Sport Aviation Marketing

Expanding Sport Aviation Through Local Media

May 15th, 2006

A while back I set up a few news alerts through Google. Using keywords such as “general aviation” and “sport pilot” Google dutifully sends me an email once per day containing links to stories from around the country that contain the terms. While many of the links contained in the news alerts are irrelevant (for example, the Honda “Pilot” SUV is often described as “sport”-y), many are fantastic. Here is a quick sample from the last week or so:

Free as a bird
A writer from the Calgary Sun takes an “uplifting” flight in a sailplane.

MN Airstrip Rises From Cornfield in WWII
This story by WCCO TV covers the history of the Stanton airport, just outside of the Twin Cities. It includes mention of Sport Pilot and contains quite a bit of footage of what appears to be a Flight Design CT.

The Ups and Downs of a Reporter’s Flying Lesson
Bob Cox from the Fort Worth Star Telegram goes for a lesson through AOPA’s Project Pilot program. While somewhat reluctant, Cox gives a favorable impression and recognizes the sense of empowerment that aviation delivers.

Stories such as these are fantastic. I can’t help but wonder what would happen if each flight school, FBO owner, and aircraft dealer tried to get similar stories produced in their local communities. Seems like a great way to reach out to non-pilots and generate some interest in the sport. Taking a unique approach, such as the historical perspective in the WCCO video, might be a good approach if you are a small business looking for a noteworthy angle.

If any of you have tried this approach I’d love to hear about it. Also, if you see local stories such as these, please send them my way!

[tags]AOPA, Aviation Marketing, General Aviation, Light Sport Aircraft, Sport Pilot[/tags]

Entry Filed under: aopa, aviation marketing, light sport aircraft, sport pilot