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History & Mission

Serving the flight training industry since 2009

Founded in 2009 and, until recently, widely recognized as "FSANA," FSAI represents a wide range of independent flight training entities that serve aspiring aviators at every stage of pilot development, from the private pilot certificate through structured career pilot pathways. Our members are motivated and successful business operators who provide flight training in the United States and foreign countries.

On February 27, 2026, the Flight School Association of North America (FSANA) announced a name change to Flight School Association International (FSAI), reflecting the organization’s expanding global reach and growing international membership.
 
Through FSAI, the flight training industry has a voice which clearly represents the core foundation of the flight training segment within the aviation industry. FSAI identifies and establishes programs that are intended to help both new and existing flight schools as they deal with the multitude of work-scope issues they face on a daily basis.

Increasing the pilot population

Part of FSAI’s mission is providing a motivational platform for anyone interested in the exciting world of flight. Our sight is on increasing the pilot population by engaging passion-driven people at an early age. FSAI believes that the future of aviation and aerospace is with our young citizens and is dedicated to bringing these unique aero programs to your community in cooperation with local flight schools and member organizations. FSAI knows future pilots come in all ages so we have created avenues like our AeroCamp and AeroSolo programs to connect with everyone.
 
FSAI relies on membership and sponsoring partner revenues in order to operate and carry out its mission. You are encouraged to support FSAI in its achievements by becoming a member or supporting partner.
 
Please visit our Annual Supporting Partners page. FSAI is indebted to all the organizations you will find there. Please patronize them when you can.

Mission

The mission of FSAI is to:
  • Support, promote and advocate for the business of flight training;
  • Provide knowledge, programs and services that help its members thrive and better serve their customers and communities;
  • Foster best business practices;
  • Educate and inspire youth;
  • Increase the global pilot population;
  • Improve general aviation safety; and
  • Work in alliance with the aviation and aerospace industry.

Important functions

  • Provide marketing and promotion in support of its members
  • Provide its flight school members with practical benefits and resources for running their business
  • Accreditation program
  • Increase student starts and retention
  • Programs to enhance the flight training industry — including the Airline Pilot Pathway Program and Corporate Pilot Pathway Program
  • Reduce general aviation incident and accident rates
  • Create and encourage youth programs that keep individuals engaged in flight and aerospace from an early age into adulthood — shaping aviation’s future.
  • Develop stable sources of financing for flight students
  • Online flight school and supply chain locator

Highlights

Annual Conference
Every year FSAI conducts a conference focused on the business of flight training, bringing together flight schools, airlines, supply chain vendors, government officials, and others whose common interest is the flight training industry. Loaded with diverse session choices.
 
Flight Training News
Every month FSAI emails its popular, Flight Trainng News, to a wide audience of members, government officials, aviation and aerospace business persons and the interested public.
 
Flight School Education
FSAI offers assistance and guidance to flight schools as they start up, develop and expand. The goal is to make each flight training business a successful business.
 
Association Committees
FSAI includes a committee structure which encourages members to participate and help develop programs and policies for the betterment of the industry.
 
Aero Youth Programs
FSAI is changing the face of aviation. FSAI believes that the future of aviation and aerospace is with our young citizens and is dedicated to bringing unique youth-oriented programs to all communities in cooperation with local flight schools and member organizations. FSAI invites all youth to join the organization. We are ever-committed to bringing you more and more content and programs as our youth movement grows. Already many of you are enjoying our AeroCamp and AeroChapter programs. Stick around.
 
AeroCamp is our premiere Aero program. AeroCamp is a day camp program run by FSAI-member schools during summer and off-season months. AeroCamp is a stepping stone to further both flight and aerospace education.
 
Learn to Fly Month
Learn to Fly Month is the largest national/international campaign FSAI has ever launched. Taking place annually — May 1-31 — Learn to Fly Month is a month-long initiative aimed at the general public and all ages. FSAI encourages every flight school to engage, not just FSAI member schools.

Annual Designated Pilot Examiners Symposium
The DPE Symposium brings DPEs together every year to help standardization, help individuals who might be interested in becoming DPEs learn more about the process and potential, and bring FAA staff together with attendees to share information about FAA efforts, DPE practices, and currency. DPEs, flight school operators, chief flight instructors, FAA staff, and persons serious about becoming a DPE have all found the event an industry revelation.