Sport Pilot Talk

KSCessnaDriver · Joined: 25 Jan 2009 Posts: 159 Location: KOJC

So, since I'm quickly approaching the CFI checkride, I've started looking out there for way's to become employed with that certificate. I really have a passion to teach in the low/slow stuff, like an LSA. My only problem is, there doesn't seem to be any of that sort of instruction going on around the Daytona Beach area. There is one school with a CTSW somewhat close, but beyond that, there are no LSA's out there.

Is it at all possible to think about a flight school for LSA's, or would I be better off just trying to find a job instructing somewhere, regardless of what type of plane it is.

bryancobb · Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2010 8:05 am Post subject: Throwing Tomatos At Me

I'm just sitting tight for right now...
...I know I'll get flamed for saying this but my humble opinion is that when the 162 lands in numbers, it will "hit the beach running" and Sport CFI's will be busy.

I'm guessing that there will be hundreds for rent all over trhe US in a few years.

KSCessnaDriver · Joined: 25 Jan 2009 Posts: 159 Location: KOJC

Perhaps. I know two local schools here who say they have them on order, but both are saying that they won't take delivery for a few years. So, who knows if/when they will ever get an LSA.

I'd really love to start some sort of school, but at this point in my life, I don't have the capital required to do so.

pjcampbell · Joined: 08 Jun 2010 Posts: 26 Location: Bergen County, NJ

What are the start up and monthly costs involved in starting a school?

What is the profitability like? Just thinking in numbers, to make 100k gross at 5k per student it is 20 students a year, however how much of that would go into insurance, aircraft parking, maintenance, fuel, paperwork, testing fees, etc.

Is this a viable business or just for those who have low living costs and/or are employed otherwise, or semi-retired?

Why wait for a Cessna. Is it the brand recognition?

bryancobb · Posted: Mon Jun 14, 2010 9:35 pm Post subject: Circles

The Sport Pilot has been kind of like a bird with a broken wing, kind of flopping around on the ground, going in circles.
When the 162 or a Piper SLSA hits the FBO's in large numbers, the flopping bird's wing will heal at there will be Sport Pilot students starting training in large numbers.

KSCessnaDriver · Joined: 25 Jan 2009 Posts: 159 Location: KOJC

pjcampbell wrote: What are the start up and monthly costs involved in starting a school?

Lots. It probably varies between airplanes, but I personally think it would be crazy to start out with anything less than 6 figures, as a rough guess. Even that is going to leave very little operating cash, if you purchase an airplane.

Quote: What is the profitability like? Just thinking in numbers, to make 100k gross at 5k per student it is 20 students a year, however how much of that would go into insurance, aircraft parking, maintenance, fuel, paperwork, testing fees, etc.

No clue. It really depends on how you set things up, from what I've seen. Of course, no one really wants to tell people how they do things exactly, for fear of giving away secrets, which I can respect.

Quote: Is this a viable business or just for those who have low living costs and/or are employed otherwise, or semi-retired?

Probably best answered by a financial planner/CPA.

Quote: Why wait for a Cessna. Is it the brand recognition?
I wouldn't. Its a niche plane, for those who want to fly LSA's, but not bad enough to venture outside of the Cessna world. The 162 has an abysmal useful load, and has a bad reputation to go with it (debatable if that's fair or not). I'd rather have a Jabiru, Remos, Flight Design, Piper, Gobosh, really anyone before a 162.

FLA-CFI · Joined: 27 Oct 2008 Posts: 45

If you can get a leaseback you'll only need about $20k to start. We did it with less....of course you're the last one to get paid if there is any money left so don't plan on taking a pay check until the business is cashflow positive.

pjcampbell wrote: What are the start up and monthly costs involved in starting a school?

What is the profitability like? Just thinking in numbers, to make 100k gross at 5k per student it is 20 students a year, however how much of that would go into insurance, aircraft parking, maintenance, fuel, paperwork, testing fees, etc.

Is this a viable business or just for those who have low living costs and/or are employed otherwise, or semi-retired?

Why wait for a Cessna. Is it the brand recognition?