From a business standpoint, why not PHX?

[sasbird]

First off, I love both the idea and execution of pilot edge and I am so grateful to be able to use it for real world training.

I read in another thread that the next area of coverage expansion will be Oakland Center and, to be honest, I was a little surprised. Seeing as the coverage area is already encroaching on Phoenix with Yuma and the Grand Canyon, I just assumed it would be the next area to be added. Especially considering the large number of flight schools in the area that would no doubt embrace the service if they could practice the approaches in their own backyard. I did see that ASU is using pilot edge (congratulations) but they have a relatively small student population compared to the other flight schools in the area. I know of one (dont want to name drop) that has a room with 20 fsx simulators for the students to use.

Anyway, I hope this doesn't come across as criticism as that was not my intention. I'm sure a lot goes into expanding your coverage area and I was more curious than anything.

-Bruce

[Keith Smith]

There are indeed some commercial opportunities around PHX which may tip the scales. We'll see how it goes. If you want to PM me with the name drop, go ahead

[lwilliams]

There are indeed some commercial opportunities around PHX which may tip the scales. We'll see how it goes. If you want to PM me with the name drop, go ahead

I personally hope it doesn't.

[Nelson L.]

I personally hope it doesn't.

May I ask why?

[hoser70]

There are indeed some commercial opportunities around PHX which may tip the scales. We'll see how it goes. If you want to PM me with the name drop, go ahead

I personally hope it doesn't.

???

[stevekirks]

I personally hope it doesn't.

Asking the same as the others--why not?

I would be more worried about too many "gamers" paying for PE and causing the network to be full of "junior pilots" that don't respect the rules. Rising tide floats all boats, so I say "go" to any expansion.

[Nelson L.]

I would be more worried about too many "gamers" paying for PE and causing the network to be full of "junior pilots" that don't respect the rules.

Cost vs Reward - I doubt that type of pilot would 1) Be willing to pay for PE and 2) Be on the network very long (either by choice or controller enforcement). I have a sneaking suspicion lwilliams made a typo, but then again, I don't know anything...

[lwilliams]

I should NEVER rush my email responses while very busy at work. Sorry for any confusion guys/gals.

I would absolutely love expansion, but my personal preference is strictly based on geography. I love the coast lines, San Francisco Bay area and all the mountains. To me (uneducated to most USA geography, Phoenix is mostly flat desert (yawn). If just the airport KPHX, then it caters to heavies, which I guess is fine for some folks.

Not meant to offend anyone, nor a big deal, just a personal preference.

At the end of the day, PE is a great tool for training and training centers and if that's where it expands, then that's where it expands.

[Nelson L.]

While I would normally agree with you, above SFO is 2 Charlies and a Delta (all relatively far from the main SOCAL area) - you would have to go up significantly higher to find more congested airspace. Below SAN is Mexico - off limits. That leaves eastward expansion, although its up to Keith and company to decide which area to expand to that would provide the most benefit to PE as a whole. Unfortunately, outside of SOCAL is all desert, so I'm afraid you're stuck in that regard....

[Tim Krajcar]

Below SAN is Mexico - off limits

Says who?



(To be clear, I'm 100% kidding, and not speaking as a representative of PE with regards to any expansion plans into Mexico, or as we call it around the office, "El Projecto Burrito Grande")