John O’Brien Vice President of Maintenance and Operations Delta Connection Academy The Challenges and Opportunities Faced by Flight Academies

Delta Connection Academy –96 aircraft –200 Certified Flight Instructors –50 Aircraft Technicians –700 Students

Pilot Shortage Quick Fix: Mandatory retirement age increase from 60 to 65

Our Challenges Finding students with a passion for flying

Our Challenges Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger "I don't know a single professional pilot who would recommend that their children follow in their footsteps.” -Interview In February with CBS’s Katie Couric

Military Flight Experience % 100% 50% 25% Percentage of pilots hired with previous military experience 90% 30%

Financial Aid Challenges

Financial Opportunities Alternative ways to provide financial aid: - airline sponsorships; - alumni scholarships and Continuation of accreditation status Continuation of Governmental Approvals

Managing Challenges Historical Hiring Pattern of DCA Graduates Prior to 2008 Hiring Pattern Early 2008 Hiring Pattern Since June 2008

Managing Challenges Instructor pool is growing Domestic Class Sizes Shrinking

Preparing For The Future If history is an indication of the future, two years from now we will once again face the need for highly skilled pilots.

Preparing Tomorrows Pilots FITS Scenario Based Decision Making Risk Management Single Pilot Resource Management

Our New Fleet Advanced Glass Cockpit Autopilot Faster new fleet of Cirrus SR 20 aircraft

Preparing Tomorrows Pilots High altitude computer based simulation training

In Closing… Now is the Time !

John O’Brien Vice President of Maintenance and Operations Delta Connection Academy