Discovery Flight

[flywithastick]

I guess I'm learning a little about marketing today. had a person call me for what basically was a discovery flight for a "fearful spouse" of a student pilot (I'm a freelance cfi).

I spoke with this person on the phone for 10-15 mins discussing their situation. Sounded to me like they needed 15-20 mins of ground discussion and a 30-40 min flight. All this to see if this person liked flying in the "little planes", and *maybe* get another student.

Things are a little slow, so I quoted this person $25/flight hr for me and the aircraft rate ~$55-65/ hr for 152 or 172, respectively. Made sure to explain that the flight would be billed according to engine time, per tenth hour.

Hadn't heard back to confirm the appt so I called. Turns our that their spouse said "this sounds kind of expensive for a discovery flight". D@mn! What next - give the discovery flight for free, just hoping they'll come back for more!?!?!

Well, I was a little incredulous when they told me this. said I felt my rates were very competitive, but check with these other operations to compare, and gave them the ph no. of couple of schools on the field.

Thanks for listening to me vent. Any suggestions for heading off this in the future? One thing, I need to get their email address and send a written proposal so it doesn't get misunderstood or minsinterpreted. Also thinking about a flat fee and agenda for a "discovery flight". Hate to do this (rush) and scare the he!! out of someone by not easing into things with a good preflight discussion.

 

[chawbein]

Most flight schools around my area (wink!) charge $25-$50 for a discovery flight. They usually last around 30 minutes in the air with a little time on the ground (basically showing the prospective student the pre-flight). You might think about charging only for the airplane time for a discovery flight. I know your time is valuable, but it might be worth it to give that hour pro-bono in order to gain another student. Basically it's a judgement call.

 

[flywithastick]

I know your time is valuable, but it might be worth it to give that hour pro-bono in order to gain another student. Basically it's a judgement call.

Good point. Kind of like salesmen buying a potential customer lunch... business expense.

My mistake was keying in on this person saying they were basically scared of the "little planes".

BTW, Chaw - you taken that check ride?

 

[chawbein]

Two weeks from today (depending on weather). Must plan for the TFR around crawford!!