Market Intelligence: North America

Canadian Flight Training Provider Select Aviation College Celebrates 10 Years of Excellence in Pilot Training

Canada – Select Aviation College is celebrating a decade of success in 2024, marking its 10th anniversary as one of Canada’s leading pilot training institutions. Originally founded in 2014, the college has grown significantly from its beginnings at Drummondville Airport, evolving into a premier aviation college that now operates from Gatineau-Ottawa Executive Airport and trains over 250 pilots annually.

Key Milestones:

  • The College’s first international student, Jean-Baptiste Carré, earned his Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) in 2015 and now serves as the College’s Vice President of Operations.
  • Another important member of the current team, Chief Flight Instructor Maxime Delage-Damon, was one of the first five pilots to graduate.
  • In 2016, the College expanded by moving to Hangar #10, which was transformed by major renovations and the addition of a 3-axis motorized REDBIRD flight simulator, enhancing its aviation training capabilities.
  • By July 2017, Select Aviation College obtained its permit from Quebec’s Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur, officially becoming a designated private learning institution awarding three Attestations of College Studies (ACS) leading to Commercial Pilot Licenses (CPL).
  • In 2018, Transport Canada authorized Select Aviation College to offer the Integrated Air Transport Pilot college program, leading to the Integrated Airline Transport Pilot Licence (Integrated ATPL), positioning the College among the top flight training institutions in Canada. That same year, the College enriched its pedagogical experience with the purchase of a state-of-the-art ALSIM ALX flight simulator, enabling multi-crew cooperation (MCC) training.
  • In 2020 the College invested in a twin-engine Piper PA-44 Seminole 2020 aircraft equipped with a 100% digital instrument panel.
  • In January 2021, the College inaugurated a flight school in Gatineau, which became its new head office in June 2022 following the closure of the Drummondville campus. Meanwhile, the city of Gatineau completed major work at the Gatineau-Ottawa Executive Airport, including new taxiways and a brand-new building housing six classrooms equipped with state-of-the-art technology—an investment of over $13 million.
  • In January 2024, the College partnered with Porter Airlines, qualifying for its Destination Porter mentoring program, thereby enhancing its pilot training offerings.

Statement’s

  • “We’re incredibly grateful to our community of students, instructors, and partners who have supported us through this journey. Together, we’re celebrating a decade of dedication to training tomorrow’s pilots,” shared Select Aviation College.

Source: Select Aviation College
Photo Credit: Select Aviation College (shown as meta image)

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IATA Announces 2024 Appointment for Senior Manager of Pilot Training and Licensing

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced the appointment of Andrés Ospina, MRAeS, as the new Senior Manager of Pilot Training and Licensing. Capt. Ospina, who has accumulated extensive experience throughout his career, expressed that this new position represents one of the most significant milestones in his professional journey saying, “After many experiences I’ve lived through, today I reach another dream, perhaps the greatest one of my professional life, and I hope to stay here for the rest of my career.”

To know more about IATA or Mr. Ospina, connect with him through his LinkedIn Profile.

Source: Andrés Ospina

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US Aviation Academy Acquires Assets of Flyt Aviation in Atlanta, Georgia

United States based US Aviation Academy (USAA), one of the largest aviation and pilot training organizations in North America which recently announced it had already enrolled more than 500 aspiring pilots to its 2024 flight training courses, is pleased to announce its acquisition of the assets of Flyt Aviation, a well-established flight school based at Falcon Field in Peachtree City, Georgia.

This acquisition marks US Aviation Academy’s expansion into the greater Atlanta area, bringing its renowned flight training programs and industry expertise to a new region in response to increasing demand for skilled pilots.

Falcon Field (KFFC) is an ideal location for the expansion, providing a state-of-the-art facility in a vibrant aviation community. The acquisition of Flyt Aviation’s assets enables US Aviation Academy to offer a full range of flight training services, from Private Pilot Certificates to advanced commercial training, in the bustling Atlanta market. With this strategic move, US Aviation Academy aims to deliver top-tier flight instruction to local and international students, creating new opportunities for individuals pursuing professional pilot careers.

“This acquisition represents a significant step forward in our mission to expand access to quality aviation training nationwide,” said Mike Sykes, CEO of US Aviation Academy. “We are excited to bring our proven training programs and experienced instructors to the Atlanta area and to provide a new gateway for aspiring pilots in Atlanta Georgia and beyond.”

The new Atlanta campus at Falcon Field will initially operate under Part 61, allowing for flexible, personalized training schedules that can accelerate students’ paths to their goals. With Part 141 certification pending FAA approval, US Aviation Academy plans to expand its offerings to meet the needs of a diverse student population, including those seeking structured, accelerated career pathways and self-examining authority.

Through the integration of Flyt Aviation’s assets, US Aviation Academy reaffirms its commitment to innovation, safety, and excellence in aviation education. The Falcon Field location will benefit from US Aviation Academy’s extensive resources and expertise, providing students with access to well-maintained aircraft, advanced training technology, and a curriculum aligned with the needs of the modern aviation industry.

About US Aviation Academy
US Aviation Academy, headquartered in Denton, Texas, is a premier flight training and aircraft maintenance education provider, serving students from around the world. Known for its rigorous training programs, experienced instructors, and commitment to student success, US Aviation Academy offers a range of courses designed to meet the demands of the aviation industry. With locations across the United States, US Aviation Academy is dedicated to preparing the next generation of skilled pilots and aviation professionals.

Source: US Aviation Academy

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Canadian Airline Orders 3 Turboprop Aircraft – Delivery 2025 and 2026

ATR, the world’s leading regional aircraft manufacturer, is proud to announce that Rise Air, a 100 per cent Indigenous-owned airline providing essential services across Saskatchewan, is upgrading its fleet with three new 68-seat ATR 72-600, becoming the Canadian launch customer for the latest generation ATR -600 series. The first aircraft is a firm order with ATR, set to be delivered by the end of 2025. The company plans to lease two others for delivery in 2026.

ATR’s turboprops are flying in 100 countries, often in challenging conditions, providing vital connectivity to the local communities. They are known for their low operating costs and ability to operate on unpaved and short runways in extreme weather conditions, including temperatures as low as -45°C. While earlier generations of the ATR 42 and ATR 72 are operated by Rise Air and eight other Canadian passenger and cargo airlines, totalling over 50 aircraft, this landmark agreement represents a significant milestone for both Rise Air and ATR, bringing the newest version to Canada.

The latest ATR 72-600 is fitted with new PW127XT engines produced by Pratt & Whitney Canada in Montreal, which offer high reliability, lower maintenance costs, and a remarkable 45% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to similar-sized regional jets. The ATR 72-600 also brings an enhanced passenger experience thanks to its modern cabin with large overhead bins, comfortable 18-inch-wide seats, and upgraded air conditioning and heating system. The aircraft’s fuel efficiency, lower operating costs, increased availability, and improved reliability make it an ideal choice for operators looking to replace ageing fleets.

Derek Nice, President and CEO at Rise Air, said: “We are thrilled to be introducing the ATR 72-600 to Canada, bringing our customers more comfortable, more reliable air service at remote work sites and communities across the north. The ATR 72-600’s outstanding performance and low environmental footprint make it the perfect choice for operating in the diverse and challenging conditions where we operate. We look forward to continuing to enhance regional connectivity and support economic growth in the areas we serve.”

Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, commented: “We are delighted to support Rise Air as they introduce the first ATR 72-600 in Canada, marking a double milestone as it also represents the debut of the -600 series in the country. This agreement not only reinforces the strength of our aircraft in the regional market but also demonstrates the growing interest in the ATR -600 series for markets like Canada, where replacing older aircraft with efficient, high-performance alternatives and enhancing year-round connectivity in extreme weather conditions are crucial. We look forward to working with Rise Air to deliver exceptional service to Canadian communities.”

Rise Air’s commitment to the ATR -600 series is the largest investment the airline has made in its 69-year history and is the biggest step to date in its fleet renewal programme. The agreement with ATR represents generational change, positioning Rise Air to operate the most modern regional aircraft fleet in Canada.

About Rise Air
Rise Air is an Indigenous-owned airline, operating 25 aircraft, and employing 300 skilled professionals to provide scheduled flights, workforce transportation and medevac services, connecting 27 communities and remote work sites across Saskatchewan’s north to Saskatoon, Prince Albert and beyond. Its affiliate Snowbird Aviation Services provides terminal services, ramp handling, fueling, de-icing and cargo handling for Rise Air and other customers at 12 airports throughout the region.

About ATR
ATR is the world number one regional aircraft manufacturer with its ATR 42 and 72, the best-selling aircraft in the below 90-seat market segment. The unifying vision of the company is to accelerate sustainable connections for people, communities and businesses, no matter how remote. Flown by some 200 airlines in over 100 countries, ATR aircraft opened 160 new routes in 2023, facilitating the development of territories and enabling access to crucial services like healthcare and education. Thanks to ATR’s focus on continuous innovation and the intrinsic efficiency of the turboprop technology, ATR aircraft are the most advanced, versatile, cost-effective and lowest-emission regional aircraft on the market, emitting 45% less CO2 than similar-size regional jets. In January 2022, we flew the first ever commercial aircraft using 100% SAF in both engines. ATR is a joint-venture between Airbus and Leonardo.S

ource: ATR
Photo Credit: ATR

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US Flight Training Group Expands Network with Acquisition of Flight School Assets in November 2024

Fort Myers, Florida, USA – Paragon Flight Training, an award-winning flight training academy based at Page Field in Fort Myers, Florida, has purchased the assets of AirVentures in LaGrange, Georgia, a flight training cornerstone in the region for more than 30 years. The announcement was made by Paragon Flight President Chris Schoensee and follows the company’s 2023 entrance into the Georgia market when it began a partnership with LaGrange College to offer the college’s first program in aviation.

“At Paragon Flight, our strategic expansion plans are guided by a solid cultural fit centered on a shared vision of excellence in flight training and locations rooted in growing regional markets – and AirVentures fits the bill on both counts,” Schoensee said. “It is an established and well-respected local flight training school in a burgeoning area of Georgia and the purchase is another milestone in our company’s 18-year history,” Schoensee said.

In May of this year, Paragon Flight announced its company-wide student enrollment was at an all-time high, and in September welcomed its first full-year class of students at LaGrange College pursuing a minor in aviation using Paragon Flight’s acclaimed Professional Pilot Program (P3). The program is specifically designed to allow students to pursue other majors while simultaneously preparing for dynamic careers.

“Our entrance into Georgia with the LaGrange College partnership opened our eyes to the tremendous potential in this part of the state. With its proximity to Atlanta and the strong interest in commercial aviation careers continuing unabated, we are bullish on the opportunity to integrate AirVentures operations into Paragon Flight and significantly bolster our flight training capacity here,” Schoensee said.

The purchase price remains confidential. A second AirVentures location in Columbus, Georgia, was not part of the acquisition. The LaGrange location will begin operating under the Paragon Flight Training brand effective December 1, 2024.

Paragon Flight now has three locations, with its headquarters in Fort Myers, Florida, and a Punta Gorda location that opened in 2023 at the Punta Gorda PDG Air Center. Per a previously announced long-term strategy to add 50 Piper aircraft by the end of 2027, Paragon Flight has added 9 new Piper P100i’s already this year, with the tenth arriving this month. With more than 30 Piper P100i aircraft currently in its fleet, Paragon Flight owns approximately 15% of the Piper P100i aircraft in existence, including the milestone 100th Piper P100i.

About Paragon Flight Training
Paragon Flight is an award-winning flight academy headquartered at Page Field in Fort Myers, Florida. Holding FAA and SEVIS accreditations, the company trains commercial, professional, and recreational pilots as well as offering military pilot training for domestic and foreign governments. With multiple locations in Florida and Georgia, Paragon Flight now has more than 34,000 square feet of training facilities in the South Eastern United States.

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

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