Suggestions as to appropriate "training" aircraft (beyond the Cessna 150 /
172) would also be appreciated.

A Cherokee 140 is an excellent and inexpensive trainer that can (in a
pinch) carry four people. It also has the advantage of having the
wing on the proper side of the fuselage...

;-)

Additionally, would it be wise to contract a single CFI to do our
instruction? At approximately 50 hours per pupil, they could log a lot of
time. Maybe we could get a small discount?

Sounds like a good idea -- if you can keep everyone in line and on
schedule.

If you can keep a bunch of student pilots focused and organized,
you've got two great opportunities to save money. In my experience,
however, organizing pilots is a lot like herding cats, so you'll have
your work cut out for you...
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"