U.S. Flight Training Industry Sees Decline in Schools but Stronger Safety Culture – Flight School Association of North America President

USA – The Flight School Association of North America (FSANA), a representative body for flight training providers in the U.S., has shared its latest assessment of the flight training and aviation industry through comments from its President, Robert Rockmaker:

• The U.S. continues to host most of the world’s leading ab initio training providers.

• Safety and business culture within the sector are improving, with schools adopting a “Never-Ending Improvement” approach.

• Many flight schools are now retaining instructors for 16–24 months, longer than in previous years.

• The number of ab initio flight training schools in the U.S. has started to decline.

• Industry consolidation continues among regional airlines.

• Mainline carriers are expanding their single-aisle domestic fleets, increasing seat capacity per route while still requiring two pilots per aircraft.

• Accreditation developments: flight schools recognized by the International Aerospace Accrediting Commission (IAAC) will soon be able to enroll career pilot candidates using Title IV federal funding, Pell Grants, and 529 Savings Plan money. IAAC aims for full U.S. Department of Education recognition by 2026.

• Aviation and aerospace remain a major contributor to the U.S. economy, representing 4.5%–5% of GDP.

Source: FSANA