Hi…It’s Ryan…

I want to take this moment to explain to you all what has been happening at Skyways, and what the plan for going forward is…

As many of you know, Skyways has been working to secure additional financial support for over a year, both for operational requirements and needed expansion.  We have done that.  Skyways has been acquired, and is becoming the corner stone of a much larger aviation enterprise.   What remains to happen is the full funding to be disbursed from the new buyers.  That is in the process and imminent. 

What that means for Skyways is that, with the new funding:
-    We will be able to continue to provide for you the best aviation education and support in the area…
-    We will be adding new aircraft, planning on 2 new Cessna 172s, at least one with a Garmin 1000 Glass Cockpit.
-    We will be either putting amphibious floats on 635SP or acquiring an amphibious 172 for float training and light charter. 
-    We will be adding a new Cessna T182T Turbo Skylane. 
-    We have new engines ready for installation that will bring the Piper Arrow back on line, will go into 635SP, and 3540U before it returns to service (late Spring). 
-    40U and 635 will get Weather systems and Mode S transponders for traffic alerts…
-    Additionally, the Arrow will get better avionics, planning on moving the GARMIN 430 to the Arrow and putting a 530 in the Seneca, a new COMM, and limited autopilot.
-    793SP will return to service.
-    We will upgrade the FRASCA simulator to include visuals
-    At least 2 full IFR 172s (2000-2003) to be added for exclusive use of the “Aviators” Flying Club. 

In all, we plan to have at least three 172’s on line for training and two exclusively in the “Aviators Club”, which will have lower entry fees.

With the tremendous added burden placed on us by the high fuel prices, it has been a last half long year.  That is about to end. 

But, until all this happens, and it could be within a week, or take longer, I ask for your indulgence and patience.  We will need to discontinue operations for at least a month, planning up to 60 days…The plan is to be up and fully operational by the end of March.  I know that places a hardship on each of you.  I sincerely apologize.  This situation is nothing I can control. 

If you want to leave for another school, we will provide whatever support we can.  If you elect to stay and wait with us, as soon as we are back up, we will provide the training necessary to get you back up to speed and complete your certificates at a discount. 

What ever we can do to support you and your desires in flying, we will do to the best of our ability.  We do and will continue to place your requirements first.

If you have questions, please email me.

Respectfully, and most sincerely,

Ryan Wilkins
Delaware Skyways`