Flying Club/ School
Few points re the above
1)
Make a sound and realistic business plan, and have it reviewed by a non aviator. Expect to only break even during the first couple of years.Every flight,everything you do down to selling a humble Mars bar must make a profit.Also open a "client account" that protects a students block purchase in event of the school folding.Ensure that your responsibilities as an employer are gold plated, eg Insurance, Health and Safety etc
2)
Make sure that you have a contract with the airfield that covers expected costs over a set period, and build in higher than inflation costs for expected price rises.
3)
Initially lease aircraft and make sure that any lease covers maintenance to an agreed standard. Keep it simple, eg 2X C152, 2X PA28 or C172
4)
Appoint a CFI. As an "RF" this is not required but will set the standard of instruction, the most important part of any school.
5)
Appoint and cost in competent ops staff. Make sure you have a robust customer link, by e mail, 'phone or fax.
6)
Make sure you have one permament FI. Suplement with part time FI's when necessary but be careful and make sure any FI is checked by the CFI and has a probationary period. Agree on a uniform / dress code.
7)
All staff should have written contracts, be they employees, self employed or Ltd Co.
8)
Have a attractive and interactive web site.
9)
Encourage group ownership for post PPL, either shares or on school owned aircraft.
10)
Finally before you start go to a club/ school and see for yourself what's good and not so good! I personally would recommend the following examples of how to do it properly, and I'm sure, and I hope there are many more.
Leicester Aero Club, Lydd Aero Club, Sussex Flying Club ,Shoreham.
Last edited by pembroke; 6th January 2007 at 11:02.