Todd Cameron, founder and owner of Rochester, New York-based Oncore Aviation, has announced the acquisition of the Prior Aviation Service flight school located in Buffalo, New York. The addition of Buffalo, as a third location for OnCore, is a step forward in making modern flight training accessible to aviators of all ages throughout the US northeast.

This year’s pandemic has left commercial airlines facing large economic challenges, coupled with political upheaval that has taken its toll. However, in the face of these challenges, general aviation and flight training operations have seen tremendous growth.

Training flights are exponentially up and OnCore's base airports are seeing an enormous amount of traffic and commerce due to general aviation. As the airline industry stabilises there are still record retirements projected and eventual career opportunities on the horizon. The pilot shortage will be back, the company believes. That being said, Cameron sees this acquisition as an opportunity for continued growth in a market that has a century of rich aviation heritage. For years, he has acted as an advocate for raising awareness of trade skills, STEM education and the wealth of opportunities in aviation.

The expansion reaches into western New York and is one of many planned for the future. OnCore’s flight operations team will have the ability to mentor and train more aspiring aviators to attain the success they desire. Programmes available through ground schools, flight instruction, simulators and airplane rental enable students of all ages to acquire the ratings required for a safe and successful flying career.

“Our goal is to be the thought leader in a worldwide community of modern flight training and a company that impacts our entire aviation ecosystem,” says Cameron. For more than 59 years Prior Aviation Service has laid the groundwork as the premier flight training centre in Buffalo, New York. Oncore Aviation will build upon that foundation as it continues to offer exceptional customer service and education from experienced, professional instructors. Tom Haines, senior VP of media, communications and outreach at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) commented on the acquisition saying, “Congratulations to Todd andOncore Aviation on its expansion. Despite the pandemic, flight training in many locations is flourishing, as is general aviation, with activity at many airports up more than 30 per cent compared to last year. Individuals and businesses are seeing the tremendous benefits of GA, which should boost business for OnCore and flight schools across the country.”