Each day about 50 flights take off from the Leading Edge Aviation Inc. (LEA) ramp at the Bend Airport. Yes, most of those flights are in helicopters, but lately Leading Edge has been operating more and more airplanes. The airplane program at Leading Edge began in the Fall of 2012 with one airplane and a couple of students. Officially partnering with Central Oregon Community College in January 2013, the program took off. Since, they have grown to 20 students and three airplanes with plans for another to be on the ramp soon.
The students attending Leading Edge come from varied backgrounds. Some are professionals, checking learning to fly off their bucket list. Others commute for work and end up purchasing their own airplane. However, the majority are career minded Central Oregon Community College Aviation students.
Rick is a local business owner and veteran who has wanted to fly for a long time. Jen is a local real estate agent who just started working on her private license. Charles is a vet who loves aviation and is very excited to fly every day. He is close to his first solo flight and will be an airline pilot one day. Tyler’s dad is a former Navy F-18 pilot and now flies for FedEx. Tyler hopes to follow in his father’s footsteps. David and Denise are a couple learning to fly together.
Each pilot in training has their own unique story as well as a unique goal.
Leading Edge isn’t just another airplane school: they cater to the specific needs of each student because flight training is not one size fits all. LEA hired former Marine fighter pilots, fire and survey pilots to develop a curriculum that is safe and effective. The company has implemented Scenario Based Training into the airplane program in effort to better train the pilot. Scenario Based Training is part of the FAA initiative, FITS (FAA- Industry Training Standards).
With this advanced curriculum, Leading Edge has incorporated the use of technology in the cockpit. Students are now given and trained to use navigational and flight planning software on an iPad.
Leading Edge is built on a foundation of passion for aviation and focus on providing unparalleled customer service. In 2005 the current owner, Brad Fraley, purchased a small avionics installation and repair facility with a vision to build it into an industry leading aviation company, who employs more than 60 people today. The company is internationally recognized as a maintenance and overhaul shop, one of the largest flight training programs in the Northwest, currently operates three helicopters on fire contracts in Oregon, Alaska and Montana and most recently a competitive provider of fuel to patrons of the Bend Airport.
Although avionics is still a major part of Leading Edge’s business, it is only one piece of the puzzle. The company has many distinct business segments: flight training, aerial firefighting, tours, aircraft sales and leasing, maintenance and a PSI testing center.
Information provide by Courtney Massey Assistant Director of Marketing, Leading Edge Aviation Inc.
Leading Edge Aviation Inc.
63048 Powell Butte Hwy., Bend, OR 97701. 541-383-8825
www.leadingedgeavn.com
