Springs Aviation

What Springs Aviation does

Springs Aviation is a family-owned FAA Part 61 flight school headquartered at Meadow Lake Airport (KFLY) in Peyton, Colorado, serving the Colorado Front Range since 1995. Founded by Bobby Hosmer, who continues to serve as Owner and Certified Flight Instructor, the company operates the Rudy Welch General Aviation Terminal and FBO, maintaining a fleet of 10+ meticulously serviced Cessna aircraft (172P/L/N/R/XP and 182P/RG models) and a staff of approximately 20 personnel, including multi-rated CFIs, inspection-authorized A&P mechanics, and operations staff.

The company's product portfolio covers the full pilot certification arc, from introductory Discovery Flights ($203-270) and a six-week Private Pilot Ground School ($479) through Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, and Certified Flight Instructor certificates, plus specialized Mountain Flying training in the Colorado Rockies and Complex/High-Performance Endorsements. Technical assets center on an FAA-approved CRX MAX Advanced Aviation Training Device simulator with 40+ aircraft configurations, ForeFlight iPad integration, and PilotEdge Live ATC support, enabling loggable instrument training at $75-90/hour independent of aircraft availability. Ancillary services include an FAA-approved on-site testing center via Talogy ($175 per written exam), external aircraft maintenance through Springs Aircraft Services ($125/hour), gift certificates, financing through Flight Training Finance, and military/first responder discounts.

Revenue is generated primarily on a usage-based model across flight instruction ($60-65/hour), aircraft rental ($183-250/hour wet), simulator time, maintenance, and FAA testing, supplemented by bundled Pre-Pay packages such as the Private Pilot Pre-Pay Offer at $16,400. The customer base consists of aspiring pilots, advanced-rating seekers, helicopter pilots transitioning to fixed-wing, military/first responders, and gift buyers, all acquired via direct-to-consumer channels including the FBO, the SEO-optimized website, phone inquiries, and partnerships with Quest Pilot Supplies. The business is privately held with no venture or private equity backing and serves only the Colorado Front Range.

Name

Springs Aviation

Legal name

Springs Aviation

Website

https://springsaviation.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Springs Aviation is a family-owned FAA Part 61 flight school at Meadow Lake Airport in Peyton, Colorado, providing pilot training, aircraft rental, simulator training, FAA testing, and maintenance to aspiring and certified pilots in the Colorado Front Range region.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Flight Training Services

NAICS

Flight Training (611512), Airport Operations (48811)

SIC

Airports, Flying Fields & Airport Terminal Services (4581)

akta.pro primary industry

Aviation & Aerospace (EDABALAC)

Keywords

• Flight training services
• Pilot certification programs
• Aircraft rental services
• FAA testing center
• Mountain flying courses

Headquarters

HQ city

Peyton

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Flight Training Services: Core revenue stream from providing flight instruction for Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, and Certified Flight Instructor certificates. Charged per hour of instructor time at $60-65/hour depending on certification level.
2. Aircraft Rental: Hourly aircraft rental revenue from a fleet of 10+ Cessna aircraft. Wet rates range from $183-250/hour depending on aircraft type. Includes aircraft equipped for VFR and IFR training operations.
3. Financing Partnership Revenue: Partnership with Flight Training Finance to offer student financing options. While not a direct revenue stream, this enables higher-priced training packages and increases customer conversion.
4. Ground School: Comprehensive six-week ground school classes meeting twice weekly for $479, includes discovery flight and instructor-led curriculum covering all private pilot knowledge areas.
5. FAA Testing: FAA-approved testing site offering all FAA written examinations for $175 per exam. Students schedule through Talogy's online platform.
6. Aircraft Maintenance Services: Expert aircraft maintenance and repairs offered for external aircraft owners. Shop rate of $125/hour for inspection-authorized mechanics. Specializes in Cessna aircraft.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Springs Aviation is a Part 61 flight school providing pilot training from discovery flights through Certified Flight Instructor certifications, using a fleet of 10+ Cessna aircraft and an FAA-approved CRX MAX AATD simulator. The company also operates an on-site FAA testing center, offers aircraft rental, specialized mountain flying courses, and aircraft maintenance services for Cessna aircraft, all delivered from its integrated FBO location at Meadow Lake Airport in Peyton, Colorado.

Product overview

Springs Aviation is a family-owned Part 61 flight school headquartered at Meadow Lake Airport (KFLY) in Peyton, Colorado, offering a comprehensive suite of aviation training services. The core product portfolio centers on flight training programs including Discovery Flights (introductory experiences), Private Pilot Ground School (6-week comprehensive course), and full pilot certificate programs progressing from Private Pilot through Commercial Pilot, Instrument Rating, and Certified Flight Instructor certifications. The company operates an FAA-approved testing center for all written examinations, maintains a fleet of 10+ meticulously serviced Cessna aircraft (172P/L/N/R/XP and 182P/RG models) available for rental from $183-250/hour wet, and offers specialized training including a Mountain Flying Course and Complex/High-Performance Endorsement training using their FAA-approved CRX MAX Advanced Aviation Training Device simulator. Additional services include aircraft maintenance (Springs Aircraft Services), gift certificates, financing partnerships, and military/first responder discounts. The training ecosystem is designed as a progression from discovery through career-ready certification, with pre-pay package options bundling flight hours, instruction, and ground school at discounted rates.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Discovery Flights Introductory 50-60 minute hands-on flying experiences for aspiring pilots and curious individuals, featuring pre-flight briefing and post-flight debriefing. Offered in Classic ($203) and Advanced ($270, includes 50-60 minute flight plus 1 hour ground training) tiers, with additional passengers at $25 each. Ideal for those exploring aviation interest before committing to full training.
• Private Pilot Ground School Comprehensive six-week ground school class meeting Tuesday and Thursday 6-9 PM, covering aerodynamics, navigation, cross-country flight planning, weather theory, and FAA regulations. Includes free discovery flight and Springs Aviation T-shirt. Priced at $479 and serves as the classroom foundation for Private Pilot certification candidates.
• Private Pilot Certificate Program FAA Part 61 certification program enabling pilots to fly VFR without restrictions, carry multiple passengers, and operate at night. Requires minimum 40 hours flight time (typically 50-70 hours nationally). Offered to aspiring pilots through personalized instruction on Springs Aviation's Cessna fleet.
• Instrument Rating Program Advanced Part 61 training program enabling pilots to operate under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), navigating and controlling aircraft using cockpit instruments only. Requires 50 hours PIC time and 40 hours simulated or actual instrument time. Targeted at private pilots pursuing IFR certification.
• Commercial Pilot Certificate Program FAA Part 61 certification program preparing pilots for aviation careers. Requires 250 hours total flight time including 100 hours powered aircraft, 50 hours PIC in airplanes, and 50 hours cross-country time. Targets pilots pursuing professional aviation employment.
• Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Program Instructor certification program providing initial and instrument instructor ratings (CFI/CFII), plus ground instructor certifications (AGI/IGI). Prepares certified pilots to mentor future aviators as flight instructors.
• Mountain Flying Course Specialized high-altitude mountain flying training including 2-3 hours ground instruction covering performance, weather, flight planning, and mountain emergencies, plus 4-5 hour flight tour through Colorado Rockies (Salida, Aspen, Glenwood Springs, Leadville). Requires Private Pilot Certificate prerequisite. Price varies with flight time.
• CRX MAX Flight Simulator Training FAA-approved Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD) simulator training allowing pilots to log instruction hours toward certificates and ratings. Features 40+ aircraft configurations including twins, ForeFlight iPad integration, and PilotEdge Live ATC for realistic ATC scenarios. Dual training $75/hour plus instructor fee; independent simulator use $90/hour after checkout. Enables year-round training including instrument currency renewal and IPC procedures.
• Complex & High-Performance Endorsements FAA 14 CFR 61.31 logbook endorsements required for pilots to operate aircraft with retractable landing gear (complex) or engines over 200 horsepower (high-performance). Springs Aviation uses Cessna 182 and 172XP aircraft for high-performance training.
• FAA Testing Services FAA-approved testing center offering all FAA written examinations including Private, Recreational, Sport, Instrument, Commercial Pilot, CFI ratings, ATP, and Part 107 Remote Pilot exams. $175 per exam with scheduling through the Talogy online platform. Requires IACRA FTN number for booking.
• Aircraft Rental (Cessna Fleet) Hourly wet-rate rental of 10+ meticulously maintained Cessna aircraft including 172P/L/N/R/XP and 182P/RG models. Rates range from $183/hour (Cessna 172P/L standard trainers) to $250/hour (Cessna 182P 'Forest' with STOL kit and full avionics upgrade). Includes fuel and oil. Overnight rentals available on select aircraft. Available for personal flying and cross-country trips.
• Springs Aircraft Services (Maintenance & Repair) Aircraft maintenance and repair services for external Cessna aircraft owners using inspection-authorized mechanics. Shop rate of $125/hour. Specializes in Cessna airframes and powerplants with A&P/IA-certified staff. Availability limited due to training fleet commitments.

Quantifiable outcome

• Private Pilot Pre-Pay Offer saves $2,175 compared to pay-as-you-go ($16,400 vs $18,575)
• +1 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• TalogycoreTechnology or IntegrationFAA-approved testing partner providing online scheduling and payment platform for all FAA written examinations at Springs Aviation testing site. Students must use Talogy's website to schedule tests using their IACRA FTN number.
• Skywatch.aiminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorShort-term renters insurance provider offering daily, weekly, or monthly coverage terms tailored for infrequent aircraft use. Provides affordable coverage options for pilots using Springs Aviation aircraft.
• AvemcominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDirect aircraft insurance provider offering personalized liability and hull coverage with instant approval from aviation specialists. Recommended for solo flight insurance requirements.
• Starr AviationminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAviation insurance provider offering customized property and casualty insurance solutions addressing unique industry risks.
• Quest Pilot SuppliescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-located pilot supply shop offering equipment, books, charts, and gear needed for flight training. Provides recommended materials for ground school curriculum. Sold as integrated offering through Springs Aviation's merchandise and course material recommendations.
• KFLY FBO (Meadow Lake Airport)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFixed Base Operator services at Meadow Lake Airport. Springs Aviation operates the Rudy Welch General Aviation Terminal and FBO, providing seamless services for flight training customers including aircraft fueling and parking.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• CAE: Global aviation training leader operating flight academies and a large simulator fleet across commercial, business, and defense aviation. Overlaps with Springs Aviation on flight training and simulator-based instruction, but at materially larger scale and broader customer set.
• FlightSafety International: Corporate aviation training leader with a global simulator network focused on advanced aircraft types and recurrent training. Adjacent rather than head-to-head, but its simulator-based instructor model intersects with Springs Aviation's CRX MAX offering.

Direct peers

• BlueLine Aviation: Southeast US flight school operating a Cessna fleet with full certificate and rating programs plus aircraft rental. Closely comparable operating model, fleet profile, and pilot-pipeline focus to Springs Aviation.
• Thrust Flight: Texas-based Part 61 flight school with multiple locations, Cessna fleet, and a similar certificate/rental/financing mix. Directly comparable on pricing transparency, fleet composition, and accelerated career-track offerings.
• ATP Flight School: Largest US flight training chain operating 80+ locations with a Cessna-dominated fleet and a full certification ladder from Private Pilot through CFI/ATP. Directly comparable on product mix, fleet, and customer segment, but materially larger and more geographically diversified.
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: University-based aviation institution offering private pilot through ATP certification, including CFI programs, with its own fleet. Comparable on the career-pilot curriculum and certification ladder, but adds a degree-granting structure Springs Aviation does not.
• American Flyers: Established multi-location flight school offering private pilot, instrument, commercial, and CFI programs with on-site testing and aircraft rental. Closely aligned with Springs Aviation on curriculum structure, fleet mix, and FAA testing integration.
• Hillsboro Aviation: Pacific Northwest flight school and FBO operating integrated training, aircraft rental, and maintenance services from a single airport base. Highly analogous vertically integrated operating model targeting a regional pilot pipeline.
• Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology: Aviation college providing pilot certificates and ratings (private through CFI/ATP) alongside maintenance training. Comparable career-path curriculum and instructor pipeline, with degree structure as a differentiator.

Emerging players

• Sling Pilot Academy: Newer accelerated flight academy targeting career pilots with structured private-to-commercial pathways. Comparable on career-track certification programs and pricing transparency, though typically with a different geographic footprint and fleet composition.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/springs-aviation

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Springs Aviation