The US market will likely have a pilot shortage, over 30,000 regional pilots by 2030s. One factor creating the pilot shortage is the FAA-mandated retirement age. The only way to keep the airline’s flight line staffed is by hiring as many new pilots as those retiring. The issue is even more pressing because many pilots took early retirement during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. This reduced an already shrinking workforce greatly, and the aviation industry wound up bouncing back quicker than early estimates predicted it would. 

It’s now more common for airline pilots to come from a civilian path, paying their way through flight school and becoming commercial pilots. Most will work as a flight instructor while building enough flight time to be eligible for the ATP certificate. Mainline airlines nearly always recruit pilots from these smaller carriers, so the regionals are left scrambling to find new hires. Most pilots consider a position at a regional carrier to be a stepping stone toward a mainline airline, so they’re more than happy to move up if the opportunity presents itself. Retaining pilots is especially difficult for regionals, who must rely on a steady flow of pilots leaving flight school.

Thrust Flight is a proprietary educational institution offering a variety of aviation training courses. Its purpose is to train students to be safe, confident, and disciplined aviators – not just “pilots.” The Thrust career programs are targeted to prepare graduates to gain entry level positions as flight crew personnel and/or flight instructors through education and training that meets or exceeds guidelines as set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration and industry standards. Effective communication and professionalism are stressed in every course offered. Thrust Flight offers extensive education and training in the classroom, in approved flight simulation devices, and in modern aircraft. Instructors are highly qualified professionals fully credentialed by the FAA.

Thrust Flight use fully motion Redbird Simulators and brand new Piper Archers for its Addison and Conroe locations. Each aircraft features full glass cockpits, G-1000 avionics, and air conditioning.

What sets us apart from other flight schools mainly is the culture and atmosphere. Thrust is more of a family where everyone supports and encourages one another. These other pilot factory flight schools are just that, pilot factories that are quite impersonal. There you are just a number and not a member of the family. At Thrust, we spend a ton of time in group ground school settings. Training looks like this…2-3 hours of group ground schooling and 2-3 hours of flying 5-6 days per week. Some days it’s one or the other and some days it’s both. Actually most big box “pilot factory” flight schools send you home with books and materials and it’s mostly self-study so you are on your own. Many of these flight schools don’t seem to care if you pass or fail while Thrust takes an active interest in the success of our students. 

THRUSTFLIGHT.COM

Located just north of Dallas, Thrust’s Addison campus is its most popular location with the highest number of students training in an area known for having the most restaurants per capita in the U.S. Its newest Conroe location is the newest addition to Thrust Flight, perfect blend for those seeking versatility in their flight training experience, with a balance of urban amenities and the freedom of open skies for optimal flight practice. Thrust Flight utilizes Galaxy FBO facilities and services in both airports. For a list of all Addison and Conroe based flight schools, click here.

Jamie Munoz joined Galaxy FBO team back in 2021 to lead the development and opening of our new facility at the Addison Airport. She helped manage the 16-month long construction project, and successfully achieved full hangar and office occupancy upon its grand-opening. Her leadership played a key role in helping the airport exceeds Town of Addison’s goals by attracting new businesses and creating over 100 jobs, both within the operation and among its tenants.

2024 DBJ WOMEN IN BUSINESS HONOREES

Munoz is committed to business aviation, currently a co-chair for the National Business Aviation Association Young Professionals Council. Beyond her professional achievements, Munoz has contributed to her community as a court-appointed special advocate and as a motivational speaker in Texas juvenile detention facilities.

Galaxy FBO leadership team, along with our distinguished business partners, celebrated these remarkable women, including Jamie Munoz at a luncheon on August 29, 2024 at Thompson Dallas by Hyatt hotel.

You are cleared to Take Off! Choosing the right flight school is a crucial step in your journey to becoming a pilot.

Here are some steps to help you pick the right flight school:

  1. Decide what type of pilot you want to become (private, commercial, airline transport, etc.) and whether you want to pursue fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters. Different flight schools may specialize in different areas.
  2. Research flight schools in your area or in locations you’re willing to travel to. Use online resources, directories, and recommendations from other pilots to create a list of potential schools.
  3. Ensure that the flight school is accredited by the appropriate aviation authority in your country, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States. Accreditation is an important indicator of quality and safety standards.
  4. Visit the school! This will give you a chance to see the facilities, meet the instructors, and get a feel for the school’s culture and environment.
  5. Talk to current and former students: Speak with current and former students to gather insights into their experiences with the school. Ask about the quality of instruction, aircraft maintenance, and overall satisfaction.
  6. Ensure that the flight school has a well-maintained and up-to-date fleet of aircraft. The variety and condition of aircraft available can affect your training experience.
  7. Check Instructor qualifications: Instructors play a vital role in your training. Experienced and knowledgeable instructors can greatly impact your learning experience.
  8. Research the school’s safety record and accident history. A good safety record is a strong indicator of a well-managed flight school.
  9. Compare the cost of training at different schools. Consider not only the hourly rates for aircraft and instruction but also additional costs such as ground school, materials, and examination fees.
  10. Consider the school’s location in terms of accessibility, weather conditions, and the availability of other resources like accommodation and transportation. Texas airports are ideal for year-around flight training.

By following these steps and conducting thorough research, you can make an informed decision when selecting the right flight school for your aviation journey.

Houston Area Flight Schools at the Conroe North Houston Regional Airport

Dallas Area Flight Schools at Addison Airport

AOPA Pilot Information Center – Finding the Right Flight Instructor

LOGIN TO CAA TO VOTE

Galaxy FBO Advantages at the Conroe North Houston Regional Airport (KCXO)

CAA promotes contract pricing for Part 91 general aviation, serving large corporate flight departments with fleets of aircraft, individual owner-operators and aircraft management companies. CAA members currently enjoy special pricing at the Galaxy FBO’s Conroe North Houston Regional Airport (KCXO).

Thank you for considering Galaxy as the Preferred Corporate Aircraft Association FBO at KADS and KHOU earlier this year. While we firmly believe Galaxy has received many qualifying votes for our extremely competitive bid, existing Preferred CAA FBOs at KHOU and KADS remain unchanged.

The 51st annual PRASE (Preferences Regarding Aviation Services and Equipment) Survey by the Professional Pilot Magazine just announced winners today, featuring Galaxy FBO as the winner on several categories. 

The Professional Pilot Magazine’s PRASE Survey is an annual tabulation of customer opinions of aviation ground services. Executives in charge of flight departments, aviation managers, chief pilots, CEOs, and other qualified subscribers to Professional Pilot magazine are polled once a year to determine the PRASE Winners’ List, which is published annually on the May issue. The 2024 PRASE Survey was conducted online between September 2023 until March 31st, 2024.

Pro Pilot subscribers scored a total of 1258 US FBO selections from 1 (poor) to 10 (excellent) in 6 categories; Line Team, Customer Service Representatives (CSRs), Facility, Amenities, Promptness & Efficiency, and Value for Price. This provided a total of 7496 individual evaluations to arrive at the 2024 US FBO rankings.

2024 PRASE SURVEY RESULTS

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who participated at this year’s annual Pro Pilot PRASE survey, naming Galaxy FBO the BEST in US.

Congratulations to our partners at World Fuel Services and Phillips 66 for being named ‘Best Fuel Brand’ and ‘Best Fuel Credit Card’.

For more information on Professional Pilot magazine, visit propilotmag.com

AeroExpo International Aviation Trade Show & Convention is one of the most important business aviation events in Latin America. Galaxy FBO team along with Tejas Aviation Services will be exhibiting at the Aero Expo between April 23rd and 25th. Make sure you visit Booth # 45 & 46 and meet the team!

La Convencion de AeroExpo Internacional de Aviacion es uno de los eventos de aviación ejecutiva más importantes de América Latina. El equipo de Galaxy FBO junto con Tejas Aviation Services, Inc., expositores en el stand #45 y #46 el 23 – 25 de abril 2024.  No olvides visitarnos, Maria, Goretty, Susie, y Anita to vemos pronto!

Dentro estos últimos 29 años la experiencia y dedicación de Tejas Aviation Services, Inc., ha resultado con mucho éxito para nuestros clientes en México y Latino América. 

Tejas Aviation Services, Inc. se dedica a coordinar los siguientes servicios, desde inicio hasta la entrega de una aeronave a su base de operación: 

 Nos daría un gusto atenderlos y darles la “Bienvenida en el FBO de Galaxy HOU” en nuestra cuidad de Houston, Texas!!

Since 1981, Aviation International News has been ranking FBOs worldwide among qualified subscribers; pilots, flight attendants, and dispatchers the people who use or make arrangements. Today, a comprehensive list of 4,500+ FBOs worldwide are ranked in the AIN FBO Survey. 

AIN readers evaluate hundreds of aircraft handling facilities on a 1 to 5 scale in five categories: line service, passenger amenities, pilot amenities, facilities, and customer service representatives. To attain the highest overall rankings, an FBO must exhibit excellence across all five categories in the eyes of its AIN readers. Texas and Florida dominated the top 5 percent of the FBOs, with each state fielding five locations or one third of the top tier each.

 Pentastar Aviation at Detroit-area Oakland County International Airport (KPTK) has received the highest score – 4.81 –  in AIN’s annual FBO survey. Galaxy FBO Addison Airport (KADS) and Henriksen Jet Center at Houston Executive Airport (KTME) tied for fourth, with 4.74 overall score.

In addition, Melissa Shollenbarger, our Regional Director of Sales was recognized for going “Above & Beyond” in the field of customer service this year in the AIN FBO Survey.

AIN FBO SURVEY RESULTS

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who participated at this year’s annual AIN FBO Survey, trusting us with high remarks.

Galaxy FBO Team

While total solar eclipses occur regularly, many traverse vast oceans or remote regions. An eclipse crossing a densely populated area is a remarkable event and the upcoming 2024 North American eclipse will be even more special as it coincides with the peak of the sun’s activity cycle = a total solar eclipse! This will be the last total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States until the year 2044.

While Galaxy FBO at the Addison Airport doesn’t require reservations, we strongly recommend scheduling your upcoming trip to ADS if it is around April 7th – 9th:

SCHEDULE YOUR ARRIVAL

Dallas Metroplex is a great place to catch the Solar Eclipse:

What to Expect: Security Provisions

Special FAA security provisions may be in effect for this event, including, but not limited to, Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), two-way radio communications, and discrete transponder requirements. Specific NOTAM procedures may be revised, and arrivals to some DFW airports possibly restricted so please review NOTAMs frequently to verify you have the current information. TFRs are normally disseminated via FDC NOTAM, 3 to 5 days prior to the event. 

FAA SPECIAL AIR TRAFFIC PROCEDURES

Eye Safety During a Total Solar Eclipse

While it might seem safe to glance at it for a short moment, gazing directly at the sun is incredibly dangerous. This is true anytime except during the brief totality phase of a total solar eclipse, when the moon completely covers the sun’s bright surface. Beware Magnified Sunlight – Looking at the sun through any magnifying device – a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope – is a recipe for disaster. Unless these optics have a special-purpose solar filter securely attached to the front, the concentrated sunlight will instantly inflict severe eye injury.

Jamie Santiago Munoz, our General Manager at Addison Airport, was recently interviewed by the Business Airport International magazine, along with various other aviation industry women around the world. Mrs. Munoz provided her insights to encourage the future generation in pursuing a career in aviation.

I think we have made great strides in this effort but still have a way to go. Not only to encourage young women that they can have a meaningful career in aviation but also in building the confidence in the existing workforce to feel that they belong, and their voice deserves to be heard, regardless of the demographics of their environment. I am fortunate enough to work with other women like Melissa Shollenbarger and Lisa Peterson, who are also passionate about building up the next generation of female aviators but we need more crusaders.

Jamie Munoz

Visit BusinessAirportInternational.com for the complete article.

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