Learning to fly a plane is both a technical pursuit and a deeply personal journey — one that demands precision, confidence, and trust. Race City Flight Operations was built to support that journey from the very first takeoff.
Founded in 2015, the family-run flight school offers professional, career-focused pilot training in a structured yet personable environment that prepares students for real-world aviation careers. That forward-thinking approach is why Race City Flight Operations was recognized as a 2025 Honoree in the Tech Innovators category of the CO—100 awards.
A professional training model built around people
Race City Flight Operations serves a wide range of aspiring aviators, from teenagers dreaming of their first solo flight to professionals pursuing airline careers and business owners seeking the freedom of private aviation. The school is intentionally run “like a college class” with a structured curriculum, clear milestones, and academic accountability — all while maintaining a warm, approachable learning environment.
“We like to promote the ‘professional but personable’ line when folks ask why to choose Race City,” explained Patrick Lofvenholm, Owner, Manager, and Flight Instructor at Race City.
That balance is reinforced through continuous instructor development and curriculum updates aligned with current U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards and airline expectations. Instructors are encouraged to build mentorship-style relationships with students to provide consistency, motivation, and personalized support throughout the training process.
This philosophy has helped Race City evolve alongside shifting aviation demand. As airline pilot hiring accelerated nationwide post-pandemic, the school pivoted toward career students seeking to build flight hours and advance efficiently. The shift strengthened outcomes for students and created a more sustainable business model.
“We've become an area sensation with students coming to us and word of mouth spreading,” Lofvenholm said.
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Race City has invested in an in-house maintenance team to guarantee the availability and safety of their training fleet, which eliminates costly delays for students. More importantly, the school has created local high-skill jobs and demonstrated a commitment to operational excellence that extends to its full-service fixed base operator services.
“This approach cultivates a robust aviation ecosystem, ensuring both pilots and planes are top tier,” explained Lofvenholm.
These technology upgrades allowed us to focus more on delivering quality training and less on chasing down paperwork.Patrick Lofvenholm, Owner, Manager, and Flight Instructor at Race City Flight Operations
Using technology as a catalyst for better learning
Race City deliberately integrates technology into daily operations and instruction. One of the school’s most impactful investments has been in modern scheduling, dispatch, and financial systems, which have replaced manual processes with real-time visibility.
By implementing Flight Schedule Pro and QuickBooks, Race City streamlined scheduling, billing, payroll, and aircraft utilization. Students and instructors can book, reschedule, and track flights online while administrators monitor maintenance intervals, training progress, and capacity in real time.
“These technology upgrades allowed us to focus more on delivering quality training and less on chasing down paperwork,” said Lofvenholm.
The school has also invested in advanced training tools, including a cutting-edge virtual reality flight simulator. The Redbird Simulator allows Race City to offer immersive, scenario-based training, regardless of weather or aircraft availability. Lofvenholm noted that this integration has broadened the school’s appeal to tech-savvy students while reducing scheduling bottlenecks and increasing training capacity during peak times.
“This wasn't just another high-tech toy,” he added. “It was a strategic business decision that reduced training costs and accelerated student progress, making aviation careers more accessible and efficient.“
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Training pilots and building community
Beyond instruction, Race City Flight Operations plays an active role in its local and regional aviation community. Weekly “CFI Nights,” hosted in partnership with the FAA Safety Team, provide free safety seminars and learning opportunities open to the public. The school also participates in outreach events, discovery flights, and youth education programs to demystify aviation and inspire future pilots.
During Hurricane Helene relief efforts, Race City coordinated aircraft, volunteers, and logistics to deliver nearly 150,000 pounds of emergency supplies to hard-hit areas, turning aviation skills into real-world service.
“Race City Flight Operations was one of the first faces some communities saw when we flew into small airports to bring supplies and find out firsthand what was needed,” Lofvenholm told CO—.
For Lofvenholm, technology and community go hand in hand.
“Ultimately … if it benefits safety, student success, or operational efficiency, we’re open to it,” he said. “That mindset keeps us agile and competitive.”
As a CO—100 Tech Innovators Honoree, Race City Flight Operations demonstrates how thoughtful technology adoption — paired with mentorship and care — can elevate training, strengthen community trust, and prepare the next generation of pilots for the skies ahead. Their story is a powerful testament to how strategic investment and a relentless pursuit of quality can drive success, create jobs, and build a stronger, more skilled workforce for this flying nation.
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