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Rochester-based Oncore Aviation acquiresAnchor Buffalo's Prior Aviation Flight School

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Fri, Nov 13th 2020 11:20 am

OnCore Aviation LLC founder and owner Todd Cameron recently announced the acquisition of Prior Aviation Service Inc. flight school located in Buffalo. A press release stated, “The addition of Buffalo as a third location for OnCore is a huge step in making modern flight training accessible to aviators of all ages throughout the northeast.

“This year’s pandemic has left commercial airlines facing unprecedented economic firsts, 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. In fact, training flights are exponentially up and our airports, like many in the country, are seeing an enormous amount of traffic and commerce due to general aviation. As the airline industry stabilizes, there are still record retirements projected and eventual career opportunities on the horizon. The pilot shortage will be back.”

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 press release noted, “The expansion is an exciting reach into Western New York and 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. Programs 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.”

Cameron said, “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.” 

The press release added, “For more than 59 years, Prior Aviation Service Inc. has laid the groundwork as the premier flight training center in Buffalo, New York. OnCore Aviation will build upon that foundation as they continue to offer exceptional customer service and education from experienced, professional instructors.”

Tom Haines, senior vice president of media, communications and outreach at The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), commented on the acquisition: “Congratulations to Todd and OnCore 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% 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.”

Founded in 2016, OnCore began at the Greater Rochester International Airport (KROC) in the modern AvFlight Rochester FBO facilities. It still operates headquarters there. However, since then, OnCore Aviation has expanded to include modern flight training facilities at the Niagara Falls International Airport, KIAG as well as the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, KBUF. OnCore prides itself in providing professional and modern flight training, aircraft management/charter flights, and discovery flights over the Rochester and Finger Lakes Region.

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