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Introduction

Greg Brown, author of The Savvy Flight Instructor, shared high-impact strategies for CFIs looking to strengthen their professional presence, attract more students, increase retention, and build long-term instructional success. His session focused on marketing yourself as an instructor, supporting students through financial and emotional barriers, and creating a professional culture that keeps pilots training to completion.

1. Flight Instructor Marketing Strategies

   Summary: Marketing yourself as a flight instructor is essential — students gravitate toward CFIs who appear credible, confident, and easy to find online. Building a strong public presence positions you as the “go-to expert” in your local aviation community.

   
   

   • Flight instruction must be treated as a business, not just a teaching role.

   • A personal website increases credibility and allows prospects to learn about you before they commit.

   • Photo business cards help CFIs stand out and spark organic conversations about training.

   • Greg referenced his book The Savvy Flight Instructor to highlight strategies for landing jobs, networking, and promoting yourself professionally.

   • CFIs must address early student objections:

     • Training cost fears

     • “Am I too old to start?”

     • Family resistance to the time/money commitment

   • The high national dropout rate in flight training underscores the need for clear communication, better onboarding, and compelling marketing that builds trust from the beginning.

     
     

2. Student Attraction & Retention Strategies

   Summary: Students stay engaged when the training environment feels welcoming, professional, and structured. The first few lessons define whether they continue — or become part of the dropout statistics.

   
   

   • Maintain a professional appearance with aviation-branded clothing and clean presentation.

   • Hand out business cards everywhere — they act as your “silent salesperson.”

   • Social media, especially Facebook, is a high-value tool for reaching new prospects.

   • Offer a full first lesson, not a quick discovery flight — mastery creates motivation.

   • Manny Peralta’s Willing, Able, Ready Checklist ensures students are:

     • Willing (emotionally motivated)

     • Able (financially prepared)

     • Ready (time-committed)

   • Early structure and excitement predict long-term retention more than any other factor.

     
     

3. Flight Training Transparency & Support

   Summary: Students commit longer when they understand the financial commitment and feel supported emotionally. Transparency builds trust, and trust reduces attrition.

   
   

   • Be upfront about the true cost of training and help students create realistic plans.

   • Celebrate every milestone — even small wins — on social media to reinforce pride and identity.

   • Use syllabi to keep training structured, predictable, and efficient for both CFIs and new students.

   • Add visual progress charts and trackers to help students see measurable advancement.

   • Encourage informal gatherings between CFIs and students to build community, comfort, and motivation.

   • Students are more likely to continue when the school feels like a place they belong — not just a service.

     
     

4. Flight Instructor Best Practices

   Summary: Great CFIs empower their students, build consistent communication, and create a positive learning environment. Instructional excellence comes from habits, alignment, and supportive culture — not just technical knowledge.

   
   

   • Empower students early with pilot-in-command responsibilities when appropriate.

   • Conduct regular check-ins to catch concerns about progress, money, or confidence.

   • Build strong relationships through professionalism, consistency, and encouragement.

   • Use policies to streamline expectations around scheduling, communication, and cancellations.

   • Hold weekly CFI meetings to stay aligned, share strategies, and problem-solve student challenges.

   • Introduce optional “merit badge” lessons to keep training fresh, fun, and engaging.

   • Mike closed the session by thanking Greg and previewing upcoming Power Hour topics and admin notes.