Incentives for students....

[ QUOTE ]
On the other hand, most schools offer 'discovery flights' at $49.99 each. What Lloyd is pointing out is that offering coupons and deals may result in more training from that individual or a recommendation that leads to a new student. If you are known to go above and beyond, you're going to generate more business and make more profit.

[/ QUOTE ]

There ya go. That was my point, too. It has nothing to do with working for free or bringing down the profession. Those things just happen to crop up when you talk about any kind of monetary incentives or price breaks. It's kinda of a double standard in my view. It's okay for FBOs to offer reduced flights to attract students, but not for CFIs.
 
[ QUOTE ]
In the end, we gained VERY little business from the intro flights. Some of our business was built in through a flying club, and nearly all of the rest from word of mouth that we were the best, not because we gave away money.

[/ QUOTE ]

I must be a good sales man - so far ~50% of my discovery flights have become students with me.
nana2.gif


Though I disagree with Lloyd personally (I need all of the hourly income I can garner), I wanted to note that his approach isn't really invalid, just a different path than what I'd take.
 
[ QUOTE ]

I must be a good sales man - so far ~50% of my discovery flights have become students with me.
nana2.gif



[/ QUOTE ]

I've had alot of success with Disco flights, too! It's all about marketing. Of course, some of the Disco flights are actually people just wanting to take a sightseeing flight...I don't count those, as I never even try to sell flight training to these folks!

[ QUOTE ]

Though I disagree with Lloyd personally (I need all of the hourly income I can garner), I wanted to note that his approach isn't really invalid, just a different path than what I'd take.

[/ QUOTE ]

Don't worry - there are more than a few people that disagree with me!!!
wink.gif


Tell me this . . .At my flight school, I'm the only flight instructor willing to fly at 0500 or 0600, or on Sunday mornings. Everybody else want their "Quality of Life". I'm willing to give some of that up to keep the students happy.

Am I "bringing down the industry" by going out of my way and sacrificing to take care of my students?
 
I flew at any time of day for my students. I saw it as part of the job. However if I were a part-time instructor then I probably wouldn't feel the obligation as much.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Am I "bringing down the industry" by going out of my way and sacrificing to take care of my students?

[/ QUOTE ]

No - customer service is seriously lacking in some places but it's like that in every industry. I picked up a presolo student recently who was getting discouraged because he'd rarely flown in smooth, calm conditions. When I suggested we meet at 7am, he said, 'I didn't think anyone come in that early.'! Absolutely floored me! On my work days, I'll be there any time a student wants to accomodate them. My days off I gotta spend with my little girl though.
spin2.gif
 
I agree, gt. However, if I (just as alot of instructors . . .) really enjoy my weekends, and really enjoy sleeping until 9, that's inportant to us. I could say something like, "I am and always have been an advocate for QOL for CFI's" (that was for you Greg...
wink.gif
). Now, you're screwing up my QOL by trying to retain students by being more flexible with your schedule.

Sounds silly, though, eh?
 
The past few weeks my average day has been:

arrive @ airport around 0700

leave airport somewhere between 1900 - 2200

the occasional 0030 - 0400 for the late night checkouts....those hurt when you need to be back again at zero dark thirty

makes for long days, but I've logged over 40 hours since March 30th!!!!

All work and no play makes Matt a tired boy........but the logbook and the paycheck both look good
bandit.gif
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top