Market Intelligence: North America

US Flight School Expands Tecnam Fleet to 32 Aircraft Across U.S. Training Network

Arizona, USA – Universal Flight Concepts, a fixed-wing and rotorcraft flight training provider, has expanded its training fleet to 32 Tecnam aircraft.

  • Universal Flight Concepts (UFC) has added four more Tecnam aircraft, including P2008 LSA and P2010 models, bringing its total Tecnam fleet to 32.

  • UFC aims to grow its Tecnam fleet by an additional 24 aircraft over the next two years.

  • The organization operates multiple FAA Part 141 locations across the U.S., including in Texas, Arizona, California, and Utah.

  • Its Provo, Utah facility also functions as an FAA Part 145 Repair Station and houses UHI’s Robinson Helicopter Dealership.

  • Universal Helicopters (UHI), UFC’s sister company, is the only Bell-approved Certified Training Facility (CTF) for the BH206 and Bell 505, and the sole Bell-approved Dealer/Re-seller of the Bell 505.

Statements

  • “Quality, Safety and Timely performance by a manufacturer is number one on our priority list and TECNAM meets all of them each and every day!” – Dr. Gordon A. Jiroux, hc, President & CEO, Universal Flight Concepts.

  • “We are honored by the continued trust placed in Tecnam by Universal Flight Concepts. Our shared dedication to safety, quality, and innovation makes this partnership a perfect fit. UFC’s expansion with Tecnam aircraft is a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence in pilot training.” – Walter Da Costa, Chief Sales Officer, Tecnam.

About Universal Flight Concepts
Universal Flight Concepts and its sister company, Universal Helicopters, are veteran training providers specializing in fixed-wing and rotorcraft instruction. With operations across the U.S., UFC/UHI offer comprehensive ab-initio, recurrent, and specialized training to students, manufacturers, and government agencies.

Source: Tecnam Aircraft
Photo Credit: Tecnam Aircraft

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Kore Aviation Partners with Leaf Air to Equip Student Pilots in Upstate New York with KA-1 Headsets

New York, USA – Leaf Air, a flight training provider based at Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport in Queensbury, has entered into a partnership with Kore Aviation to introduce the Kore Aviation KA-1 headset into its training environment. The collaboration designates Kore Aviation as the school’s official headset partner and aims to enhance communication quality for students from their earliest training stages.

  • Under the agreement, Leaf Air will equip its discovery flights, private pilot courses, and advanced instruction programs with KA-1 headsets, providing students with consistent, high-quality audio performance during training.

  • Enrolled students will also gain access to exclusive Kore Aviation discounts, supporting affordability for those investing in their initial flight-training gear.

  • Leaf Air conducts training across the Lake George and Adirondack region, offering programmes for both recreational flyers and pilots pursuing advanced ratings, with a focus on professionalism, safety, and region-specific flying experience.

Statements

  • “The Kore Aviation KA-1 headset helps elevate that experience. Clear audio, dependable performance, and student-friendly comfort are exactly what we need to support our pilots as they grow in the cockpit.” Jim Barrett, Owner, Leaf Air.

  • “Leaf Air stands out for its commitment to student success and its focus on creating an engaging and supportive learning environment. We’re proud to partner with them and help their students fly with clarity and confidence.” Min Kim, President, Kore Aviation.

About Kore Aviation
Founded in 2015, Kore Aviation is a leading provider of durable, passive noise-attenuating headsets designed for student pilots, flight schools, and general aviation enthusiasts. With over 50,000 units sold, our headsets are trusted by pilots at all stages of their journey, both in the U.S. and around the world. We partner with flight schools and universities nationwide to equip the next generation of aviators with reliable gear known for clarity, comfort, and performance.

About Leaf Air
LLC Leaf Air LLC is a professional flight school based at Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport in Queensbury, New York. The school offers personalized instruction over the scenic Lake George and Adirondack region, helping students at all levels build strong aviation fundamentals. With a commitment to quality, safety, and accessible training, Leaf Air delivers a unique learning experience in one of the most stunning flying environments in the Northeast.

Source: Kore Aviation
Photo Credit: Kore Aviation

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AeroGuard Flight Training Center Receives 5 New Piper Archer Aircraft in November 2025 – Deliveries from 90-Aircraft Orderbook

USA – global flight training group AeroGuard Flight Training Center has received five new Piper Archer aircraft this month, increasing its fleet to more than 125 aircraft. These new training aircraft are part of the school’s 90-aircraft order with Piper Aircraft which will continue to deliver in the coming years. With this order and additional aircraft acquisition plans, AeroGuard expects to reach 130 planes in the fleet by 2026.

In late 2023, AeroGuard placed its 90-aircraft order with Piper, recognizing the significant growth and demand for the school’s ab initio flight training programs.

Fleet Expansion Supporting Demand and Program Growth

In recent weeks, AeroGuard has expanded its fleet in preparation for new programs and maintaining existing programs as it provides high quality flight training for aspiring commercial airline pilots and professional aviators from the U.S. and across the globe.

The school also recently welcomed four DA42 Diamond Aircraft to support its new program with the United States Air Force, providing initial flight training for their officers before they advance their military careers.

To support all programs, AeroGuard is now welcoming this third delivery from Piper Aircraft of five new Piper Archers to meet the demand for its high-quality flight training and to support the school’s continued student growth. AeroGuard has now taken delivery of 15 planes from this 90-aircraft order, with more acquisition ahead.

Strengthening Partnerships and Career Pathways

From international and domestic airlines and universities to now supporting the United States Air Force, AeroGuard provides a clear path for aspiring pilots to establish their careers whether it’s becoming a professional commercial airline pilot or military pilot.

AeroGuard partners with international airlines including Cathay Pacific, Air New Zealand, Air India, and China Airlines, as well as U.S. partners including SkyWest Airlines, Arizona State University, and the U.S. Air Force. Each of these programs offer cadets AeroGuard’s professionally-focused curriculum and training, developing them into high quality pilots for the aviation industry.

Preparing the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals

With three U.S. campuses, 125+ aircraft and growing, 250+ flight instructors, and 25+ years’ experience training professional pilots, AeroGuard is a leader in ab initio flight training. Due to AeroGuard’s quality training, regulatory approvals, and extensive pilot training experience, the flight school has been selected by some of the world’s leading airlines and institutions to help shape the future of aviation professionals.

The aviation industry consistently needs airline-ready, confident, and highly skilled pilots to enter the field and support the demand for air travel worldwide, and AeroGuard is dedicated to building the next generation of professional, career-focused 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 career-focused pilot training programs to candidates from all over the world. With a commitment to safety and student success, AeroGuard has trained and prepared aviation professionals with a high-quality curriculum for over 25 years with more than one million flight hours of training experience and graduating over 8,000 cadets.

Source: AeroGuard Flight Training Center
Photo Credit: AeroGuard Flight Training Center

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CAE’s Flightscape Platform Chosen by Republic Airways for Multi‑Year Operations Overhaul

USA — Regional airline Republic Airways has signed a multi-year agreement to implement Flightscape – Powered by CAE, marking a significant step in its digital transformation of operational systems. The adoption includes a full suite of tools aimed at modernising crew and movement management processes.

  • Republic Airways will implement Flightscape’s NextGen Crew Manager, Crew Access, Movement Manager, and Unified Task Board modules.

  • The decision followed a comprehensive evaluation, with Republic highlighting Flightscape’s agility, scalability, and innovation in operations support.

  • The modular SaaS platform from Flightscape – a CAE-powered solution launched in 2025 – aims to unify operational systems and enhance proactive, data-driven decision-making.

  • This development highlights CAE’s growing role in digital airline operations, expanding beyond training and simulation into software that integrates crew management, OCC operations, and disruption recovery.

  • Republic Airways’ leadership noted that leveraging advanced digital tools is critical to ensuring operational efficiency and reliability across its network of nearly 1,000 daily flights.

  • For the pilot training ecosystem, this transition underscores the need for alignment between training providers and operational technologies, particularly in preparing pilots to operate in digitally integrated airline environments.

  • The move may influence similar regional carriers to evaluate digital upgrades, potentially increasing demand for training aligned with operations management systems.

Statements

  • “Republic is looking forward to taking this next step with a long-term partner in advancing operational efficiency and reliability. Leveraging advances and innovation in technology to manage our day-to-day operation will maintain Republic’s commitment to operational excellence.” – Paul Kinstedt, Chief Operating Officer, Republic Airways

  • “Innovation is at the heart of Flightscape’s value to airlines. Our modular platform delivers real-time operational intelligence, enabling carriers to respond faster, optimize performance, and navigate disruption with confidence. That forward-thinking capability — paired with our steadfast commitment to partnership — is what made Flightscape the right fit for Republic.” – Pascal Grenier, President, Flightscape

Source: CAE
Photo Credit: Republic Airways

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CAE Begins Global 8000 Pilot Training in Canada Ahead of Aircraft Entry Into Service

Global – global aviation and pilot training solution provider CAE has announced that it will begin training the first pilots for Bombardier’s new Global 8000 business jet in early December at its Montreal training centre, marking a major milestone ahead of the aircraft’s entry into service. As Bombardier’s Authorized Training Provider (ATP), CAE will deliver full-scope pilot and maintenance training programs to support operators as the in-service fleet expands across global business aviation markets.

  • Initial Global 8000 pilot training will be delivered in Montreal, with additional CAE training locations to be added as aircraft deliveries increase.

  • CAE’s Global 8000 program incorporates next-generation simulator technology, advanced courseware, expert instruction, and CORe training powered by CAE RiseTM, reflecting the aircraft’s performance and operational sophistication.

  • Maintenance training for the Global 8000 is now also available, including differences training via CBT for technicians transitioning from other Global-series aircraft, as well as CBT Ground School for Engine Run & Taxi (ERT) and CRM training for maintenance teams.

  • Maintenance courses are available across CAE’s global training network, at customer facilities, or through live remote delivery using hybrid training rooms.

  • The Global 8000—featuring the lowest cabin altitude of any civil aircraft and the fastest speed in the business aviation market—will require tailored training solutions to prepare pilots and maintenance technicians for its entry into service.

Statements

  • “The Global 8000 is a significant advancement in business aviation, and CAE is proud to support Bombardier by delivering world-class pilot training for this aircraft.” Alexandre Prévost, President, Civil Aviation, CAE.

  • “The Global 8000 is the fastest business jet on the market with the lowest cabin altitude of any civil aircraft… With this comprehensive training package, we can ensure that all aspects of the customer journey exceed expectations.” Anthony Cox, VP Customer Support, Bombardier.

Source: CAE

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InstructAir and Skyfarer Academy Finalize Acquisition, Uniting Two Aviation Training Innovators

USA — Skyfarer Academy, a fast-growing aviation training platform, has completed its acquisition of InstructAir, a digital marketplace previously dedicated to connecting flight instructors and pilots. The integration consolidates two platforms into a single nationwide system aimed at improving access to instruction, modernising administrative workflows, and reducing fragmentation in the flight-training environment.

  • InstructAir’s standalone website and app have been retired, with active instructor profiles, listings, and non-sensitive data migrated to the Skyfarer platform.

  • The combined platform offers a unified destination for discovering and booking flight instructors, accessing training resources, and engaging in mentorship across the contiguous United States.

  • Skyfarer Academy notes that flight-instructor turnover remains high, with an estimated 80–90% of new instructors leaving within one to two years for airline or corporate roles—creating persistent gaps for student pilots seeking consistent instruction.

  • Skyfarer’s system integrates instructor listings, scheduling, payments, and transparent qualification profiles, helping reduce inefficiencies associated with outdated instructor directories and unstructured communication.

  • Following the migration, Skyfarer now supports instructors and schools across 48 states and covers a wide range of training categories, including SEL, MEL, seaplane, rotorcraft, glider, and small UAS.

  • The platform has expanded through partnerships with flight schools, flying clubs, and industry organisations, including a recent cooperation with the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI).

  • Skyfarer plans to launch a dedicated Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) category to improve checkride scheduling transparency and streamline certification access for students nationwide.

  • A new Concierge Service has been introduced to match students directly with suitable instructors, providing personalised support and reducing the effort required to find qualified, available instructors.

Statements

  • “InstructAir began with a mission to make finding a flight instructor easier and to reengage inactive instructors. We’re proud to see that vision expand under Skyfarer Academy—helping more pilots connect, learn, and grow.” Adam Skinner, Founder, InstructAir.

  • “Students frequently tell us how hard it is to find the right instructor—not just someone nearby, but someone who’s truly available and a good fit for their goals. Our approach is to close that gap—to build a better, more reliable connection between students and instructors.” Nick Tsang, Co-Founder and CEO, Skyfarer Academy.

  • “This is about making aviation education smarter, more transparent, and more human. We want to empower both sides—giving students confidence in who they train with, and giving instructors the systems they need to succeed.” Nick Tsang, Co-Founder and CEO, Skyfarer Academy.

For more information visit the Skyfarer Academy website.

Source: Skyfarer Academy
Photo Credit: Skyfarer Academy

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