US Aviation Training Group International Aero Academy Continues its Expansion in 2024

Lakeland, Florida, United States – International Aero Academy, established in 2017, initially focused on accelerated pilot training but has since expanded to include aircraft maintenance technician training, on-demand charter services, and an in-house FAA Part 145 repair station.

IAA started with just 8 aircraft and now operates operates a fleet of 26 aircraft including Tecnam P2008, P2006T and Cessna 172 and 152 aircraftCurrently IAA has around 100 to 120 pilots in training at any one timeTraining aspiring pilots from around the globe IAA has recently opened an office in India and is hoping to announce a flight training cadet program with an airline in the coming monthsIAA provides a pathway to US low cost carrier Spirit Airlines – after reaching 500 flight hours, student pilots can apply to the airline with the possibility of receiving a conditional letter of employment upon reaching 1,500 hours.Amazon, with a significant air cargo base at Lakeland Linder International Airport, has partnered with International Aero Academy – this partnership aims to increase the number of qualified aviation technicians. Amazon’s Career Choice program includes an AMT pathway, offering two-year, tuition-paid training at the academy. The first class of 22 Amazon employees enrolled last fall, boosting the school’s AMT students by 36%.IAA currently has 60 A&P students enrolled and expect to reach 100 in 2024

Statements:

“We hold more FAA certificates than any organization in the United States,”said Steven Markhoff, founder and CEO.“Simply put, there are no mechanics. Demand is outpacing supply,”Markhoff said.“We have not materially increased the number of A&P students in the U.S., and more disconcerting, the latest ATEC Pipeline Report showed that the number of A&P school graduates pursuing FAA licensure has decreased from 80% to 50%. Plus, approximately 25% of A&Ps never go to work in the aviation industry as their skill sets are highly sought after.”

Source: IAA