Paragon Expands Its Aircraft Roster

The school, based at Page Field (KFMY), had a goal of acquiring 10 new Piper aircraft in 2022. The goal has been achieved, notes Paragon Flight president Christopher Schoensee. 

“2022 has been an exceptional year for Paragon Flight Training, as we made significant investments in nearly every aspect of our academy, including new training aircraft and simulation technology, curriculum development and streamlining and, most importantly, adding world-class staff to help us teach the next generation of commercial pilots.” 

Schoensee noted that the school also expanded its facility by 28,000 square feet. The added space and additional aircraft are necessary to meet Paragon Flight Training's growing student population. “We are deeply committed to the flight training industry and our increased training capacity is already being put to excellent use as a record number of students discover the opportunities for a well-paid, fulfilling career in commercial aviation,” he added.

Paragon Flight offers training for recreational and professional pilots as well as military pilots.

Earlier this year Paragon Flight launched its Professional Pilot Program, an FAA-accredited program providing accelerated flight training. The 10 aircraft acquired in 2022 will serve this program, and represent the first of 40 aircraft Paragon announced plans to purchase over the next five years.

In addition, Paragon purchased a Frasca flight training device, which is designed to help the learners develop good procedures for flying the Piper Seminole—as the Frasca incorporates an exact button-for-button replica of the Seminole cockpit. The Frasca will provide users with an immersive educational experience, as the performance modeling of the Frasca also mimics that of the Seminole. Frasca International has been manufacturing flight simulators and training devices since 1958.

The year 2022 was not without its challenges, not the least of which was the devastation brought forth by Hurricane Ian, said Schoensee, giving a nod to the Fort Myers community and Paragon’s aviation partners for holding it together during the natural disaster.

“The aviation industry locally and nationally, along with the tireless efforts of the Fort Myers community at all levels, are to be commended for their commitment to keeping families safe and businesses viable throughout an extremely traumatic time, which continues to be felt by many today,” Schoensee said. 

Piper Aircraft is headquartered in Vero Beach, Florida, approximately 125 nm from Fort Myers as the Piper flies. Piper Aircraft is a favorite among flight schools, as the company offers the trainer-class Pilot 100i, plus the Archer TX, Archer DX, and Arrow singles, and the Seminole and Seneca V twins.