Agenda

May 20th, 2026

Golf Tournament Only
11:00AM - 1:00PM
Tournament Lunch
12:30PM - 5:00PM
Tournament
Exhibitor Set Up
3:00PM - 6:00PM
Set Up
Registration
4:00PM - 7:00PM
Get your wristband to access AeroQuest at registration located in front of Majestic 5
AeroQuest Welcome Reception at Aviator Zone North Perry
6:30PM
Buses Departs
7:00 PM - 10:00PM
Welcome Reception

May 21st – Main Track

8:00AM
Registration and Exhibit Hall Opens
9:00AM - 9:15AM 
Opening Remarks
9:15AM - 10:00AM
Keynote Speaker - Stephanie Goetz
10:00AM - 10:30AM
Networking Break 
10:30AM - 11:15AM
Making Flight Training Affordable: How MOSAIC is Transforming the Industry

The future of flight training is changing, and affordability is at the center of it. This session explores how the MOSAIC rule is poised to reshape the way people learn to fly, making training more accessible and cost-effective. Attendees will learn how flight schools can adapt programs to lower costs for students and borrowers, rethink scheduling and training structures, and leverage new opportunities to expand enrollment. The discussion will highlight practical strategies for managing expenses while maintaining high-quality training, helping schools position themselves for growth in an evolving regulatory and financial landscape.

11:15AM - 11:30AM
Networking Break
11:30AM - 12:15PM
Mastering the Mind: The Mental Game of Flight Training and Performance

Flying isn’t just a technical skill—it’s a mental game. Decision-making under pressure, situational awareness, stress management, and resilience are critical skills that separate good pilots from great pilots. This session explores the psychological demands of flight training and how flight schools can integrate mental performance strategies into their programs.
· Techniques for developing focus, situational awareness, and decision-making skills in students.
· Tools and programs that improve mental resilience and reduce burnout.
· How mental skills training can accelerate learning, improve safety, and prepare students for airline careers.
Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to incorporate mental performance training into their curriculum, helping students succeed both in the cockpit and in their careers.

12:15PM - 1:15PM 
Lunch
1:15PM - 2:00PM
Industry Update with Lee Collins, NFTA
2:00PM - 2:30PM
Networking Break
2:30PM - 3:30PM
Building Airline Partnerships: Creating Pathways for Students

Building strong airline and collegiate program partnerships is key to addressing the pilot shortage and creating clear, career-ready pathways for students. This session explores how flight schools, universities, and airlines can collaborate to align training with industry needs, enhance student recruitment and retention, and provide financial and mentorship support. Attendees will learn best practices for developing programs that connect education to employment, strengthening the aviation talent pipeline and preparing the next generation of professional pilots.

3:30PM - 4:00PM
Networking Break
4:00PM - 5:00PM
Part 141 Modernization: Adapting Your Flight School for Today's Regulatory Landscape

Part 141 flight schools have long been seen as the gold standard in structured pilot training—but regulations and industry expectations are evolving. This session explores the modernization of Part 141, including updates that affect curriculum flexibility, student training paths, and operational compliance. Attendees will learn how to adapt their programs to meet new standards while maintaining efficiency, safety, and student satisfaction. Practical strategies will cover curriculum design, instructor development, and leveraging technology to streamline compliance, helping schools stay competitive and attractive to students in a changing regulatory environment.

May 22nd – Main Track

8:00AM
Registration and Exhibit Hall Open
9:00AM - 10:00AM
Profit in the Air: Calculating ROI on Students and Aircraft

Understand the true ROI of your students and fleet. Analyze revenue, operational costs, and investment priorities to make data-driven decisions that maximize profitability and student success.

10:00AM - 10:45AM
Speed Networking
11:00AM - 12:00PM
Flying Smarter: Unlocking Cost Savings with AI in Flight Training

Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic idea—it’s reshaping how flight schools operate today. From streamlining back-office tasks with automation to improving scheduling efficiency and enhancing student learning through AI-assisted CFI training tools, the potential for cost savings is enormous. This session will explore practical, real-world applications of AI across every part of a flight school. Attendees will learn how to reduce overhead, optimize resources, and boost instructor productivity without compromising safety or student experience. Whether you’re new to AI or already experimenting with it, you’ll gain insight into tools and strategies that can make your school more efficient and more profitable.

12:00PM - 1:00PM
Lunch
1:00PM - 2:00PM
Kit Darby Presentation: US Airline Pilot Job Market and Career Values 2026
2:00PM - 2:30PM
Networking Break
2:30PM - 3:15PM
Cracking the VA Code: Unlocking Revenue Through Military-Funded Flight Training

Thousands of veterans are ready to launch aviation careers but accessing VA funding for flight training isn’t simple. This session reveals how flight schools can navigate the VA approval process, design compliant programs, and tap into a steady, government-backed source of revenue. Learn how to position your school to serve this motivated student base while building a sustainable new income stream that strengthens your bottom line.

3:15PM - 4:15PM
Closing Remarks & Reception

Student and CFI Track

May 21st – Student and CFI Track
8:00AM - 9:00AM
Registration and Exhibit Hall Opens
9:00AM - 10:00AM
Opening Remarks and Keynote – (Main Speaking Room)
10:00AM - 10:30AM
Networking Break (Exhibit Hall)
10:30AM - 11:15AM
CFI - Best Practices for Checkride Preparation presented by Karen Kalishek, NAFI (Palmetto Ballroom)

Pilot examinations are a critical milestone in any pilot’s journey, and proper preparation is key to success. Examiners apply the FAA's standards in determining whether a candidate is successful. Candidates and instructors often stress specific criteria rather than understanding the foundation of safety that underlies testing standards. This session will cover the best practices for helping your students prepare mentally and practically for their checkride, refocusing their mindset to consider the safety perspective in every item tested. From thorough flight planning to review of maneuvers and oral exam questions, you’ll learn how to guide them through the entire process with confidence and safety. Equip your students with the skills and mindset needed to not only pass their checkride but excel on it.

11:15AM - 11:30AM
Networking Break (Exhibit Hall)
11:30AM - 12:15PM
Student – Untraditional Solutions to Overcoming the #1 Barrier for Most Pilots: The Cost of Flight Training presented by Jamail Larkins, AviationStart (Palmetto Ballroom)

The secrets to discovering, applying, & winning scholarships to subsidize flight training. With more than $20 million in flight training scholarships available, Jamail Larkins, FAA Ambassador for Aviation Education & Founder of AviationStart, the largest aviation scholarship resource, students and CFI’s will learn the Pro-Tips for obtaining support to reach their dream career in aviation.

12:15PM - 1:15PM
Lunch
1:15PM - 2:00PM
Student - How AI Is Opening New Career Doors for Pilots presented by Tom Lelyo, AvSales Talent, LLC (Palmetto Ballroom)

AI is quietly opening doors to high-value aviation careers beyond the cockpit: charter sales, ops management, aviation business development, and more. This session shows pilots how 3 practical AI concepts can help you research opportunities, sharpen your personal brand, and land roles where your pilot insight becomes a competitive advantage. Stay in aviation. Expand your impact. No tech background required.

2:00PM - 2:30PM
Networking Break (Exhibit Hall)
2:30PM - 3:30PM
CFI - Debriefing That Drives Learning, Accountability, and Safety in Flight Training presented by Brandon Williams, Safety Leadership and Human Factors Speaker (Palmetto Ballroom)

Too many post-flight debriefs are rushed, vague, or skipped entirely—missing one of the most powerful tools for student growth and risk reduction. Based on the proven fighter pilot debrief process, this session explores how CFIs can use a structured debriefing methodology to turn every lesson into a learning advantage. Instructors will discuss how to create accountability without blame, identify root causes behind errors, reinforce sound decision-making, and tailor feedback to each student’s stage of development. Learn how consistent, high-quality debriefs accelerate progress, improve instructor effectiveness, and strengthen a proactive safety culture across the flight school.

3:30PM - 4:00PM
Networking Break (Exhibit Hall)
May 22nd – Student and CFI Track
8:00AM - 9:00AM
Registration and Exhibit Hall Open
9:00AM - 10:00AM
CFI – Tailoring Flight Training Through Better Briefings for Safety and Effectiveness presented by Brandon Williams, Safety Leadership and Human Factors Speaker (Palmetto Ballroom)

One-size-fits-all instruction is not the best path to safe and effective learning—and neither is a one-size-fits-all briefing. This session explores how CFIs can use a structured briefing methodology to tailor flight and ground training to each learner’s unique strengths, weaknesses, experience level, and learning style. Instructors will gain practical strategies for setting clear intent, aligning lesson objectives, identifying likely challenges, and adapting communication before each lesson begins. Learn how personalized, purposeful briefings can improve student engagement, accelerate progress, enhance decision-making, and build a stronger culture of safety.

10:00AM - 11:00AM
Speed Networking (Exhibit Hall)
11:00AM – 12:00PM
Student – Funding Your Flight Path: A Smarter Way to Pay for Training presented by Brandon Martini and Gustavo Sanchez-Sorondo, Stratus Financial (Palmetto Ballroom)

Flight training is not just an expense. It is an investment that requires planning, discipline, and the right financial strategy. In this session, Brandon Martini walks through how students should think about funding their training from day one.
From understanding total program costs to navigating financing options and avoiding common financial mistakes, this session focuses on how to position yourself for success before you ever step into the cockpit. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how to secure funding, manage it responsibly, and stay on track to complete their training without unnecessary delays.

12:00PM - 1:00PM
Lunch
1:00PM - 2:00PM
Kit Darby Presentation: US Airline Pilot Job Market and Career Values 2026
2:00PM - 2:30PM
Networking Break (Exhibit Hall)
2:30PM - 3:15PM
CFI - Managing Difficult Learners presented by Karen Kalishek, NAFI (Palmetto Ballroom)

Every instructor will face challenging students at some point which can cause safety risks. This session will provide you with practical tools for identifying and managing difficult behaviors, helping turn frustration and hazardous attitudes into productive learning moments. Learn techniques for identifying hazardous attitudes, maintaining patience, improving communication, and adapting your teaching methods to address risks while meeting individual needs. By the end of this interactive presentation, you will be better equipped to turn tough situations into educational safety opportunities for growth—for both you and your students.

3:15PM - 4:15PM
Closing Remarks & Reception

**All Panels are Subject to Change**