As a flight instructor, what are some ideas to get potential flight students?
Flights
Mr. X asked:
As a flight instructor I don’t have a lot of cash to spend so I need cheap ideas.
I should add this info. I am a Gold Seal CFI so I am not new to this. I used to instruct years ago as a full-time CFI at a flight school. Back in the day I had to turn down students because my schedule was full. I left instructing for other piloting jobs but left flying to pursue other interests. I am getting back into flying because I love to fly not make a pretty penny. Today the costs of fuel is outrageous so rental fees are up. I won’t absorb that cost so sorry to say I won’t offer my services for less than a fresh ink CFI.
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As a flight instructor I don’t have a lot of cash to spend so I need cheap ideas.
I should add this info. I am a Gold Seal CFI so I am not new to this. I used to instruct years ago as a full-time CFI at a flight school. Back in the day I had to turn down students because my schedule was full. I left instructing for other piloting jobs but left flying to pursue other interests. I am getting back into flying because I love to fly not make a pretty penny. Today the costs of fuel is outrageous so rental fees are up. I won’t absorb that cost so sorry to say I won’t offer my services for less than a fresh ink CFI.
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November 13th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
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Offer cheaper rates and free ground school, I also offer introductory flights for $50.00.
Allow the prospective student a chance to take the yoke and they’re hooked for life.
Good Luck and keep flying.
November 16th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
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One of the most powerful and free ways to market ANY business or service is on Craigslist at
Just select your city or region and post a free ad in the services category.
Good luck!
November 18th, 2008 at 10:34 am
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Determine who your customer base should be. Recently spoke with a friend of mine who is a medical doctor, and he hates having to fly the friendly skies of the airlines. He wants to take, and has the cash for, flying lessons. Only problem is, he works odd hours so he will need a CFI to cater to his schedule.
Since you are starting out, and are asking for ideas, I presume you will work whenever. How about posting a flyer or ad in the cafeteria of your nearby hospital. Target doctors who have the means and the desire to fly, but need personalized instruction.
Also, don’t sit and wait for your customers/students to come to you at the airport. Pulling up to an airfield and walking into a hangar where there are several pilots sitting around swapping stories can be intimidating to an aspiring student.
Get your services out there to the markets that aren’t already saturated. High school students want to learn, but may not take the time to go to the airfield. Flyers or business cards handed out by a student recruiting for you can get business. Just choose a demographic area where the kid’s parents have disposable income.
Being a CFI/CFII for a living is running a business. Run it like a business. If you don’t know how, perhaps partner with an aspiring business or marketing student.
Best of luck…Most CFI’s I have know have nearly starved for years before making a living.
November 20th, 2008 at 11:42 pm
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1. Be professionally sound and give your students more than their money’s worth which they are paying for each flight. Include tips and guidance in your training session for which they would have to pay otherwise. Give them more of the controls during each flight and instill a high degree of flight discipline and confidence. Instruct them to a standard where they are ready for check rides comparatively earlier then other similar students. Believe me, this news will spread around fast and students would love to throng to you.
2. Put up some flyers/notices around those areas which potential students are likely to haunt. Offer them ‘more than their moneys worth”. Guarantee them faster progress and the chance to learn beyond their current aspirations. If you prepare a student well and by the time he is ready for the PPL check, let his knowledge and experience be good for a stage which is much beyond the PPL level.
3. Use a slight cash discount as inducement for each well flown mission. During the course of studies for PPL, teach them free, subjects related to the later stages leading to CPL. Let these facts be known around your airfield/club.
I like your attitude and am sure that with a bit of hard work you will succeed. Good luck.
November 21st, 2008 at 7:22 pm
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Mr bad sun
try to offer special classes to high school students (10 prepaid lessons = 1 free)
group classes instead of particular students may bring more candidates
wishing you good luck
respectfully
rafael
November 22nd, 2008 at 2:50 am
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as a flight instructor i would work intially for a flight school and build a base of happy customers and then eventually wing out on your own.
November 24th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Kansieo.com
dont charge 10,000 dollers for a privet pilot corse
November 27th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
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Print some “flyers”, post them on all the bulletin boards that you pass ( some will need permission)
Hold a ground school at your local Community College
Volunteer as a CFI at FAA’s WINGS weekend (contact your FSDO)
Join the local Chapter of the EAA, become involved in the YOUNG Eagles Program (http://www.youngeagles.org/)
Visit a CAP meeting, become involved.
Leave a business card with EVERYone you interact with.
Become a “hanger rat”, get to know the pilots on the field, offer you services for BFR’s IPC’s Advanced ratings.etc.
(Disclaimer: I’ve only recently became a CFI and am only passing on advice given to me. )
I plan on NOT doing any primary training, Just endorsement rides and advanced ratings.
Good luck!!!
December 1st, 2008 at 7:58 am
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I no longer instruct as a source of income, but I’m offering some thoughts, anyway (I’m an ATP, CFI, CFII, MEI): If you’re a new instructor, focus on acquiring experience and polishing your instructing skills. This normally means working for an established flight school. Also, become a CFII if you are not already. I’m not getting behind those “discount your fees” ideas others have suggested here. Become an above-average instructor and charge the going rate, even an appropriate premium. Don’t become known as the instructor who charges less, become known as the better instructor.