The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has joined other aviation groups and US lawmakers to seek financial relief for 2,400 US flight schools hit by the strict visual flight rule (VFR) restrictions imposed after the 11 September terrorist attacks on the USA. While under consideration, no bailout measure has yet been introduced.
Although the Federal Aviation Administration lifted many of the restrictions on VFR general aviation flights on 21 September, including flight training, the move has already taken its toll, says GAMA. A number of regions remain under tight control and nearly 600 airports and landing areas are either closed or providing limited operations.
Ed Bolen, GAMA president, says US flight schools are "in a financial crisis" with many "sustaining losses [up to $15 million a day], too great to recover." One general aviation manufacturer believes that up to 45% of flight schools could close in weeks unless the situation improves, while the National Association of Flight Instructors says the economic impact from the national security measures has placed "the survival of the entire industry in serious doubt".
Source: Airline Business
