New Flight School . . . Just A Thought

mtsu_av8er · April 5th, 2006, 01:27

Let's just say, hypothetically, that a certain JC'er was starting a flight school in a certain city in Middle Tennessee, and needed 4 or 5 HARDCORE, no BS, take one for the team for a piece of the pie CFIs.

Would I have any takers?

I mean - would he?

JEP · April 5th, 2006, 01:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtsu_av8er

Let's just say, hypothetically, that a certain JC'er was starting a flight school in a certain city in Middle Tennessee, and needed 4 or 5 HARDCORE, no BS, take one for the team for a piece of the pie CFIs.

Would I have any takers?

I mean - would he?

Your serving Pie? Suuweeet, I'm in. Could you hire me to clean up around the place until I got my CFI ratings??? Please....I can sweep and mop...plenty of Navy experience.......

In all seriousness, that does sound very interesting. I doubt I could get Julie to agree to move though.

mtsu_av8er · April 5th, 2006, 01:32

Yeah, that might be a tough sell!

Tell her about the pie!!!

Kristie · April 5th, 2006, 01:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtsu_av8er

Yeah, that might be a tough sell!

Tell her about the pie!!!

HEY! are you stealing our idea??

they'll be no JC advertising for you....er him...

mtsu_av8er · April 5th, 2006, 01:40

HE-HE

He's actually completely open to the idea of a joint venture in any Geographic location . . .

Kristie · April 5th, 2006, 01:41

really now?! he might wanna get the Mr. into the action then...thereby guaranteeing JC advertising! hahahaha

Doug Taylor · April 5th, 2006, 01:42

If we're talking Arizona, we can discuss some co-branding if you like, but I've got a strict set of ethical standards to comply with.

Kristie · April 5th, 2006, 01:45

when he bolds "strict", i think (?) he means it.. haha

ComplexHiAv8r · April 5th, 2006, 01:45

Not to get bashed here, but have you looked at what the cost would be to what you could pay the CFI's? Wonder if you have found a business model to pay better then the average flight school.

mtsu_av8er · April 5th, 2006, 01:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug Taylor

If we're talking Arizona, we can discuss some co-branding if you like, but I've got a strict set of ethical standards to comply with.

Now, this is already been thought of. We know that glass cockpit training is what counts. We also know the importance of an "Airline Pilot Transition Course", and plan to implement one!!

Quote:

. . . but have you looked at what the cost would be to what you could pay the CFI's? Wonder if you have found a business model to pay better then the average flight school.

Slow your roll . . . still in the conception phase!!!

JEP · April 5th, 2006, 01:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtsu_av8er

.....

Slow your roll . . . still in the conception phase!!!

Doug,

that translates to, "Relax a minute" or "Not So Fast"......

Doug Taylor · April 5th, 2006, 01:52

Well, we need to talk bro. This is actually something I was "unofficially" planning on working on after my current project I'm working on.

Kingairer · April 5th, 2006, 01:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by ComplexHiAv8r

Not to get bashed here, but have you looked at what the cost would be to what you could pay the CFI's? Wonder if you have found a business model to pay better then the average flight school.

Pay CFIs??? No way, you can get the CFIs to PAY for the oppurtunity, give em some stripes.

mtsu_av8er · April 5th, 2006, 01:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kingairer

Pay CFIs??? No way, you can get the CFIs to PAY for the oppurtunity, give em some stripes.

Great idea!! You know, if we "require" leather jackets then make them buy them, we can make alot in merchandising!!

Doug Taylor · April 5th, 2006, 01:58

Froid, the quote was "Shiney Leather Jackets" wasn't it?

mtsu_av8er · April 5th, 2006, 02:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug Taylor

Froid, the quote was "Shiney Leather Jackets" wasn't it?

You know, I think you're right!!

Seriously - a flight school with quality, "No-Frills" instruction. Quality, safe, legal aircraft. Good instructors. No "Airline Transition". No bridge programs. None of the BS.

Captain_Bob · April 5th, 2006, 02:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtsu_av8er

You know, I think you're right!!

Seriously - a flight school with quality, "No-Frills" instruction. Quality, safe, legal aircraft. Good instructors. No "Airline Transition". No bridge programs. None of the BS.

Serious question... I'm just wondering if it's really that easy? I too had thought of starting a flight school because I loved flying and instructing so much... That said... I wonder if we are looking at it the way the general public looks at commercial pilots...

"It's easy... they work part-time... Get paid TONS of money for little to no work... get 20 days off a month... get to fly everywhere for free... they whine too much about a 25% paycut when they are still making 6 figures and I'm here managing the Local BK barely pulling in 30 G's..."

Is it that easy to have a successful flight school?

"It's easy... offer good pay to CFI's... Safe Airplanes... No airline agreements/or bridge programs... no frills... If we build it they will come..."

I'm not attempting to bust a bubble in ANY way... but even most of the "approved" JC advertisers have a little bit of the bling that can draw a wide-eyed student into the mess that we've all been through.

From a banks perspective (potential lender):
So... you are not going to have the latest in GA technology in the planes you want to train in? OK... and you are not going to attempt to create any relationships with airlines that could help draw more students to your school? OK... and your going to pay top dollar for good quality instructors? OK... And your marketing plan is "No Frills"... OK... Um... we'll get back to ya...

That being said... I'm thinking (maybe assuming too much) you may be talking about creating a flight school for people who want to learn to fly for the sake of flying... not for those who are wanting to get to the airlines relatively quickly. If that's the case... then it may work well to your advantage. Lower prices than the "Acedemies" but solid instruction for those who don't need the bling. If I had no aspirations of becoming an Airline pilot I know I would never have gone to ATP and rather would have most likely stayed at my favorite flight school at the little FBO where I got my PPL and continued to rent and fly and learn for fun... So... I'm thinking you need to be that "favorite little flight school" in order to be successful.

OK... it's late... I've rambled aloud and just kept typing as the thoughts came out... like I said... not being negative here because this is something I've considered myself... just trying to rationalize it.

Bob

jrh · April 5th, 2006, 03:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtsu_av8er

Seriously - a flight school with quality, "No-Frills" instruction. Quality, safe, legal aircraft. Good instructors. No "Airline Transition". No bridge programs. None of the BS.

Sounds like my kind of place.

But...ummm...doesn't that describe quite a few FBOs that already exist?

Kristie · April 5th, 2006, 03:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug Taylor

Froid, the quote was "Shiney Leather Jackets" wasn't it?

nothing like a little SLJ to cure your SJS problems!

Kristie · April 5th, 2006, 03:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtsu_av8er

You know, I think you're right!!

Seriously - a flight school with quality, "No-Frills" instruction. Quality, safe, legal aircraft. Good instructors. No "Airline Transition". No bridge programs. None of the BS.

but what about the type ratings?

there has to be something besides honest, quality flight instruction now!

ComplexHiAv8r · April 5th, 2006, 15:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtsu_av8er

Slow your roll . . . still in the conception phase!!!

I've done multiple business plans, even 1 or 2 that succeeded!!! I wonder as I haven't done one for an flight school (multiple planes), but did do one for a leaseback agreeement.

ComplexHiAv8r · April 5th, 2006, 15:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kristie

but what about the type ratings?

You mean you won't have the Tomahawk rating???

bob loblaw · April 5th, 2006, 17:59

If I was going to start a flight school I would offer multi engine ratings, and CFI courses. I would use a couple of seminoles and I would also offer Cirrus training.

pavelump · April 5th, 2006, 18:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtsu_av8er

Let's just say, hypothetically, that a certain JC'er was starting a flight school in a certain city in Middle Tennessee, and needed 4 or 5 HARDCORE, no BS, take one for the team for a piece of the pie CFIs.

Would I have any takers?

I mean - would he?

Geez, is Part 135 life losing it's luster already?

Chris_Ford · April 5th, 2006, 18:22

I'd work for you Lloyd, but also, I'd expect high pay, and as soon as I got there, I'd turn the place into a union shop and we'd authorize a strike to get 100% of what you charge for the instructor.

April 5th, 2006, 01:27	#1
mtsu_av8er Old Skool Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Utopia Posts: 12,590	New Flight School . . . Just A Thought Let's just say, hypothetically, that a certain JC'er was starting a flight school in a certain city in Middle Tennessee, and needed 4 or 5 HARDCORE, no BS, take one for the team for a piece of the pie CFIs. Would I have any takers? I mean - would he? __________________ Ike is one nasty storm, and it's all the fault of management. That's why we need ALPA.

April 5th, 2006, 01:32	#3
mtsu_av8er Old Skool Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Utopia Posts: 12,590	Yeah, that might be a tough sell! Tell her about the pie!!! __________________ Ike is one nasty storm, and it's all the fault of management. That's why we need ALPA.

April 5th, 2006, 01:40	#5
mtsu_av8er Old Skool Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Utopia Posts: 12,590	HE-HE He's actually completely open to the idea of a joint venture in any Geographic location . . . __________________ Ike is one nasty storm, and it's all the fault of management. That's why we need ALPA.

April 5th, 2006, 01:41	#6
Kristie Big Chief's Woman Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Scottsdale, Arizona Posts: 19,291 Blog Entries: 3	really now?! he might wanna get the Mr. into the action then...thereby guaranteeing JC advertising! hahahaha __________________ Wife of a Delta B767 ER F/O jetgirls.net

April 5th, 2006, 01:42	#7
Doug Taylor Agent Smith Join Date: Dec 1969 Location: KSDL Posts: 41,926 Blog Entries: 1	If we're talking Arizona, we can discuss some co-branding if you like, but I've got a strict set of ethical standards to comply with. __________________ Doug Taylor http://76school.flyblog.com (old!) http://30west.flyblog.com (updated 11/28)

April 5th, 2006, 01:45	#8
Kristie Big Chief's Woman Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Scottsdale, Arizona Posts: 19,291 Blog Entries: 3	when he bolds "strict", i think (?) he means it.. haha __________________ Wife of a Delta B767 ER F/O jetgirls.net

April 5th, 2006, 01:45	#9
ComplexHiAv8r Old Skool Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: OH or is it MX?? Posts: 4,881	Not to get bashed here, but have you looked at what the cost would be to what you could pay the CFI's? Wonder if you have found a business model to pay better then the average flight school.

April 5th, 2006, 01:52	#12
Doug Taylor Agent Smith Join Date: Dec 1969 Location: KSDL Posts: 41,926 Blog Entries: 1	Well, we need to talk bro. This is actually something I was "unofficially" planning on working on after my current project I'm working on. __________________ Doug Taylor http://76school.flyblog.com (old!) http://30west.flyblog.com (updated 11/28)

April 5th, 2006, 01:58	#15
Doug Taylor Agent Smith Join Date: Dec 1969 Location: KSDL Posts: 41,926 Blog Entries: 1	Froid, the quote was "Shiney Leather Jackets" wasn't it? __________________ Doug Taylor http://76school.flyblog.com (old!) http://30west.flyblog.com (updated 11/28)

April 5th, 2006, 17:59	#23
bob loblaw Banned Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 630	If I was going to start a flight school I would offer multi engine ratings, and CFI courses. I would use a couple of seminoles and I would also offer Cirrus training.

April 5th, 2006, 18:22	#25
Chris_Ford Banned Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 7,329	I'd work for you Lloyd, but also, I'd expect high pay, and as soon as I got there, I'd turn the place into a union shop and we'd authorize a strike to get 100% of what you charge for the instructor.

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