholarships’ ongoing expansion.

Chosen recipients will be announced on Wednesday, May 15. The scholarships apply toward the costs of flight training and also ensure mentors are available to provide guidance and support, addressing specific issues that may arise during students’ journey towards becoming licensed pilots.

For more information about the Reno Air Racing Association’s Flight Training Scholarships, eligibility criteria, and application details, please visit airrace.org

Source: Reno Air Racing Association
Photo Credit: Reno Air Racing Association

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VR Flight Simulator Manufacturer, Loft Dynamics, Unveils First Virtual Reality Flight Simulation Hub in North America

Loft Dynamics (formerly VRM Switzerland), a leader in virtual reality (VR) flight simulation devices for pilots worldwide, announced the opening of its first Virtual Reality Flight Simulation Hub and the company’s first North American headquarters, located at the Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO). The hub features the company’s Airbus H125 VR Flight Simulation Training Device (FSTD), offering a hands-on way for even more pilots and aviation leaders to experience the future of pilot training and the benefits of VR technology at a critical time for the aviation industry.

The global pilot shortage looms large, requiring over 600,000 new aviators in the next 20 years. Existing training solutions, including traditional full-motion simulators, remain cost-prohibitive for the average pilot and are confined to select training centers that can house and afford them. By harnessing the power of VR technology, Loft Dynamics’ full-motion FSTDs deliver high-fidelity, immersive pilot training at one-twentieth the cost and one-tenth the size of legacy simulators. The company is gaining widespread adoption among aviation leaders and pilots to scale the next generation of skilled pilots.

“We recognized a significant unmet demand to experience our technology in person in the U.S. Establishing a physical space became the obvious solution, making it more accessible to fly our sims, practice a range of maneuvers, and fully grasp the power of VR technology in this capacity,” said Fabi Riesen, founder and CEO of Loft Dynamics. “Our SMO location offers convenient access for a high concentration of pilots and enhances onsite and remote support for our North American customers.”

Loft Dynamics expanded to North America in 2021, integrating its simulators at various flight schools, helicopter operators, and global regulatory organizations – from Airbus Helicopters to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Today the company also announced that the LAPD Air Support Division, the largest municipal airborne law enforcement operation in the world, has initiated the purchase of Loft Dynamics’ H125 VR FSTD. “It’s incredibly challenging for any pilot today to realistically train for the dangerous maneuvers and diverse scenarios in which we fly. Learning and mastering the skills and procedures needed to fly under Instrument Flight Rules and to survive an inadvertent instrument meteorological conditions (IIMC) flight is no exception,” said Kevin Gallagher, Chief Pilot, Los Angeles Police Department, Air Support Division. “Loft Dynamics’ sims use cloud-based software, allowing us to add new and applicable training scenarios regularly. Additionally, the sim’s full-motion technology precisely replicates the motion of a helicopter in-flight, while the visual technology accurately simulates challenging flight conditions in a realistic 3D view. These features are critical to providing our more than 50 pilots, who fly around the clock, with the type of conditions and maneuvers they often encounter. With the sim onsite, our pilots can regularly and safely train to maintain proficiency in these essential skills.”

About Loft Dynamics AG

Loft Dynamics AG (formerly VRM Switzerland) specializes in designing, manufacturing and operating VR flight simulation training devices (FSTDs) for various aircraft systems. Founded in 2016, our mission is to revolutionize global aviation by providing best-in-class pilot training that is safe, accessible and affordable. Our immersive simulators, equipped with a 3D high-resolution panoramic view, dynamic six-degrees-of-freedom motion platform and a full-scale replica cockpit with a unique pose tracking system, are 20 times less expensive and 10 times smaller than traditional flight simulators. As an ISO 9001-certified flight simulation training device operator, we provide continuous and comprehensive customer support, from installation and maintenance to training and regulatory approvals. Leading manufacturers, airlines, operators, schools and organizations worldwide choose Loft Dynamics simulators — the world’s first and only VR FSTDs with EASA FTD Level 3 regulatory approval. Based in Zurich, Switzerland, our team comprises passionate engineers, developers and aviation experts.

Source: Loft Dynamics

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Major US Airline Delta Air Lines Announces Appointment for Vice President Flight Operations

Delta Air Lines has appointed Captain Brad Sheehan as the new Vice President Flight Operations. Sheehan was formerly Vice President, Flight Training & Standards. Learn more about Delta Air Lines or Sheehan by connecting with him through his LinkedIn profile here.

Delta has 284 narrowbody and 48 widebody aircraft on order for delivery in coming years.

Source: Brad Sheehan (Delta Air Lines)
Photo Credit: Delta Air Lines (shown as meta image)

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Operator of Digital Platform Used by 30,0000 Aspiring Pilots Per Month is Seeking Buyer

Aviationfly.com, one of the world’s most visited websites for aspiring pilots, is seeking a new operator. Current owner believes the platform potential can be better captured and realized by strategic buyer and is looking to sell the platform.

Platform Overview

  • One of the world’s most visited websites for aspiring pilots – top 5 most visited websites globally when compared to international flight schools
  • 1.2 million pageviews p. year from 195 countries (visitors from every country across the globe)
  • Over 30,000 unique website users per month
  • Clean Database of over 72,000 aspiring pilots from the last 3 years
  • Organically generating between 10,000 to 20,000 aspiring pilot leads per year(depending on funnel filter criteria)
  • Optimized funnel to filter aspiring pilot leads automatically
  • Optimized SEO platform for high domain authority and backlinks profile
  • 1,408 pages of content on platform
  • Well established brand name within the industry
  • Learning management system to share and monetize e-learning courses
  • Large scale social media following including;
    • Youtube – 173 video’s, over 11,100 subscribers, around 13,000 views per month
    • Facebook – over 32,000 followers
    • Instagram – over 2,300 followers
    • LinkedIn – over 1,800 followers

Opportunity Highlights

  • If your target customers are aspiring pilots or if you have a product or service which can grow through additional aspiring pilot leads then this platform is a unique value-add digital asset to operate
  • The platform will organically generate a high number of aspiring pilot leads for the foreseeable future and provides the operator with numerous avenues of monetization

Especially if you are a flight school with more than 10 aircraft that is looking to grow your international aspiring pilot enrolments this platform will be suited to power your next phase of growth.

If interested kindly contact us.

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IATA: Air Travel Reaches 99% of 2019 Levels as Recovery Continues in November 2023

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for November 2023 air travel performance indicating that air travel demand topped 99% of 2019 levels.

Total traffic in November 2023 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose 29.7% compared to November 2022. Globally, traffic is now at 99.1% of November 2019 levels.

International traffic rose 26.4% versus November 2022. The Asia-Pacific region continued to report the strongest year-over-year results (+63.8%) with all regions showing improvement compared to the prior year. November 2023 international RPKs reached 94.5% of November 2019 levels.

Domestic traffic for November 2023 was up 34.8% compared to November 2022. Total November 2023 domestic traffic was 6.7% above the November 2019 level. Growth was particularly strong in China (+272%) as it recovered from the COVID travel restrictions that were still in place a year ago. US domestic travel, benefitting from strong Thanksgiving holidays demand, reached a new high, expanding +9.1% over November 2019.

“We are moving ever closer to surpassing the 2019 peak year for air travel. Economic headwinds are not deterring people from taking to the skies. International travel remains 5.5% below pre-pandemic levels but that gap is rapidly closing. And domestic markets have been above their pre-pandemic levels continuously since April,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

International Passenger Markets

Asia-Pacific airlines had a 63.8% rise in November traffic compared to November 2022, which was the strongest year-over-year rate among the regions. Capacity rose 58.0% and the load factor was up 2.9 percentage points to 82.6%.

European carriers’ November traffic climbed 14.8% versus November 2022. Capacity increased 15.2%, and load factor declined 0.3 percentage points to 83.3%.

Middle Eastern airlines saw an 18.6% traffic rise in November compared to November 2022. November capacity increased 19.0% versus the year-ago period, and load factor fell 0.2 percentage points to 77.4%.

North American carriers experienced a 14.3% traffic rise in November versus the 2022 period. Capacity increased 16.3%, and load factor fell 1.4 percentage points to 80.0%.

Latin American airlines’ November traffic rose 20.0% compared to the same month in 2022. November capacity climbed 17.7% and load factor increased 1.7 percentage points to 84.9%, the highest of any region.

African airlines had a 22.1% rise in November RPKs versus a year ago. November 2023 capacity was up 29.6% and load factor fell 4.3 percentage points to 69.7%, the lowest among regions.

The Bottom Line

“Aviation’s rapid recovery from COVID demonstrates just how important flying is to people and to businesses. In parallel to aviation’s recovery, governments recognized the urgency of transitioning from jet fuel to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for aviation’s decarbonization. The Third Conference on Aviation Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3) in November saw governments agree that we should see 5% carbon savings by 2030 from SAF. This was followed up at COP28 in December where governments agreed that we need a broad transition from fossil fuels to avoid the worst effects of climate change.  Airlines don’t need convincing. They agreed to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and every drop of SAF ever made in that effort has been bought and used. There simply is not enough SAF being produced. So we look to 2024 to be the year when governments follow-up on their own declarations and finally deliver comprehensive policy measures to incentivize the rapid scaling-up of SAF production,” said Walsh.

Source: IATA
Photo Credit: IATA

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