Market Intelligence: North America

Flight Training Financing Provider Stratus Financial Announces Passive Income Investment Strategy Achieves Outstanding Cumulative Returns, Outperforming Major Asset Classes

Newport Beach, California –  Stratus Financial, a trusted consumer finance platform committed to providing student loans to aspiring student pilots at all levels of experience, proudly announces that its innovative investment strategy has yielded a remarkable cumulative return of approximately 44.5% over the past three years. This exceptional performance has outpaced all major asset classes, showcasing the strength and consistency of Stratus Financial’s approach to generating sustainable income for investors.

Over the last three years, the investment landscape has been characterized by significant volatility, with many traditional and alternative asset classes experiencing substantial fluctuations. Despite these challenges, Stratus Financial has consistently delivered an annual return of 13%, culminating in a cumulative return that surpasses the following asset classes (see image below).

Key Highlights of Stratus Financial’s Investment Strategy:

  • Outstanding Cumulative Returns: Achieving a cumulative return of approximately 44.5% over the past three years.
  • Consistent Annual Performance: Delivering a steady 13% annual return consistently.
  • Outperformance: Exceeding the cumulative returns of major asset classes, including stocks, bonds, real estate, and commodities.
  • Sustainable Income: Providing investors with a reliable source of passive income through high-performing consumer loans.

“Our investment strategy’s cumulative return of approximately 44.5% over the past three years is a testament to our team’s expertise and the robustness of our investment approach,” said Alan Rios, Chief Investment Officer.  “We are proud to provide our investors with exceptional returns that outperform traditional and alternative asset classes, ensuring sustainable and reliable income.”

“Stratus Financial’s success is built on a foundation of thorough market analysis, risk management, and a commitment to delivering value to our investors,” continued Rios. “As we continue to navigate the evolving financial landscape, our focus remains on maintaining high performance and generating substantial returns for our clients.”

About Stratus Financial
Founded in 2020 by FAA Certified Flight and Ground Instructors who are passionate about helping others achieve their dreams of flight, Stratus is a consumer finance platform providing flexible and innovative educational funding solutions to students pursuing aviation education and training. Stratus is fully geared to marry Student Success and School Success with several programs designed for Flight Schools, by Flight Schools and is on a mission to help aspiring pilots achieve their flight dreams as swiftly as possible through hassle-free flight school loan programs.

Stratus Financial Fund specializes in generating high returns through innovative investment strategies. Our mission is to provide investors with reliable and sustainable income by leveraging our expertise in high-performing consumer loans.

Source: Stratus Financial
Photo Credit: Stratus Financial

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Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – Aeroplanned in 2024

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series AFM’s Customer Success & Business Development Manager Agata Marszalek speaks with Jen Liddle – Founder and CEO at Aeroplanned – a leading, cloud-based platform that provides flight schools visibility of the future so they can convert complex data into clear, meaningful insights to enable highly effective decision making.

The conversation covers:

  • Background and Company Overview: Jen Liddle trained as a pilot and instructor, founded Aeroplanned to address inefficiencies in flight training management, providing a cloud-based resource planning software that enhances visibility and decision-making for flight schools.
  • Partnerships and Growth: Aeroplanned has recently expanded its collaborations with multiple flight schools globally, CAE, New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy (NZICPA), Kilo Charlie Aviation, BAA Training, and various schools in Malaysia and India, highlighting the increasing demand for improved training management solutions.
  • Pilot Demand Insights: Jen discussed the fluctuating demand for pilots across regions, noting a strong demand projected in markets like India while the U.S. shows signs of a slowdown. She emphasized the role of airlines in creating their own training academies to ensure a steady supply of qualified pilots.
  • Trends in Pilot Training: There’s a growing need for data and transparency in pilot training, driven by the expectations of the new generation of pilots. Flight training organizations are shifting from recreational to professional training, increasing the demand for detailed progress tracking.
  • Safety and Efficiency Improvements: Aeroplanned aims to enhance the safety and consistency of pilot training by ensuring students receive well-paced, timely training, which is crucial for maintaining high safety standards and reducing the need for remedial training.

For more information:

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US Regional Airline Owned Flight Training Group Announces 2024 Appointment for Director of Maintenance

LIFT Academy is thrilled to welcome Sean Gallinat as the new Director of Maintenance at the Indianapolis LIFT Academy Hangar. With over three decades of experience and a lifelong passion for aviation, Sean is a valuable addition to the team.

Sean’s Journey into Aviation

Sean’s fascination with aviation began at a young age, sparked by trips with his parents to watch airplanes at the local airport. This early love for aviation led him to enroll in aviation shop classes during high school, during which he realized his future lay in this field.

Taking Off into a Career in Aviation Maintenance

Sean’s professional journey started in 1992 as an aircraft technician. Over the years, he worked for several regional carriers and a major airline before joining Chautauqua Airlines in 2003 as a technician at CMH (Columbus, OH). His strong leadership and technical expertise quickly propelled him into more advanced roles, ultimately landing him a position as Director of Engineering for Republic Airways. In June 2024, Sean transitioned to LIFT Academy as Director of Maintenance.

For Sean, the people in the aviation community make his career truly rewarding. “I’ve been fortunate to make some great friends within the community and work with some of the same individuals throughout my 30+ year career. I also find the day-to-day challenges rewarding. Every day brings new challenges, and working to overcome those challenges is very fulfilling.”

Looking Back and Looking Ahead

From technician to leader, Sean has been afforded many opportunities to elevate his career. “Continuing to learn and grow from a technician on the floor to a people leader is one area I’m proud of. I enjoy building a team and watching them develop. At Republic Airways, achieving an approved Reliability Program and the work done with data analytics is something I’m very proud of,” he shared.

Advice for Other Aviation Technicians

Sean advises those starting their careers in aviation maintenance to “never stop learning and be curious.” His dedication to lifelong learning has been a key driver of his success, and he encourages others to remain inquisitive and open to new opportunities.

LIFT Academy is excited to have Sean leading the maintenance team, especially as the academy continues to grow and set new standards in flight training and aviation maintenance. The team looks forward to the positive impact he will make at LIFT Academy.

Source: LIFT Academy

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US Regional Airline Owned Flight Training Group Celebrates 6 Years and 486 Students in Training

In September 2024, LIFT Academy proudly celebrated six years since opening its hangar doors in Indianapolis, IN. Since its inception in 2018, LIFT has consistently set new standards in flight training and achieved remarkable growth.

Expanding from its main campus in Indianapolis to additional locations in Columbus, IN, Myrtle Beach, SC, and Galveston, TX, LIFT Academy is also in the process of developing a campus in Tuskegee, AL. Partnerships with Purdue Global University, Indiana Wesleyan University, Ivy Tech Community College, and Tuskegee University have created opportunities for students to advance their academic careers while undergoing flight training.

Currently, LIFT Academy boasts an enrollment of 486 students, supported by 118 dedicated and experienced Certificated Flight Instructors. The academy has expanded its Diamond aircraft fleet to include 67 DA40s and DA20s, along with 7 DA42s. Over the past five years, LIFT has trained more than 109 students, many of whom have successfully transitioned into fulfilling careers at Republic Airways. In collaboration with Cape Air, 74 students have progressed toward careers at Republic, accumulating vital flight hours and experience. To date, 20 LIFT graduates are now serving as Captains at Republic Airways.

Looking ahead, LIFT Academy’s accelerated flight training program remains committed to helping students achieve their dreams of becoming commercial airline pilots.

Source: LIFT Academy
Photo Credit: LIFT Academy

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US Pilot Training Organization Aerostar Training Services Launches 5-Day Fast Track ATP CTP Program for $4,200

Kissimmee, Florida, USA – Aerostar Training Services has introduced a new 5-day Fast Track ATP CTP (Airline Transport Pilot Certification Training Program) course. The program is offered at a competitive price of $4,200, providing an expedited path for pilots looking to advance their careers.

  • New classes begin every Wednesday and Saturday, offering flexible scheduling for students.
  • The course includes all the necessary training components to meet the FAA requirements for the ATP certificate.

Source: Aerostar Training Services
Photo Credit: Aerostar Training Services

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US Association AOPA Announces 2025 Appointment for President and Chief Executive Officer

United States based Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has named Darren Pleasance to serve as the association’s sixth president and chief executive. Pleasance, who will assume his new role at AOPA on January 1, brings a wealth of aviation and business experience.

“I’m honored with the opportunity I’m being given to help steward AOPA forward into the future, and I’m inspired by the role AOPA will continue to play in protecting our freedom to fly,” said Pleasance, whose aviation journey began when he was just a teenager, first when he got involved in flying model aircraft and later doing chores around the airport in exchange for flying lessons.

Pleasance has gone on to fly over 8,000 hours in more than 50 different types of aircraft—ranging from simple trainers to business jets to vintage warbirds, including a North American P–51 Mustang. Early in his career he flew as a corporate pilot, working for celebrities such as John Travolta before going on to fly charters in the Alaskan bush. He left professional aviation to pursue a career in business, but he never stopped flying. Today he owns and operates a Piper Meridian, a Van’s Aircraft RV–6, and a Progressive Aerodyne SeaRey amphibious airplane while maintaining currency as a certificated flight instructor.

Most recently, Pleasance led Cisco Systems Inc.’s Acceleration Center, an organization formed to accelerate the success of mission-critical aspects of Cisco’s business transformation. Prior to joining Cisco, he led global customer acquisitions for Google and served as a partner in consulting firm McKinsey & Company’s high tech sector and marketing and sales practice. Throughout his business career, Pleasance has remained active in aviation, serving for many years on the board of the Experimental Aircraft Association.

Pleasance often cites aviation as a source of inspiration and joy. Recognizing that many of the successful and wealthy people he has known and worked with were unhappy, Pleasance authored a well-regarded book, True North: A Handbook for Inspired Living, which leads readers through a practical guide to finding fulfillment.

Pleasance succeeds Mark Baker, who has served more than 11 years in the top spot at AOPA. Baker announced his intention to retire earlier this year, but committed to remain in the job and assist in the search until the right leader could be found.

“I’m confident that Darren is the right person to lead AOPA into its next chapter,” said Baker. “He is a pilot’s pilot with a genuine passion for flying. He combines that excitement about aviation with leadership experience at some of this country’s top consulting and tech firms, giving him the right balance of business skills and kinship with our members.”

AOPA’s Board of Trustees conducted a wide-ranging search to find the right leader for the organization.

“We could not be more gratified about Darren taking the left seat at AOPA,” said Bill Trimble, chairman of the Board. “After completing an extensive national search, we met with many terrific candidates, but all agreed that Darren brings a wealth of experience coupled with a joy of flying that will be critical for leading AOPA’s mission going forward. We are so grateful for Mark’s hard work over the past 11 years and look forward to Darren’s leadership at this important time for General Aviation.”

Pleasance holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and an MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management.

“I’m grateful for the privilege I’m being given to lead this incredible organization that has had such a positive impact on my life and the lives of all of us who love aviation,” said Pleasance.

Pleasance and his wife, Lisa, have two children, a son, Chris, who is an avid outdoorsman, and a daughter, Lauren, who is studying veterinary medicine.

Source: AOPA
Photo Credit: AOPA

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US Flight Training Financing Provider Announces 2024 Appointment for Managing Director, Head of Investor Relations

United States based Stratus Financial, a leading financial services firm specializing in student pilot flight school financing, has announced the appointment of Eljona Shkreli to their team as a Managing Director, Head of Investor Relations.

Stratus Financial shared; “Join us in welcoming Eljona Shkreli to our team! She excels in building lasting relationships, developing new business opportunities, and tailors financial solutions that help her clients achieve their financial goals. With over 8 years of experience managing banking relationships and a passion for helping high-net-worth clients achieve their financial goals, we’re thrilled to have her on board.”

“Excited to see Eli joining our team at Stratus Financial! With 39 months of operating results and returning 13% interest to investors, she’s destined for great things. Welcome aboard, Eljona Shkreli!” shared Chris Ragland, CEO of Ragland Capital

Stratus Financial now has 263 flight school partnerships as of August, up from nearly 150 schools a year ago. Last month, the lender also secured up to $50 million in new financing from Monachil Capital Partners, which will be used to originate new loans.

Source: Stratus Financial
Photo Credit: Stratus Financial

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Flight Simulator Manufacturer SoftekSim Secures Canada’s First MEP FTD Level 5 Certification

Riga, Latvia’s flight simulators manufacturer SoftekSim is proud to announce the successful certification of Canada’s first MEP FTD Level 5. After undergoing rigorous testing and evaluation by Transport Canada certification experts, the device has officially met the high standards required for advanced flight training.

With this certification, SoftekSim’s simulators are now available for use in Canada, offering a new level of quality and precision in flight training.

Source: SoftekSim
Photo Credit: SoftekSim

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