Heard that last week was an interesting one for IAC!
Firstly, the Thai DCA were making inquiries about various instructors (and students) flying on VFR flight plans, in weather below VFR minimums. It appears local ATC were also involved.
Secondly, 2 senior 'farang' (management) instructors were asked to a meeting by Senior Thai University Management......supposedly to get some information and advice on some of the present issues surrounding the current 'downward spiral' of IAC (particularly on the 'megalomaniac'). However, the 'megalomaniac' thought that they were being fired, and in true form, jumped the gun by distributing a termination letter around the IAC departments!
Apparently they were not paid salary etc for a few months (as university president had not approved their termination) and now a law suit appears on the horizon!
A third 'farang' instructor also walked out (2nd to do so in 1 month period).
So now only 1 'farang' instructor in current flying. With only 2 Thai Instructors (who foreign students have complained of having difficulty understanding), that gives IAC a grand total of 3 instructors for a school with 20 students, and another 20 on the way this month!
Guess they will be recruiting FIs again! Advice for anyone considering a job there......MAKE SURE YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOU WILL BE PAID FOR, AND WHAT YOU WON'T BE PAID FOR. PARTICULARLY REGARDING EXPENSES FOR VISAS/WORK PERMIT, AND THE FREQUENT TRIPS TO BANGKOK! (It normally takes around 2 months to be reimbursed, and who's to say you will still be there after that time (or indeed if IAC will still be there!)
I wonder how long the current contract with their only customer will last?
Can't be good news for them at the moment, the cash pot must be almost empty.
On a positive note, I heard recently that a new school is being set up in Sukhothai in partnership with Bangkok Air (opening early 2009). Hopefully they will learn from mistakes made at IAC not to be repeated.
