I entirely agree with those who've advised obtaining a written contract if you are paying any money upfront.
In aviation as elsewhere, memories concerning verbal agreements have an unfortunate habit of failing when disputes arise.
Read the contract very carefully (including the small print) before you sign.
This may seem obvious but many consumers sign contracts without reading them at all, or read just a few paragraphs and then sign before reaching the end. I suspect most, if not all, of us have done that on occasions.
Ask in advance for a copy of the proposed contract and read it carefully
in your own time before signing.
Make sure you know and understand what you are signing.
Ask someone else to check it for you - someone familiar with contracts and/or flying training. (Your own enthusiasm to begin training may cause you to miss, or even ignore, potential problem areas.)
If you are concerned about a term/condition, do not accept a verbal assurance from the school about what it means/when it would apply - however charmingly offered. Get it in writing.
Refunds: When and How?
In what circumstances will you be entitled to a refund? Some contracts are very one-sided in favour of the school in this respect.
Bear in mind that the opportunity to complete your training at another time may be of little or no practical value.
eg If you have set time aside to do a course and won't be able to return in the near future and/or without incurring considerable expense.
Will your outstanding balance be refunded in full or will the school make 'deductions' in some form?
In what time-scale will the money will be refunded?
ie Immediately or within x days?
Extras/hidden charges: A common source of discontent.
Establish precisely what will be charged and how it will be charged.
eg - Is there a fuel surcharge? (Quite common in US schools at the moment, and perhaps elsewhere.) If so, how much is it? Is it calculated on actual fuel used or a flat rate per hour?
- Does the school charge separately for pre or post flight briefings as 'Ground Instruction'? Distinguishing between actual instruction and general conversation (aviation related or otherwise) can be a tricky area. If there is a charge, devise a method to ensure the school is not charging you for casual friendly chit-chat with your FI.
- Is there a separate charge for insurance? If so, how much is it? It might be a relatively small amount per hour but it may become a significant amount over the duration of a training course.
- If you land away when dual, will you be charged for FI time on the ground? If so, is FI 'waiting time' charged at full or reduced rate?
There may sometimes be no practical alternative to accepting terms and conditions you don't like/which seem unfair - but you will at least reduce the risk of unpleasant surprises.
FL