AeroGuard Flight Training Center, a prominent flight school in Arizona, is set to significantly expand its fleet with the addition of 90 Piper Archer aircraft.
This substantial order from Piper Aircraft will more than double AeroGuard’s current fleet, taking the total number of aircraft to over 200. This move is in response to the increasing demand for pilot training and AeroGuard’s recent growth in its training courses. The flight training center recently expanded its Phoenix, Arizona, location by 30%, including the addition of a new building, to further support its growing operations.
With the new aircraft, AeroGuard aims to boost its capacity to train over 2,000 student pilots annually across its three U.S. campuses. The expansion is designed to prepare these students for professional careers in commercial aviation. Joel Davidson, CEO of AeroGuard, emphasised the importance of this investment in enhancing the quality of training and accommodating a larger number of student pilots and airline cadets.
AeroGuard has experienced a significant increase in enrollment this year, particularly in its domestic training programs. Its Pilot Pathway Program, in collaboration with SkyWest Airlines, offers students a structured route into the aviation industry, including guaranteed interviews, mentorship, and tuition reimbursements. Additionally, AeroGuard’s partnership with Arizona State University for the Professional Flight degree program enables students to graduate with both a bachelor’s degree and the necessary FAA ratings and certifications to become commercial pilots.
The new Piper Archers are scheduled for delivery starting in 2024 and will be instrumental in enhancing AeroGuard’s accelerated training programs. These additions will also support the flight training center’s focus on safety and quality education. Over 7,000 cadets have been trained across over 1 million flying hours.