SunState Aviation

    SunState Aviation, has added two Cessna 162 Skycatchers to its fleet. The new aircraft give students an option to begin training for a Federal Aviation Administration Sport Pilot license at lower cost and with fewer training hours.

   “It’s a win-win scenario,” says Steve Graham with SunState Aviation. “Students benefit by having lower-cost options available, and the flight school benefits from lower operational costs, which is important in this challenging economic environment.”

    Lower acquisition and operating costs make it possible for SunState to rent brand-new Skycatchers at less than $100 per hour with fuel included, which is $45 to $55 less than its current flight training and rental aircraft options. SunState flight instructors are fully certified, meaning all instruction received for a Sport Pilot license is credited toward meeting FAA requirements for a full Private Pilot license, should they decide to upgrade.

  Flight training will continue as SunState replaces its current facility with a new, 16,000-square-foot building. A grand opening is projected for August 2012.

   Graham noted that in addition to the increase to the tax base that $2 million building will mean for the tax role, the company also brings in visitors who stay overnight in area hotels and motels.

About SunState Aviation

   Sunstate Aviation is an FAA part 141 approved flight school specializing in accelerated flight training for sport pilot, private pilot, instrument ratings, commercial, ATP, single engine, multi-engine and helicopter flight training in new, technically advanced aircraft. For more information about SunState Aviation, please visit www.sunstateaviation.com.

About Kissimmee Gateway Airport

Located just eight miles from Walt Disney World and 10 miles from the Orange County Convention Center, Kissimmee Gateway Airport accommodates general aviation air service 24 hours a day with two paved runways, 5,000 and 6,000 feet each. The airport also offers full-service FBOs, flight training, aircraft storage, aircraft restoration, P-51 Mustang pilot training, T-6 Warbird adventure flights and an industrial park. Its air traffic control tower operates from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.