Are you involved with a flying club or a flight training school? If so, you’re likely aware of the challenges in attracting new pilots. Many organizations struggle because they rely on outdated methods or fail to think creatively. However, I’ve taken a different approach that I want to share with you—it’s all about generating leads without breaking the bank.
Self-Promotion and Online Lead Generation:
It’s crucial to avoid promoting in a vacuum. Drawing people to general aviation requires the right bait—something that grabs their interest and makes them want to learn more. People typically seek two things:
- Airplane Rides
- Pilot’s License (A common bucket list item for 25-45-year-olds)
Realizing the necessity of promoting general aviation myself, I built a simple yet effective website: Fly the Finger Lakes. This single-page site has generated 140 leads in just a year and a half, directing potential pilots and thrill-seekers to Canandaigua Airport—the only one of five local airports that responded to my initiative.
Further Initiatives:
Motivated to do more, I revamped an existing website for the same local airport, focusing particularly on flight training. The new Flight Training page has already attracted 35 requests this year. Like the leads from my other site, I forward these to the flight school at no cost.
In total, I’ve generated 175 leads for the local airport in the past 18 months, using nothing but my digital marketing skills and a bit of sweat equity. No capital was required—just a commitment to making a difference.
Penn Yan Flying Club Website Revamp:
I also took the initiative to overhaul our flying club’s website, focusing on making it user-friendly for potential new members curious about learning to fly. The new site, Penn Yan Flying Club, is straightforward, up-to-date, and transparent about costs and membership responsibilities.
A Call to Action:
I am just a pilot, not an aviation professional, but I believe in giving to receive. We often take the freedom of flight for granted—a freedom that needs nurturing to be preserved for future generations.
It’s time to step up and share your talents. Don’t wait for someone else to make a move. If you’ve had success in attracting new pilots, please share your stories here. Let’s inspire each other and keep the spirit of aviation thriving!
2 Responses
Great post Barry. I went to lunch last week with a friend who is interesting in beginning pilot training. I am just about to finish up my private training, and it is very rewarding to think I might have helped recruit another future pilot.
My son’s pre-k class has a section of their curriculum this winter devoted to transportation and motion. I’m hoping to schedule a field trip with them to the airport and talk about how airplanes fly, etc. A little young, but it’s never too early to plant the bug.
Excellent job! You’ve got the idea.
Good luck on your private checkride when it happens…and it will happen!