Again Offers Attendees Helpful Information for Flight Training Operations, Sets Path For Next Year For FSANA
The 2017 Flight School Operators Conference in Houston, Texas continued and expanded on the yearly event that brings flight school operators and industry professionals together to discuss best practices, current concerns, and trends in the business of flight training.
Sessions over the conference days were relevant to Flight Schools of all sizes, with speakers sharing information and insight on a broad spectrum of topics including marketing, utilizing social media, insurance clarification and TSA's security update.
Involvement at the event was broad spectrum across the aviation community, including airlines who are actively beginning to engage with the association in an effort to continue to develop pipelines of pilot supply for their operations. Piedmont Airlines generously sponsored the Tuesday evening dinner, something FSANA and the attendees appreciate as they show their continued support of FSANA and the flight training community!
Attendees had an opportunity to attend break out workshops at the conference, something that continues to be one of the highlights of the annual conference, where they were able to share directly with each other best practices beyond just the sessions where speakers spoke to conference attendees.
Some of the main topics of discussion at this year's conference included growing issues with availability in some markets of pilot practical tests, CFI shortages, teaching glass panel vs. steam gauges, marketing to prospective students, and student retention.
Chris Erlanson, President of Nashville Flight Training in Nashville, TN was awarded the "Moyer Leadership Award", named after Vern Moyer, long time aviation leader and the first FSANA chairman. Chris was recognized for his can do attitude. Chris operates a relatively new and growing flight training school and makes himself available to help FSANA and the industry.
Old Republic Aerospace was recognized as a FSANA "Charter" Partner. The company was one of the first suppliers to support FSANA and the trade association's mission.
Over 45 students from Sterling Aviation High School and the Aviation Institute of Maintenance in Houston joined the conference attendees. They had the opportunity to sit in on the professional sessions and visit with supply chain vendors including many regional airlines.
(Source: FSANA newsletter. Images provided)