lean times is their ability to “follow the money.” By that, I mean helicopter schools that align themselves with student financing programs better their chance to grow their business. The two most prominent safe havens for helicopter flight training providers have been colleges and universi- ties, as well as U.S. Armed Forces pro- grams offering veteran educational benefits. Of course this all sounds well and dandy,


but aligning with these institutions requires a massive amount of investment in both time and dollars. Having a training cur- riculum approved under FAR Part 141, so that you may provide programs to veterans, is no easy task. Taking that one step fur- ther, integrating a flight-training program into a degree program at a college or uni- versity can add a massive layer of work, record keeping, and responsibility. Elite is not only FAR Part 141 approved,


but it also has relationships with not one, but three colleges. These symbiotic rela- tionships between the flight schools, the FAA, and the colleges have actually been a savior for the helicopter training industry in more ways than one. First, they improve the quality of the end


product, the pilot, and that is really good for both the customer and the industry. The FAA and colleges all impose higher stan- dards on flight schools and force them to put in systems of accountability. In other words, if you want access to the training dollars, you must meet higher standards. A second advantage created by symbi-


otic relationships is that they provide a strategic avenue for helicopter training companies to market and grow their busi- nesses and produce quality pilots for the in- dustry. Naturally, the owners of Elite understood this dynamic from the begin- ning and built it into their business plan. When it comes to training curriculum,


Elite hangs its hat where it “FITS.” The FAA / Industry Training Standards (FITS) program is a partnership between the FAA, industry, and academia, designed to en- hance general aviation safety. This is ac- complished by developing flight-training programs that are more convenient, more accessible, less expensive, and more rele- vant to today’s users of the National Air- space System.


rotorcraftpro.com 41


All FITS products are non-regulatory


and incentive driven. FITS is focused on the redesign of general aviation training. Instead of training pilots to pass practical test, FITS focuses on expertly manage real- world challenges. Scenario Based Training (SBT) is used to enhance the pilot’s aero- nautical decision making, risk management, and single pilot resource management skills. Elite was the first flight training or- ganization in the world to offer both fixed- wing and helicopter SBT training programs. Another key component of the Elite


business plan revolves around the concept of diversity. Yes, flight training is their core business, but their intuition led them to look at other areas in which they can leverage their expertise and flying assets. In addition to flight training, they also provide aircraft management and sales brokerage services. Being in the heart of Las Vegas, a haven for helicopter tourists, they have also be- come approved by the FAA as a helicopter


tour operator, which allows them to offer the popular “Vegas Strip” night aerial tours. Smartly, Elite’s owners are not only tak-


ing into consideration their core competen- cies when chasing down new areas for business expansion, but they also are look- ing at geographic areas where growth po- tential may lie --- like China. Last year, the Elite team spent several weeks in China ex- ploring opportunities in that giant market, which is still in its infancy. The Chinese market is a sleeping giant, which is now being awakened by capitalism and the cre- ation of aviation regulations and airspace. Out of that trip was born a partnership, in which hundreds of Chinese can be sent to Elite every year for fixed-wing and/or hel- icopter training to fill that country’s de- mand for professional aviators. If past performance is any indicator of


future results, Elite will take its fixed-wing experience and continue to build success in the helicopter market. So, from an out- sider’s perspective, things seem to indeed be looking up for Elite Flight Training and Management.


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