Downturns are historically a great time to do ones education.

This. That’s why I’m curious about the ratio between pleasure/professional.

I’ve been leasing back an airplane for the last few years, and this July was the busiest month it’s ever had. I don’t talk to the studs, though...not sure how many are training for a career and how many are just flying to get out of the house.

Same at my school in SoCal but most of the students that came out of the wood work are PPL only types.

I think the long time at home has made some people eager to try things they always wanted to do.

Career minded students are still lacking (we even had two quit, one in PPL and one working on his instrument), but we did get a new guy who wants to give it a go despite COVID.

Historically, you are correct. However, we have absolutely no idea what the US aviation sector is going to look like in the next ~6 months. If there is no more bailout money, it will probably be very ugly. It is really reckless to start training right now unless money is not an issue which was my point. Once the near future becomes more clear, great time.

About half and half, and the career oriented students don’t seem phased by the Covid setback, as they realize it’ll be at least a few years before they wrap up ratings and hit 1500...

I could see pleasure flyer enrollment being high given the lock down, work from home(more free time), and that stimulus check bringing them in droves. I'm more curious about the trends in career training. I just find it odd that I've not seen price reductions or "specials" being offered yet at the career schools given most have been over priced for years because of demand. Since most of them have bought a bunch of new TAA aircraft I just can't imagine they can stay in the black very long!

I too am very curious on the enrollment trend of 141 schools... I questioned my decision a while back to go 61 instead of 141 as a CFI, but I am now grateful for the flexibility and variety of students 61 has given me as opposed to the “career-only, glass trainers to regional jet” 141 model...

At the 141 school I work at its not great. We have some new signups but the big issue now seems to be that young guys who want to enroll cant get funding secured from banks. Banks don't want to take on the risk. Not sure if that's because of the future of the career path or because the banks are up to their necks in outstanding loans. If you can get a home equity loan different story, but if you're and 18-25 y/o with no credit history or assets its seems problematic.

risky...my opinion not worth the debt

I'm curious for an update on the big career academies. Whats the student enrollment looking like both domestic and foreign students?