Market Intelligence: North America

US Flight School Paragon Flight Training Completes 2023 Training Aircraft Acquisition

Florida, United States based Paragon Flight Training is pleased to announce it has completed its 2023 goal of purchasing 10 new Piper aircraft, taking possession of the final two aircraft in September, 2023. The announcement was made by Paragon Flight President Christopher Schoensee and comes following the company’s purchase of 10 Pipers in 2022 and in alignment with the company’s aggressive plan of expanding its fleet to 50 new aircraft by the end of 2026.

“Working in such a high growth industry as aviation training, we need to remain laser focused on our strategic plan – and that’s what we’ve done. We know that having a modern fleet is not only a competitive advantage but provides optimal training for our students,” Schoensee said.

Paragon Flight continues to experience record enrollment trends, fueled not only by national interest in careers in commercial aviation but also as a result of the two additional locations it opened this year. In July, Paragon Flight opened its first Georgia location at LaGrange-Callaway Airport following its new partnership with LaGrange College. The partnership gives students the opportunity to pursue a minor in aviation using Paragon Flight’s Professional Pilot Program curriculum, Paragon Flight aircraft at nearby LaGrange-Callaway and a Paragon Flight-owned flight simulator housed on the LaGrange College campus.  In March 2023, the company opened a fully operational Paragon Flight Training facility at the Punta Gorda Airport in Punta Gorda, Florida.

The company also recently received its Frasca twin-engine flight training device, housed at Paragon Flight’s headquarters location in Fort Myers, to serve as a button for button complement to the Piper Seminole, an aircraft model essential for commercial pilot training that Paragon Flight purchased in 2022.

“With a growth-focused strategic plan, the best training equipment in private aviation, and a pilot training curriculum that puts a premium not only on skill development but character and leadership, Paragon Flight is extremely excited about the future and the contributions our students will make as pilots and aviation professionals,” Schoensee said.

About Paragon Flight Training

Paragon Flight is an award-winning flight academy headquartered at Page Field in Fort Myers, Florida, with additional locations in Punta Gorda, Florida and LaGrange, Georgia. With FAA and SEVIS accreditations, a fleet of 30 aircraft and advanced simulator technology onsite, the company trains commercial, professional, and recreational pilots as well as offering military pilot training for domestic and foreign governments.

Source: Paragon Flight Training
Photo Credit: Piper Aircraft (shown as meta image)

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Leading Provider of Aviation Services, AAR, Recommends Ways on Solving Aviation Mechanic Shortage

AAR CORP., a leading provider of aviation services to commercial and government operators, MROs, and OEMs, launched its 2023 mid skills gap report.

“Mid skills” describes careers that require industry certifications but not a college degree, including aviation mechanics. Recognizing the importance of gathering information on the state of mid skills talent development efforts and providing tangible recommendations for collaboration, AAR launched its first mid skills gap report in 2011. AAR has become a trusted source for this information and thought leadership on innovative solutions, launching subsequent editions of the report in 2018 and 2023.

AAR’s 2023 report warns that the aircraft mechanic shortage has reached a critical point and urges employers to break down silos and collaborate with high schools, colleges, nonprofits, and elected officials to expand early access to aviation maintenance curriculum and training. It includes case studies and opportunities to attract talent under the updated FAA Part 147, which removes a seat time requirement that measures competency based on hours and paves the way for more collaboration and additional training locations.

The Company partnered with Choose Aerospace, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, to release a general aviation curriculum based upon the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airman Certification Standards into high schools and colleges. Choose Aerospace is aligned with the FAA’s Part 147 certification standards that went into effect last year. AAR recommends the FAA further update regulations to allow AMT candidates who complete a general aviation curriculum in high school, like Choose Aerospace, to take the FAA general exam to become certified. It also calls on lawmakers to pass immigration policies that allow aviation companies to recruit talent from abroad to meet demand.

“Workforce development is a team effort across industry, education, and government,” said John M. Holmes, AAR’s Chairman, President and CEO. “Given the forecasted demand for aviation maintenance technicians, these efforts could not come at a better time.”

“We have the facilities to grow. We just need the talent,” said Ryan Goertzen, AAR’s Vice President of Workforce Development. “Companies that invest in training must look to solve the issue not only for themselves but for the industry.”

AAR’s 2023 mid skills gap report is available on the Company’s website on the students page.

About AAR

AAR is a global aerospace and defense aftermarket solutions company with operations in over 20 countries. Headquartered in the Chicago area, AAR supports commercial and government customers through four operating segments: Parts Supply, Repair & Engineering, Integrated Solutions, and Expeditionary Services.

Source: AAR

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European Training Aircraft Manufacturer Elixir Aircraft Joins the 2023 UAA Collegiate Aviation Education Conference

Elixir Aircraft, a company based in La Rochelle, France recently participated in the 2023 UAA Collegiate Aviation Education Conference held on September 27-29, 2023 in the Hilton St.Petersburg Bayfront, Florida. This 3-day event offers innovation workshops, thought-provoking education sessions, and opportunities for attendees to hear from leaders across the industry. During the meeting, committees meet to discuss targeted issues and policy positions that affect core groups within the membership.

The annual collegiate aviation conference is the premier gathering place for college and university educators focusing on the collegiate aviation industry. It includes presentations from government agencies, university professionals, research-based programs, safety professionals, and those committed to best practices in aviation education in the college and university environment.

Source: Elixir Aircraft
Photo Credit: Elixir Aircraft (shown as meta image)

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