Our primary mission at SAFE is “Promoting Excellence in Aviation Education.” This includes our mentoring and educational programs, developing scholarship programs, promoting STEM education and providing CFI tools like our free “SAFE Toolkit App” to help all flight educators. By raising educators to a more professional level, all of aviation benefits and safety is enhanced. A disproportionate number of SAFE educators continue further to achieve and maintain Master Instructor Certification, far exceeding the FAA required level of currency and professionalism.

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The AOPA Flight Training Poll dovetails perfectly with our mission at SAFE. Their carefully constructed online survey recognizes and promotes the high-performers in our aviation industry. This is much more than a simple popularity contest. (I was guilty of making this accusation) The team at AOPA has gone to great lengths to scientifically calibrate the survey and weigh the results to defeat attempts to “game” the system. They have gathered real data on what makes CFIs and flight schools the top performers. Their analysis behind this survey reveals impressive and useful information for all serious aviation providers.

Read through “The Flight Training Experience” and discover what students in aviation are *really* seeking. What is the #1 cause of students dropping out? I guarantee the results are not what you would guess. A lack of care, concern and professionalism in the flight training staff is often the primary reason for students leaving! The number one driver of a positive flight training experience and a professional, effective CFI! (another reason to join SAFE if you haven’t)

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If you want to turbo-charge your flight operation, read what inspires and motivates flight students and converts them into lively promoters of your brand. The AOPA has also published a series of field guides (available free online), based on this data to help the student, the instructor and the flight schools better optimize their performance and work toward aviation excellence.

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Please login and take the 2016  Flight Training Poll. This carefully calibrated data allows all of us to do a better job as schools and instructors providing excellence in aviation education. You do not need to be a student pilot to participate. If you have taken any dual recently (and I hope you have) your input would be greatly appreciated and helpful…thanks!

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About the author 

David St. George (Lifetime Member)

David St. George learned to fly at Flanders Valley Airport in 1970. Proving that everyone is eventually trainable, he became an FAA Gold Seal Flight Instructor for airplanes (single and multi, instrument, and glider) and serves the Rochester FSDO as an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner. In this capacity, he gives flight tests at any level from sport pilot to ATP and CFI. For 25 years David was East Hill Flying Club's 141 Chief Instructor and manager. David holds multi and single engine ATP pilot certificates, with pilot ratings for glider and seaplane and several jet type ratings. He recently earned his 13th renewal as a Master Instructor and owns an Aeronca Champ so he can build hours for that airline job! http://learnturbine.com

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