Envisions A Chain Of Franchised Operations

Martin, a “business consultant” from Akron, Ohio, says the fundamental problem with flight training is that it’s carried out independently by hundreds of “mom and pop” schools scattered at small airports all over the country. His answer is a chain of up to 250 franchised schools all teaching the same comprehensive curriculum. Martin claims that economies of scale will make his model more efficient and reduce instruction and insurance costs. In a nutshell, his plan is to give students 49 lessons over the course of a year as they simultaneously earn their private certificate and instrument rating. His plans came to light in Lancaster because he plans to build the company’s $5 million “world headquarters” at the Lancaster Airport and he needs the approval of local authorities. By our deadline, Martin hadn’t answered our e-mail request for an interview. The company Web site doesn’t give any insight into just how the enterprise will be funded. So far, the company appears to have two principals, Martin and his brother Darin. Most of the pages on the Web site are still under construction and the only way to contact the company is via an e-mail response form.