John OBrien 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 CBSs 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 OBrien Vice President of Maintenance and Operations Delta Connection Academy