East Coast Aero Club, Inc. 3.96

In 1985, we set out to achieve one major goal: to offer a flight training solution that ensured the greatest level of safety while providing students with the highest degree of cost effectiveness. We started from humble roots, operating only one airplane and utilizing a scheduling system which consisted of a sign-up sheet in a mailbox. We recognized that in order to reach our goal, we could never spare on maintenance expenses, but frugality in other areas would ensure our ability to offer the lowest prices possible until we could grow our business and enjoy the economies of scale that very few flight schools survive to recognize.

This model took discipline, but after experiencing decades of growth and prosperity in the industry, it is clear that it was worth our while. Today we are the largest and most respected flight school in the northeast, with three locations and over forty-five aircraft; including an expanding fleet of helicopters. We operate our own maintenance department with over seven full-time airframe and powerplant mechanics. We also employ over forty flight instructors and office staff.

Despite our prominent position in the industry, we are constantly striving to improve. We spent over $200,000 every year in new aircraft acquisitions, engine replacements and avionics upgrades. We also work to ensure that we provide our students with the experience they need to stay on the cutting edge of the aviation industry. This is evidenced by our acquisition of many technologically advanced aircraft: a 2008 Diamond DA40 with Garmin G1000, a 2008 Cessna Skylane with Garmin G1000 and a fleet of SR22's with both Garmin Perspective and Avidyne Entegra.