Market Intelligence: North America

US Aviation Group Welcomes Regional Operator at Open House Event in October 2024

USA – Regional operator CommuteAir participated in the DCC Aviation Open House hosted by Dutchess Community College, in collaboration with US Aviation Group’s US Aviation Academy. The event provided an opportunity for the regional airline to engage with aspiring pilots and highlight its career pathways and partnerships.

  • CommuteAir representatives connected with students and faculty to discuss pilot opportunities within the airline.
  • The airline emphasized its partnership with United Airlines, offering pathways through the United Aviate program, which provides a streamlined route to becoming a United Airlines pilot.
  • The Open House event aimed to showcase aviation training programs available through Dutchess Community College and US Aviation Academy.

Statement

  • “Thank you Dutchess Community College and US Aviation Group and US Aviation Academy for having CommuteAir at the DCC Aviation Open House. It was an excellent opportunity to meet with all the aspiring future aviators and your talented team in attendance to discuss our pilot opportunities and partnership with United Airlines,” said Andrew Nicholson, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist at CommuteAir.

About CommuteAir
CommuteAir is a regional airline based in the United States, operating under the United Express brand through its partnership with United Airlines. The airline provides regional connectivity and serves as a career pathway for pilots through the United Aviate program.

Source: Andrew Nicholson (CommuteAir)

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Skyfarer Academy Launches Digital Aviation Training Platform

  • Building Safer Skies by Connecting Pilots of All Levels with the Right Flight Instructors Who Are Experts in Their Next Training Goals
  • Offering Personalized and Supplemental Training to Enhance Traditional Flight School Education and Combat Pilot Dropout Rates
  • Connecting Pilots with Experienced Flight Instructors for Specialized, Accessible Aviation Training

San Diego, CA – Skyfarer Academy has announced the official launch of its aviation training platform, dedicated to providing live online flight and ground instruction. Skyfarer Academy connects students and pilots with flight instructors who specialize in various segments of aviation. The platform serves as a complementary training resource for students enrolled in both Part 61 and Part 141 programs, as well as those participating in traditional flight schools or online ground school programs.

Skyfarer Academy primarily supports:

  • Aspiring pilots and students seeking personalized flight and ground instruction online
  • Experienced pilots working on their next certification, maintaining high levels of proficiency, preparing for flight reviews or instrument proficiency checks, or finding the specific expertise needed to pursue their next flying adventure
  • Instructors who want to offer their expertise remotely, reaching a broader audience and providing high-quality instruction beyond geographical limitations

“We’re here to address the gaps in traditional flight training by connecting students with qualified instructors online,” said Todd Davis, co-founder and CAO of Skyfarer Academy. “Student pilots often face difficulties finding the right instructor to guide them through specific challenges in their training. Through live online sessions, our students receive the support they need to become successful pilots, while flight instructors can share their knowledge on a broader scale and help reduce the high aviation dropout rates.”

Skyfarer Academy was founded with a clear mission: to make high-quality aviation instruction accessible to anyone, from anywhere and at any time. The platform addresses the challenges many students face when searching online for knowledgeable flight instructors. By vetting instructors for specific expertise and creating a user-friendly online experience, Skyfarer Academy redefines what it means to learn to fly in the modern era.

Years ago, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) reported a staggering dropout rate among student pilots of approximately 70 to 80 percent. This high attrition rate is caused by a variety of factors, including challenges in accessing specialized instruction and maintaining consistent progress. Skyfarer Academy sees an opportunity to address these issues by offering convenient, targeted training options that complement students’ in-person experiences. This approach ensures that pilots stay engaged and build the confidence needed to continue their journey to certification. By providing access to a variety of instructors, Skyfarer Academy increases students’ chances of success.

“While not everyone who starts flight training will go on to become a certificated pilot, we’re seeing way too many students leaving the pipeline because of issues that are entirely solvable,” said Nick Tsang, co-founder and CEO of Skyfarer Academy. “Proper flight school training and online ground school options remain essential, but there is a growing demand for accessible online instruction from qualified flight instructors. Skyfarer Academy is here to meet that need, offering personalized training designed to supplement traditional instruction and help students stay on track.”

Supporting Quotes

Skyfarer Academy instructors include aviation professionals like Tom Lunsford, a retired Navy flight instructor known for his patient approach and expertise in helping students overcome instrument rating challenges; Hailey Zirkle, a commercial airline pilot and Gold Seal CFI whose experience adds incredible value to advanced students; and David Kollins, a versatile CFI with corporate piloting experience, recognized for his passion for teaching and diverse aviation background.

  • “Skyfarer Academy is eliminating the difficulties for students of aviation by connecting them directly with the right flight instructors,” said Tom. “Someday soon it will be the go-to place for a dynamic and quality educational aviation experience. I’m proud to be a small part of Skyfarer and am excited to see the future of aviation education with them.”
  • “Skyfarer Academy offers something unique in flight training,” said Hailey. “We’re here to help students not only pass their exams and master the skills to become proficient pilots, but also to foster mentorships and provide services that will support them as they advance in their careers.”
  • “This flexible platform enhances the aviation training experience, offering access to instructors from diverse backgrounds,” added David. “It also serves as a reliable partner, boosting students’ confidence and readiness while providing extra assurance for success in their next check-ride, knowledge test, or general review. I wish I had this during my flight training!”

Students who have participated in the platform’s beta phase have shared positive experiences, praising the quality of instruction and the accessibility of online sessions. “I felt more prepared for my check ride after just a session on Skyfarer,” said one beta student. “The instructor is focused on making sure you understand every detail, and that’s not something I always got in my in-person lessons.”

About Skyfarer Academy
Skyfarer Academy was founded in 2024 to transform aviation training by providing live online instruction that supplements traditional in-person flight schools and ground school programs. With 1-on-1 live video sessions, students can connect with instructors from any location and receive personalized instruction tailored to their needs. The platform also offers tools such as calendar integration for on-demand learning. As Skyfarer Academy grows, it will continue to add services, including small group sessions.

Skyfarer Academy’s vetting process ensures that instructors are both qualified and passionate about teaching, meeting the needs of a broad range of students, from newcomers to seasoned pilots pursuing specialized skills.

“The journey from being an aspiring aviator to becoming a professional pilot is filled with obstacles, whether it’s finding the right instructor, accessing high-quality training materials, or getting the individual attention that is crucial for mastering complex aviation skills,” said Rod Machado, expert instructor and author of a library of pilot training materials. “Skyfarer Academy addresses these challenges and provides a platform that connects student pilots with certificated and qualified flight instructors. It is a lifeline for those just beginning their journey and offers advanced pilots a new opportunity to refine their skills and gain specialized knowledge through live sessions. One of the critical areas where the Skyfarer Academy will make an impact is knowledge transference within the aviation community. They see that this is a big problem—there is a wealth of knowledge, ideas, and experience that needs to be transferred from those who have something valuable to offer to those who need quality instruction and support.”

Source: Skyfarer Academy
Photo Credit: Skyfarer Academy

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Cirrus Aircraft Showcases VR Training Developments at NBAA-BACE 2024

USA – Cirrus Aircraft, an aircraft manufacturer, is expanding its training solutions, incorporating advanced technologies such as augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), and enhancing its customer support through its Cirrus Assist mobile units. The company aims to improve flight training and ownership experience for pilots operating its Vision Jet and SR aircraft models.

  • Cirrus launched its specialized training course a few years ago, focusing on both ground and in-aircraft training experiences using AR/VR technology.
  • The company is developing a virtual reality training program using the Apple Vision Pro VR headset. Features include:
    • Preflight walkaround and startup procedure simulations.
    • Familiarization with avionics and visual cues for various maneuvers.
    • Practice for air traffic control (ATC) communication.
  • Users can interactively explore aircraft components; for example, selecting the jet engine visualizes the fuel system and its connections.
  • While the AR/VR program is still under development, the company showcased a demo at NBAA-BACE, highlighting its realistic and immersive capabilities.
  • CEO Zean Nielsen emphasized that reducing the cost of aircraft ownership begins with efficient training solutions. Virtual training could enable pilots to master avionics and ATC communication at home, reducing expensive in-aircraft training time.
  • Cirrus’s training offerings include customized programs for both new and recurrent training, supported by full-motion flight simulators and a network of certified instructors.
  • The Cirrus Assist mobile units, available in Arizona, Florida, and Utah, aim to enhance support for aircraft-on-ground events and other urgent maintenance needs.
  • The company continues to refine its Vision Jet series, with the latest G2+ model featuring advanced technologies such as Garmin Autoland Safe Return, inflight Wi-Fi, and improved takeoff capabilities.

Statements:

  • “One of the things that I want to do with Cirrus is drive the cost of ownership down, and the cost of ownership starts with learning how to fly,” said CEO Zean Nielsen.
  • “What if you could learn all that at home? What if you could be an expert in the avionics before you set foot in the aircraft? So now you can just focus your time on stick and rudder, takeoffs and landings, slow flight, steep turns—all of that.”
  • “We have yet to decide how we want to implement it in our training approach. What we don’t want it to be is gimmicky,” Nielsen stated regarding the AR/VR training integration.

Source: Cirrus Aircraft and Media Reporting

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