Trouble in a sunshine coast heli school?

[heliken]

Hi folks,
I am new to Pprune and to the heli industry.
I am about to do my practical studies and have heard a whisper about a certain school (no need to mention names) that might be having some legal woes.
I am a bit concerned that I could do my hard earned dough if this school goes down mid way through my flying:eek:
I would appreciate any info you guys might have.....thanks

[Freewheel]

I can't think of a flying school that hasn't had legal issues from time to time, but it could just be what you need to get stuck in and get your training done quickly.

As an aside, I once worked with a school that lost an aircraft and crew. A few years of low profile operation followed until the litigation was complete, it changed hands and went ahead in leaps and bounds. So you never know, it might be true and still not make any difference.

[heliken]

Thanks mate,
my concern is that the whisper I heard is about the cfi's ticket or it's dubious origins. If he is found to have a dodgy ticket and the school closes...does that mean I lose the time I have up?...I would be taught by another instructor at the school whos' credentials are fine.
Also I heard they are re-using parts beyond their "change by date" while rebuilding aircraft. Can't imagine anyone thinking they can get away with that..........Not sure if this info has any credibility....hope not:)

[i4iq]

On the other hand there is one school in particular that seems to have a consistantly bad reputation in the area, so you should be careful and check with a number of sources before you commit your cash.

Be wary of paying for flights in advance if you're worried about the school.

[Heliport]

Link: Training in Australia (http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=124748)

[Bellthorpe]

If your school were to close, you wouldn't lose any hours. You would ask for your training records, and take them to another school. They would review your progress and start from where you were up to, although you would probably waste an hour or so while they checked your flying out.

As for finances, no reputable school will have you pay for an entire course ... most will just ask that your payments are current or a little in advance.

[Friendly Black Dog]

Heliken,
I suppose the other option is don't start anything at that particular school. Being on the Sunshine Coast you have the benefit of at least 4 schools to choose from. Why would you start training with a school that has these allegations/rumors floating around when there are so many other options? I'm not trying to be a smart a**e but I would like to know what the school in question has to offer that would over come the other issues sufficiently?

Cheers

FBD

[540DEGREE TorqueTurn]

is caboolture part of sunshine coast , or north brisbane:}

like what F.B.D said what has the school offered you to choose it over others ,it has a engineering side to it i think by memory

[paul abersynth]

Old mate gave the best advice. Make sure you always keep your training records, a copy at least, and if you don't feel that you're getting whats been promised, you only need take the training records to another school.

PA

[Flying Lawyer]

heliken


Friendly Black Dog has posted exactly what I've been thinking since I read your question.
Why take any risk unless you have no other option?

FWIW, based on all I've read in discussions here over the years, if I wanted to train on the Sunshine Coast, I'd go to Blue Tongue Helicopters and ask for Graeme Gillies as my FI.

And, from what I've heard off the forum, I'd steer well clear of another school in the area - read the discussions.


FL

[heliken]

is caboolture part of sunshine coast , or north brisbane:}

like what F.B.D said what has the school offered you to choose it over others ,it has a engineering side to it i think by memory
:D haha...yes that's right... My username wasn't the best idea...do I know you??? Perhaps a pm reply would be best....:oh:

[heliken]

Thanks for the input guys,
I had planned to go with Blue Tongue but unfortunatley they have a full house at the moment! I was looking at the troubled school because of the heli type they opperate. By changing to another school I will lose the few hours I already have. (first 15hrs must be in same type) Another school has them but.........well lets say it's the school everybody loves to hate and I just don't need that stigma as a new pilot.
I have decided to lose the hours and start from scratch. Better to lose a little money now than have a company go under an hour before solo or some other critical point.
Thanks again everyone......wish me luck:ok:

Ps: anyone looking for a low hour pilot in March???:)

[imabell]

heliken,

there is no real reqirement to do the first 15 hours in one type.

the only proviso is that if you want to do your licence in two types you must fly a minimum of 20 hours in the second type.

all the hours that you fly with an instructor are valid hours and i am sure if you went to a school with a different type they should consider favorably you not having to do the extra hours. obviously some may want the money.

i am sure casa would agree.

i am sure the company you are reffering to will not "go under" in the near future and you will have an instructor to yourself most of the time, good value i think.

i thought you had started with blue tongue but decided to change as you wanted time in the workshop to add to your knowledge, again a proper choice for your future. i'd stick with it if i was you. mr will give you a fair go.

[rotortorque]

Mate, you should have full trust in whoever you're training with. The hours you have flown should be counted toward your licence unless some serious dodgy **** has been going on.
When training consider cost, connections and reputation. It's a shame to see people have to bull**** qualifications. Must be damn embarrasing for the school, but it's the individual that's ****** up.
Flying is a great career, soldier on mate, and best of luck.
Cheers.
RT

[topendtorque]

heliken

when young - talk less;
listen more!

cheers tet

[heliken]

Are you trying to say something there TET???

heliken

when young - talk less;
listen more!

cheers tet

[Bellthorpe]

It's a shame to see people have to bull**** qualifications.

Indeed. Even though there's no evidence or even indication that that's happened here.

[Bellthorpe]

Also I heard they are re-using parts beyond their "change by date" while rebuilding aircraft. Can't imagine anyone thinking they can get away with that..........Not sure if this info has any credibility....hope not:)

Last week I picked up my mother from Brisbane airport and brought her to my home for a week's holiday, in a helicopter owned by the establishment of which you speak.

Tomorrow I'm flying her down to Gold Coast Airport to see her brother, in that same helicopter.

I wouldn't countenance doing that if I had any suspicion at all that there was a single part past its due date.

I've heard that rumour once in the past ... it was delivered to me by the principal of the 'school they love to hate' as you put it. Enough said?

[topendtorque]

Are you trying to say something there TET???

Have said!

if your superior countenance will accept it i'll indulge in one more bit of advise for you.

The word 'perception' describes one trait of a long suite of characteritics that you shall need to even embark upon a rotary career, let alone be successful in it.

of couse it's not in any flying text book.

i do suggest - use it.
tet

[Heliport]

Are you trying to say something there TET???
He's 'trying' to tell you that, at your stage, you'd be better off taking on board advice given to you by experienced people instead of telling people what you think.


"the school everybody loves to hate"
You've obviously read the Oz training thread.
What an odd, and IMHO discourteous, way of describing the advice posted. :confused:


You asked for advice.
You've been given advice.
Thread closed.

Heliport