The Flight School Association of North America will launch “Learn to Fly Month,” in May 2017.

The new initiative is designed to help increase a dwindling U.S. civil pilot population and engage non-aviators to explore the wonders of flight along with the aviation and aerospace industry, according to association officials.

“One of the major goals of FSANA is to grow the pilot population,” said Bob Rockmaker, FSANA president. “Learn to Fly Month will be a significant opportunity to create a focused platform to achieve that goal. The long-term success of Learn to Fly Month will be beneficial for all who make their career in the aviation and aerospace industry.”

During the month of May 2017, flight schools will be encouraged to create their own programs for the public, which may include open houses, family aviation days, introductory ground schools, local air tours and all things related to attracting non-aviators to come out to the airport/heliport and engage with the industry.

By establishing a month-long window, at the local level, flight schools are afforded plenty of flexibility within their programs and schedules to promote learning to fly, coupled with public aviation and aerospace awareness, FSANA officials noted.

FSANA is in the process of assembling a Learn to Fly Month toolkit of opportunities and marketing tools for its members. The toolkit will include everything from planning strategies to community outreach ideas and financial assistance resources. FSANA members will also be listed on the FSANA website by state.

FSANA’s Learn to Fly Month initiative will reach a wide audience critical to building the pilot and aerospace industry, association officials said.. Through FSANA’s media networking efforts alone, the projected audience reach during the month is expected to be between 20 million and 40 million print impressions, coupled with an additional 10 million to 20 million E-views. A majority of the promotional campaign will be focused on non-aviation markets, officials added.