Flying schools in the USA have suffered a 20% drop in business since 11 September, with those reliant on foreign students worst hit, according to the National Air Transportation Association (NATA).
Schools in the no-fly zones around Boston, New York and Washington DC have still not been compensated by the government since temporary flight restrictions on general aviation flights were imposed after 11 September, says NATA president James Coyne.
Other schools have the problem of overseas students being denied visas. He estimates that around 12 schools have closed countrywide as a result of the attacks - and many others are in serious difficulty.
However, the GA sector as a whole is recovering, says NATA, which represents 2,000 aviation services companies.
"In the last month, activity has come back strongly, with 97% of airports back to normal," says Coyne. "By the second quarter we should be back to growth"
The sector is benefiting from the decision by airlines to cut services to "second- and third-tier" cities in the USA, as business people turn to charter companies operating from smaller airports.
Source: Flight International
