Flight School Business Resources
We have put together this list of resources geared toward helping you run your flight school. Please let us know what else you would like to see! Contact us at: ftinitiative@aopa.org.
Click above to see the latest Flight School Business Video and to access the playlist
Featured at Redbird Migration!
The Flight Training Experience
- Flight Training Experience Research - This comprehensive study provides a deeper, more objective understanding of the flight training experience and serves as the foundation of the AOPA Flight Training Student Retention Initiative.
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Flight Training Experience Awards - Get your school and instructors the recognition they deserve by participating in this annual awards program!
Marketing
- Why Customer Service is Your Flight School's Best Investment
- Creating Demand Not Just Responding to It
- Discovery Flights: Necessary Evil or Significant Opportunity?
Websites and Tech Strategy
Flight Training Field GuidesResource guides based on the Flight Training Experience Research to share and use with your staff and customers:
Introduce Your Customers to Flight Training with these resources
- AOPA's Learn to Fly Page- Great overview of the major steps in flight training
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- Flight Training YCF Special Edition - This is a great resource for potential students with informative articles and guidance on pursuing flight training
- Flight Training YCF Special Edition - Digital Edition - This is a link to the most up to date digital version of the Flight Training YCF Special Edition
- Flight Training YCF Special Edition - Physical Edition - Get a free box of physical editions to display at your school! Need more copies of the issue for your display? Email your request to: getmore@aopa.org.
- AOPA Foundation Scholarship Program - Opportunities for all ages and levels of training!
- FT Finance Student Loans
Flight School Business News and Videos
- AOPA Flight School Business YouTube Playlist
- Archive of past Flight School Business Newsletter issues
- Best of Flight School Business eBook (PDF)
FAA and TSA Guidance for Flight Schools
- FAA Order 5190.6B - FAA Airport Compliance Manual - This details the obligations of management at federally funded airports. Flight Schools will be interested in how the FAA seeks to maintain a level playing between entities at the airport.
- FAA Advisory Circular 150/5190-8, Minimum Standards for Commercial Aeronautical Activities - This is a guide to creating Airport Minimum Standards (useful if your airport hasn’t established them).
- AOPA's Guide to TSA's Non-U.S. Citizen and Non-U.S. Nationals Flight Training/Citizen Validation Rule
- AOPA's TSA Security Awareness Training Course
- AOPA Government Advocacy - on your behalf! Find out how AOPA can support you and your school on the state and federal levels.
- CFI Employment: W-2 or Independent Contractor?
- Does AOPA Finance Offer Any Options for a Flight School Aircraft Purchase
- Turning the Tables on Leaseback
- Sample Aircraft Lease Agreement
- Another Sample Aircraft Lease Agreement
Below is a form for any feedback! (requests for new resources, suggestions, etc...)
xYou Can Fly !
This beginning pilots' resource guide explains what you can expect from your introductory flight through initial training—and how to turn your dream of flying into reality.
