‘Does not have any upcoming events’

This prospective student didn’t get any further than a simple online search. This is regrettable because the flight school could be an excellent place to learn to fly, but the negative impression was a turnoff. You want your flight school to look alive and vibrant with activity. Being active with aviation programs and activities not only establishes your reputation in your community, but also sets you apart from competing flight schools. 

Several programs quickly come to mind that you could be offering. First, the AOPA Rusty Pilot program is a packaged seminar that is easy to promote and conduct. Another interesting option is the Pinch Hitter Course to develop a basic understanding of the airplane and to improve the comfort level of the flight environment. 

A safety seminar on summer weather flight planning considerations would be appropriate. Furthermore, with summer weather soon to arrive, it would be timely to schedule a ramp barbecue social event. With a little imagination, this list can become lengthy. (See also TakeWING Aviation’s annual “Capture the Airport” competition.)  

I believe you should have a special event or activity every two weeks, every month of the year. This establishes your flight school as a busy promoter of aviation and aviation safety. Clearly, your flight school is the place to be when thinking about airplanes and flying. You should constantly be promoting a new program or event on your website and all the social media platforms that you use. This is how you create a positive impression for prospective students. These events and activities also keep your enrolled and established flight students and renter pilots impressed with what you have to offer. In doing all of this you are building a better general aviation business. Your revenue growth will follow. 

Ed Helmick has been a flight instructor since 1988. He formerly managed a flight school in Spanish Fork, Utah, as well as schools in Scottsdale, Arizona.