Choose your Name and Register

This will hopefully be a fun thing to create, but just make sure to do an internet search to avoid duplicating another flight school’s name which will help avoid confusion.

 Check out the Small Business Administration’s website for more details on getting trademarks, etc.

https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/choose-your-business-name

Now make it official

Registering your business is pretty much like setting up any other business, but you don’t want to forget to also be prepared to keep well organized TSA records proving eligibility for your customers. And if you plan to train non-U.S. citizens and non-U.S. nationals, you will need to register your flight school with the TSA. Learn more about those requirements with AOPA’s Guide on the subject: https://www.aopa.org/advocacy/pilots/alien-flight-training-program/aopas-guide-to-tsas-alien-flight-training-citizenship-validation-rule

Don’t forget to review the state requirements for your business like any applicable regulations and a state business license. You might even consider registering your aircraft fleet in the school’s name to help limit personal liability. Of course, it would be wise to consult an attorney and/or a tax professional to make sure you are doing everything correctly. Get more information on the standard stuff regarding registering your business here:

SBA’s Guide to Registering your Business: https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/register-your-business