Flying is a dream for many people. It’s a way to escape the ordinary and see the world from a new perspective. For some, it’s a way to explore new horizons. For others, it’s a passion. If you want to help people fulfill their dreams of flying, read on. This article will discuss how to set up and run your own small aviation business with flying lessons, charters, and a hangar.
Services Your Aviation Business Can Provide
There are many services your aviation business can provide. The most popular is flying lessons. This is a great way to get started in the business and help people achieve their dreams of flying.
You can also offer charter services. This is a great way to expand your business and give people the opportunity to experience flying in a variety of different settings.
Finally, if there is enough space in your hangar, you can provide storage, maintenance, and repair services for other small private planes.
Flying Lessons
When providing flying lessons, you need to get licensing from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). If you only intend to teach students how to fly as a hobby, you need to be designated as a Part 61 type of flying school. This is less structured than Part 141, which is intended for professional flying schools. You will also have to get the appropriate flying school license required by your state.
Small Aircraft Charters
A charter means an aircraft is rented by an individual or group for a specific flight or set of flights. The customer contracts with the company for the exclusive use of the aircraft and crew during that time.
Charters can be either on-demand, meaning the customer requests a flight and pays only for that one, or block-time, where the customer pays upfront for a certain number of hours of flight time.
Aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Storage
You can reserve a portion of your hangar for storage, maintenance, and repair services for other small private planes. This is a great way to expand your business and bring in additional income. It will ensure that even during times when you have no students for your flying lessons and no scheduled charters, your hangar will still be earning. Owners of private planes tend to have long-term relationships with a hangar.
Equipment Needed by Your Aviation Business
In addition to having a spacious hangar, you will need at least one small private plane for this business. If you’re providing flying lessons and charters, and your research shows that you can rely on having a steady stream of students and clients, you’ll need more than one aircraft. It’s best to start conservatively, though, and add planes as needed.
You’ll need to invest in some ground equipment, such as an aviation ground power unit (GPU) that will supply electric power when the plane engine is shut down. You’ll need this during maintenance and when starting the engine. You can choose a hangar-powered, diesel or gas-powered, or battery-operated GPU.
You’ll also need a fuel truck, equipment for moving aircraft, and aircraft maintenance and repair tools.
Staff Needed by Your Aviation Business
To give flying lessons, you are required to employ a certified flight instructor if you are not one yourself.
To maintain and repair the aircraft you use for flying lessons and charters, you need a mechanic certified by the FAA. You also need one to provide this service to other aircraft.
Finally, you need an FAA-certified pilot to fly your planes. If you have all three certifications, you can take on all of those roles by yourself. However, as your business grows, you will need professional help.
How to Make Your Aviation Business Succeed
It is important to have a good business plan for your aviation business. This will help you determine your costs and make sure that you are making a profit. In your business plan, you should include the following:
- A description of your business and its services
- Your target market
- Your pricing strategy
- Your marketing strategy
- Your costs
- Your expected profits
It is also important to build up a good relationship with the FAA. They are the ones who regulate this industry, and you need to make sure that you are following all the rules and regulations.
You should also build good relationships with the owners and operators of the airports in your area. These are the people who will be your customers.
Finally, you need to make sure that you have all the appropriate insurance for your business. This is essential in case something goes wrong.
If you have a passion for flying and helping others achieve their dreams, starting a small aviation business may be the perfect opportunity for you. With a little hard work and dedication, you can make your aviation business a success. Helping people learn to fly is a rewarding experience, and you can make a good living doing it.