Analysis
NAICS 611512 is the 2022 national industry for flight training, part of 61151 (Technical and Trade Schools). Census lists 6 example activities under it in the official index.
Between 2018 and 2023 the number of establishments grew 27% and employment rose 45%. The 2018 count used NAICS 2017, so part of a large move can come from codes being redefined rather than from businesses opening or closing.
By establishments it ranks 4th of the 4 codes at this level within Technical and Trade Schools, with 13.6% of them.
County Business Patterns counts 1,221 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 21,508 people at an average annual payroll of $67,672 per employee (49th percentile of national industries). 50% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which is close to the national mix.
Its index entries, the activities Census uses to assign businesses to this code, include aviation schools, flight simulation training, flight training schools and flying instruction, among 6 in all.
Census lists 4 related activities that belong elsewhere, most often in 611519, 611310, 928110 and 481. Businesses that do several things are classified by their primary activity, the one that generates the most value, so check those boundaries before settling on this code.
Official definition
This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in offering aviation and flight training. These establishments may offer vocational training, recreational training, or both.
Source: US Census Bureau, NAICS 2022 Manual.
Not this code if…
| The business mainly does | Use instead |
|---|---|
| Offering specialized military training (except flight instruction, academies, and basic training) | 611519 Other Technical and Trade Schools |
| Operating college-level military academies | 611310 Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools |
| National security and military basic training (except academies) | 928110 National Security |
| Providing air transportation services that may also provide flight training | 481 Air Transportation |
Index entries (6)
- Aviation schools
- Flight simulation training
- Flight training schools
- Flying instruction
- Military flight instruction training
- Schools, aviation