Steady Supply of Potential Pilots, Despite War and
Economic Pestilence
General aviation's 'Be a Pilot' initiative has had a comparatively
successful year so far, recording only a 3.2% drop in inquiries
compared with last, in spite of recent negative influences outside
its control. Following TV and other media promotion, including
its own website (beapilot.com), 26,683 prospects had been generated
in the first nine months. Part of the success is derived from
flight schools flying members of the media, who are then inclined
to recommend the $49 "introductory flight lesson" to
their audiences. Interestingly, prospects' motivation has subtly
changed since last year, with an increasing number expressing
a preference for learning to fly for business purposes. More than
7% of prospects registering since September 2000 now have a license
or student's certificate.
