Pilot Prospects Up 18% Through Mid-June

This year’s BE A PILOT TV advertising campaign for new pilot prospects has already yielded 42% more response compared to its first seven weeks in 2003. Including 8,191 from TV thus far, BE A PILOT has generated 13,658 pilot prospects this year through June 13, up 18% over (adjusted) 2003 results -- not including the Father’s Day promotion now in progress.

TV response reached record levels (1,550 and 1,700 TV leads per week) in late May with debut of new 60-second commercials – BE A PILOT’s first. The longer commercials return for a five week run July 5. Thirty-second and 10-second spots air during June and late August.

The 42% increase during traditionally "front-loaded" TV spending required only 32% more ad dollars and 157 fewer commercial airings than in early 2003 —testament to the power of BE A PILOT’s new 60-second commercials. These results were up 17% on just 15% greater spending compared to early 2002 advertising.

This year’s TV spots can be seen on The Discovery Channel, Discovery Wings, Discovery Science, the DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Network and Tech TV. Nearly 2,000 commercials are scheduled to air from late April to Labor Day, with more possible later.

Be A Pilot's program for positive media attention has yielded 2004 coverage in 140 outlets thus far. Some 20 more are expected this week during a "Give the Gift of Flight" Father’s Day promotion.

Since April 2001, more than 778 media outlets have done a BE A PILOT-generated news or feature story. The program anticipates its 1,000th published or broadcast story early in 2005.

Visits to the BE A PILOT Web site are up 10% this year to 374,006 through June 13 as the site closes in on one million visitors a year.

BE A PILOT generates nearly 35,000 prospects per year to help rebuild the General Aviation pilot population.

By mid-2005, BE A PILOT expects to have registered a quarter-million consumers for the free BE A PILOT Introductory Flight Certificate. It entitles them to a $49 introductory flying lesson at one of 2,114 participating flight schools.

FMI: www.beapilot.com