nattyboh

How busy and open are flight schools these days? I've heard of Daniel Webster flight program closing and a couple American Flyers. I'm just curious if the regionals will be able to find pilots once the majors start hiring.

stbloc

Funny you asked. I spoke with someone today at a large school and the girl told me only 1 out of a hundred students was an American. I'm sure it was exagerated a bit but you get the picture.

TheReelDeel33

I'm enrolled in a community college flight program that has been around and graduating pilots since the 70's. I just got a letter in my mailbox today from the administration saying they aren't accepting new students next fall and will begin shutting it down so hurry up and graduate

stbloc

My friends from my hometown of 3 million said their is now only 1 twin to rent on the entire city and more then 1/2 of the FBO's have closed. I called around a few weeks agoe to large academies to poll the situation and they all told me is predominantly foreigners. today my freind at a large 141 said only 1 American out of a 100 student. I could hear the sarcasm however it illustrates how little Americans are training. this will trickle through out the industry soon. She also said most have their resumes out and nothing to replace them. Althought confident they will attract CFI's with greater pay. She went on to say few could walk in a write a check for 80k to complete the program as no financing is available.

CentralPa717

Flight schools are not doing all that great right now. Been instructing at a busy 141 for four years now, and our numbers are way down, thus we've gotten rid of three aircraft in the past year. In 2003 the fleet was 25 aircraft, today it is 8. And many of the 141 students are learning for hobby rather than career. I can't even tell you how many students have actually completed comm or cfi, but i can tell you it is a very low number (single digits) since I've been there.

Outlaw2097

I tried to contact the Airman Certification branch seeing if they had any stats on the number of foreign students earning their certs in the US and never touching another US based aircraft after they leave.

So far, no response. It is an important statistic even though they feel that females, age, and location are seeming more important stats.

CFItillIdie

I have been a full time CFI in Chicago for the past 3 years. I have trained 1 professional pilot (CFII), but I have not seen any of my colleagues train any. I have had a couple that aspired to become professional pilots, but then dropped out after running out of money. The fact of the matter is most people are electing to go to the pilot factories and not the mom and pop flight schools. I have always trained people who have own their own businesses or other professional types. I am curious if the economy picks up, will new professional pilots follow? My guess is not likely. There will be a gap for a while, and when the word gets out about the massive retirements in a couple of years, you will likely see more schools feeding off that. As it is, part 61 and 141 schools need to adapt for that, and now is the time. Otherwise you might see lower numbers in the future for sure!

AbortAbortAbort

Seems like, as stated above, more people are going to the 250-hour wonder schools, then finding instructing jobs at the now predominately foreign academies, and then looking for a regional job.

I work for a combined charter department and flight school, and while our school side is picking up, it's definitely more of a flying for pleasure than flying for a career mindset now.

f16jetmech

Were busy as hell at American flyers

stbloc

What is your US to foreign student ratio and are your instructors all getting hired?