The nationwide network of 275 Cessna Pilot Centers will work with a new AOPA program to help student pilots access financing for their flight training, Cessna announced this week. The program can help students access up to $25,000 in loans for training. “The AOPA program is a great opportunity for people who have always wanted to learn to fly, but felt the cost was a barrier,” said Tom Aniello, Cessna VP of marketing. The company also is offering a new configuration of the Skyhawk for flight schools, replacing the rear seats with a single, forward-facing seat placed just behind and in the middle of the pilot and co-pilot seats. The new position makes it easier for a second student to ride along in back on training flights and get a better view of the flight deck, allowing the student to be more involved in the flight. The configuration change also adds 27 pounds to the useful load.
Cessna also said it is making plans to host a flight instructor safety stand-down May 30-31 in St. Louis, Mo. The company will preview the event during flight instructor forums this week at Sun ‘n Fun. The 18-hour course will serve as a flight instructor refresher clinic and also a training event for new instructors. The course will focus on using new technology to enhance aviation safety.
