Market Intelligence: North America

US Aviation Training Group International Aero Academy Continues its Expansion in 2024

Lakeland, Florida, United States – International Aero Academy, established in 2017, initially focused on accelerated pilot training but has since expanded to include aircraft maintenance technician training, on-demand charter services, and an in-house FAA Part 145 repair station.

  • IAA started with just 8 aircraft and now operates operates a fleet of 26 aircraft including Tecnam P2008, P2006T and Cessna 172 and 152 aircraft
  • Currently IAA has around 100 to 120 pilots in training at any one time
  • Training aspiring pilots from around the globe IAA has recently opened an office in India and is hoping to announce a flight training cadet program with an airline in the coming months
  • IAA provides a pathway to US low cost carrier Spirit Airlines – after reaching 500 flight hours, student pilots can apply to the airline with the possibility of receiving a conditional letter of employment upon reaching 1,500 hours.
  • Amazon, with a significant air cargo base at Lakeland Linder International Airport, has partnered with International Aero Academy – this partnership aims to increase the number of qualified aviation technicians. Amazon’s Career Choice program includes an AMT pathway, offering two-year, tuition-paid training at the academy. The first class of 22 Amazon employees enrolled last fall, boosting the school’s AMT students by 36%.
  • IAA currently has 60 A&P students enrolled and expect to reach 100 in 2024

Statements:

  • “We hold more FAA certificates than any organization in the United States,” said Steven Markhoff, founder and CEO.
  • “Simply put, there are no mechanics. Demand is outpacing supply,” Markhoff said. “We have not materially increased the number of A&P students in the U.S., and more disconcerting, the latest ATEC Pipeline Report showed that the number of A&P school graduates pursuing FAA licensure has decreased from 80% to 50%. Plus, approximately 25% of A&Ps never go to work in the aviation industry as their skill sets are highly sought after.”

Source: IAA

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Strategic Expansion by One of the Largest Flight Training Organisations, Infinity Flight Group, on the East Coast of the US

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series AFM’s Managing Director Maximillian Buerger speaks with Gregory John, President and Founder of Infinity Flight Group, one of the largest flight training groups on the east coast of the United States, to learn more about his organisation and their recent expansion.

The conversation covers:

  • Infinity Flight Group started 10 years ago and now has over 60 aircraft
  • Newly announced partnership with the American Airlines Cadet Academy
  • The group is expanding into the Florida market
  • Greg emphasized the importance of strategic, incremental expansion due to the cyclical nature of the aviation industry
  • Key challenges that he sees in the industry

For more information:

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

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AeroGuard Flight Training Center CEO Visits with Air India Cadet Pilots in July 2024

Phoenix, United States headquartered global flight training group AeroGuard Flight Training Center, which operates a number of flight training bases in the United States, announced in 2024 its selection by Air India as the flag carrier’s preferred flight training provider. AeroGuard’s CEO, Joel Davidson and Chief Marketing Officer, James Constable, visited the Air India Training Academy in Gurugram, India in July to meet and spend time with the cadets.

AeroGuard places significant importance on cultivating an airline aligned pilot training culture and ensuring that the cadets are prepared to train within industry leading safety and quality flight training operations.

The Air India cadet pilot program individuals start their training journey at the Air India Training Academy for their Ground School phase and gain exposure to the airlines culture. After completing their ground school training and exams in India, the cadets will come to AeroGuard’s Phoenix, Arizona base in the United States to conduct their flight training and establish the skills required for their professional pilot careers with Air India.

AeroGuard’s frequent meetings with cadets from airline partners signifies its commitment to fostering excellence in pilot training and establishing a foundation of trust and collaboration between AeroGuard, the airline partner, and the airline’s future pilots.

About AeroGuard Flight Training Center
AeroGuard Flight Training Center is a global leader in ab initio flight training with three U.S. campuses that offer accelerated commercial pilot training programs to candidates from all over the world. With a commitment to safety and student success, AeroGuard’s high quality training has established airline-ready cadets for over 20 years with more than one million flight hours of training experience and graduating over 7,000 cadets.

Source: AeroGuard Flight Training Center

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Global Pilot Training Solution Provider, CAE, Announces 2024 Chief Financial Officer Transition

Montreal, Canada – CAE Inc. (CAE or the Company) announced that Sonya Branco, Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), has advised the company of her intention to step down from her position at the end of August to pursue interests outside of CAE. As part of CAE’s succession plan, Constantino Malatesta, Chief Accounting Officer and Vice-President, Controller Office, will become interim CFO following Ms. Branco’s departure. A process is underway to identify and select a permanent CFO, and Ms. Branco will continue in a support capacity to ensure a seamless transition.

Ms. Branco has been CAE’s Executive Vice President, Finance and CFO since 2016. She joined CAE in 2008 and was appointed to the role of Vice President and Corporate Controller in 2011.

During her tenure, Ms. Branco was instrumental in the transformation of CAE into the world’s largest civil aviation training provider, which — combined with Defense & Security — makes CAE a company with highly recurring sources of revenue and cash flow. She presided over a period of significant expansion involving more than 20 acquisitions and their integration. Ms. Branco also planned and executed a capital allocation strategy, balancing accretive growth with maintaining a strong financial position and investment grade profile that allowed CAE to successfully navigate the COVID pandemic and beyond.

“On behalf of myself, CAE’s Board of Directors, and the entire executive management team, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to Sonya for her numerous contributions to CAE’s success over the last 17 years,” said Marc Parent, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Sonya led CAE’s finance organization through a period of significant growth and reached many important milestones. We have benefitted greatly from Sonya’s stewardship, her insightful mentorship of her colleagues, and her deep commitment to the Company. We wish Sonya the very best in her future endeavours.”

Added Mr. Parent, “Constantino has worked closely with Sonya for many years, and he has a deep knowledge of CAE’s business and an extensive background in finance that will provide continuity and stability at CAE. I have full confidence in Constantino’s ability to oversee the Company’s financial operations and strategy as we move forward with our selection process for the permanent CFO role, for which we will consider both internal and external candidates.”

Mr. Malatesta was appointed CAE’s Chief Accounting Officer and Vice-President, Controller Office, in 2022. Before that he was Vice President, Finance and Corporate Controller (2016-2022), Global Head of Finance, CAE Oxford Aviation Academy (2014-2016), and Director, Finance and Assistant Corporate Controller (2011-2014). He joined CAE in 2006 as Manager, Accounting Standards. Mr. Malatesta is a Chartered Professional Accountant and U.S. Certified Public Accountant. He obtained a Bachelor of Commerce Degree and a Graduate Diploma in Accounting from Concordia University in Montreal.

About CAE

At CAE, we equip people in critical roles with the expertise and solutions to create a safer world. As a technology company, we digitalize the physical world, deploying software-based simulation training and critical operations support solutions. Above all else, we empower pilots, cabin crew, maintenance technicians, airlines, business aviation operators, and defence and security forces to perform at their best every day and when the stakes are the highest. Around the globe, we’re everywhere customers need us to be with approximately 13,000 employees in more than 240 sites and training locations in over 40 countries. CAE represents more than 75 years of industry firsts—the highest-fidelity flight and mission simulators as well as training programs powered by digital technologies. We embed sustainability in everything we do. Today and tomorrow, we’ll make sure our customers are ready for the moments that matter.

Source: CAE
Photo Credit: CAE

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US Flight Training Group Hillsboro Aero Academy Seeks Maintenance School Director for New Division

Oregon, United States based Hillsboro Aero Academy (HAA), a U.S.-based leading provider of helicopter and airplane pilot career training, shared that it is seeking a dedicated Maintenance School Director/Instructor to lead and launch a new A&P maintenance school. Please see an extract of the job position below.

“We are seeking a dedicated and experienced FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) mechanic to lead the development and launch of a new A&P maintenance school at Hillsboro Aero Academy (HAA).  The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the A&P school and providing high-quality instruction to students pursuing their A&P certification. This role requires a deep understanding of aviation maintenance, a passion for teaching, and strong leadership skills. This position is responsible for overseeing the school’s FAA Part 147 maintenance school certification, as well as developing and maintaining curriculum and training equipment.

 Job Duties:

  • Manage the school’s FAA Part 147 maintenance school certificate.  
  • Develop, maintain and update the school curriculum.
  • Be the school’s initial primary instructor and deliver engaging and informative lectures, practical demonstrations, and hands-on training sessions.
  • Evaluate student performance through assessments, practical exams, and continuous feedback.
  • Maintain accurate records of student progress and certification requirements.
  • Manage daily operations of the A&P school, including scheduling, resource allocation, and equipment maintenance.
  • Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and industry standards.
  • Mentor and support students throughout their educational journey, fostering a positive learning environment.
  • Coordinate with industry partners and employers to provide students with internship and job placement opportunities.
  • Hire, train and manage maintenance school instructors.
  • Assist the admissions and marketing staff as necessary in the recruitment and selection of new students.
  • Stay updated with the latest developments in aviation maintenance technology and educational best practices.
  • Provide advice to the administration on matters pertaining to the instructional program.
  • Additional duties as assigned.

 Licenses/Qualifications:

FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate.  

 Required Skills/Experience:

  • Minimum of 3 years of recent experience in aviation maintenance.
  • Strong understanding of FAA regulations and compliance requirements.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Proven leadership and management abilities.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software.

 Preferred Skills/Experience:

  • Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Maintenance, Education, or a related field.
  • 2 years of instructional experience in a classroom or job setting.
  • Experience in curriculum development and instructional design.
  • Previous experience managing in an educational institution or technical training program.
  • Familiarity with modern teaching methods and technologies.“

For more information or to apply go here.

Source: Hillsboro Aero Academy
Photo Credit: Hillsboro Aero Academy (shown as meta image)

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ASTi Elevates VR Flight Training with Immersive Communications

ASTi, a leader in providing advanced communication systems, is enhancing the VR flight training experience with their Voisus® system. This technology streamlines communication within flight simulators, creating a seamless integration of various audio sources that enrich the training environment for students.

  • Voisus® system integrates communication from human and virtual instructors, simulated radios, simulated air traffic control (ATC), and other students.
  • All communications are channeled through the student’s headset, ensuring an immersive and uninterrupted experience.
  • The system supports a cohesive soundscape, allowing students to interact effectively within the virtual training scenario.

Voisus® is a powerful suite of field-proven communications and sound products that can be quickly integrated to meet your live, virtual, constructive, and gaming needs.

Check out the video below.

About ASTi

ASTi (Advanced Simulation Technology, Inc.) is based in Herndon, USA. The company specializes in delivering high-fidelity voice communications, radio-over-IP, and other simulation technologies for training and operational environments.

Source: ASTi
Photo Credit: ASTi

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