SANFORD, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The City of Sanford City Commission and the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners unanimously voted to approve a Jobs Growth Incentive (JGI) Agreement in the amount of $100,000 for Aerosim Flight Academy during regular commission meetings on March 9, 2015 and March 10, 2015 respectively.
The Jobs Growth Incentive Fund provides monetary incentives for qualified target industries and businesses. Incentive funds may be used for relocation, impact fees, permitting and any other legitimate business costs. Applicants must demonstrate the creation of high paying jobs and substantial capital investment to be eligible to receive funds and incentives are awarded on a case-by-case basis.
Through an Interlocal Agreement between Seminole County and the City of Sanford, the awarded funds will be used to recruit, hire and attract employees to Seminole County through direct grants of $2,000 for each new hire. As a result, a total of 50 jobs will be created within three years: 25 by the end of this year; 15 by the end of 2016 and 10 by the end of 2017.
With a rich, 26-year history of training airline pilots, Aerosim Flight Academy provides a multitude of FAA-approved flight training courses for Private Pilot, Multi-Engine, Instrument, Commercial and Certified Flight Instructor Licenses. Aerosim Flight Academy caters to students seeking a career in the airlines as a commercial pilot and those who wish to train at their own pace for recreational licenses, as well as providing recertification and type ratings to professional and private pilots alike. Aerosim Flight Academy provides a professional environment based on sophisticated airline standards, the latest training technology and a dedication to quality and safety.
“We are pleased to once again partner with the City of Sanford and an existing business to expand their business footprint in our community. As airports and airlines across the country and throughout the world continue to grow, so will the demand for pilots. Knowing they will be trained right here in our community is exciting! Having these additional instructors and students will create new business opportunities in Seminole County including; housing, hotel occupancy, retail and ancillary business spending,” said Seminole County Commission Chairman Brenda Carey.
“The aviation industry has been and continues to be one of the targeted sectors for Seminole County. We are excited to be a part of Aerosim Flight Academy’s business expansion efforts,” said Pamela Lynch, business development manager for Seminole County.
"We are extremely pleased that Aerosim Flight Academy has chosen the Orlando Sanford International Airport to train the next generation of pilots, either private or commercial. Aerosim's expansion is a great example of the type of business that we strive to recruit and grow in Sanford,” noted Bob Turk, director of economic development, City of Sanford.
“In the next 10 years, major airlines are expected to retire more than 40,000 pilots and nearly 90,000 in the next 20 years, creating tremendous employment opportunities for professional aviators. Vacancies at major airlines will be filled by regional airline pilots, and in-turn, regional airlines will need to fill vacancies with new pilots entering the industry,” said Hank Coates, Aerosim president and general manager of Aerosim Flight Academy.
In order to train its pilots, Aerosim Flight Academy requires Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) for Ground School, Simulator and Flight Training. Aerosim Flight Academy hires more than 90 percent of its own graduates as CFIs, yet, as one of the largest flight training schools in the U.S., also must recruit graduates from other academies and four-year institutions around the country.
“By hiring the additional 50 CFIs, Aerosim Flight Academy will be well-positioned to enroll an additional 150 students. Based on our targeted 3:1 instructor per student ratio, the academy will now have the staff required to grow its student body from 300 to near capacity levels of 450. These additional students will create new business opportunities in Seminole County including; housing, hotel occupancy, retail and ancillary business spending,” continued Coates.
Additionally, the new CFI hires and the 150 additional students will require Aerosim Flight Academy to implement on-site facility expansion and enhancement, purchase and lease additional aircraft and simulators and enhance student transportation, further bolstering Central Florida’s economy.
Committed to Aviation Training Excellence
Originally established in 1989 and based at the Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), Aerosim Flight Academy is the only flight school originally owned and operated by airlines Comair Airlines and Delta Air Lines. Today, under the name of Aerosim Flight Academy, the rich history of professional pilot training continues with flight training courses approved by the FAA under 14 CFR Part 141 and specialized flight training under 14 CFR Part 61.
Aerosim Flight Academy is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and provides a professional flight training environment based on sophisticated airline standards. The Academy has been recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration for its dedication to quality, safety, reliability, and performance and continually strives to turn students into successful airline pilots that exceed the expectations of airlines worldwide.
In its 26 years of operation, Aerosim Flight Academy has provided more than 2 million hours of flight instruction to more than 7,000 pilots and issued more than 20,000 licenses and certificates, while growing its reputation as one of the safest, most reliable flight academies in the world.
For further information about flight training and pathways to the airlines:
- Visit online at www.AFA.edu
- Take a virtual tour: tour.aerosim.com
- Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/aerosimflightschool,
- Follow on Twitter @Aerosim_Academy and on Instagram.
Editor’s Note: Executive interviews and images are available by contacting Laura E. Richeson, APR at 407.616.8108 or Laura@RichesonCommunications.com.
