Shameful behaviour by a well established FTO
Need some advice, so here is the story....
I joined a credible UK FTO to obtain my ATPL. Start the training all is fine, run into many problems alomg the way but heard many tales of 'rocking the boat will upset those who may help you in the future' so i kept a record of all the things that niggled me for when i finished the training. So i eventually pass all the groundschool and flying complete my MCC then expected the school to set the paperwork machine in motion like it does with every other student. NO! not for me, they misplace my paperwork for two months! Eventually with a little pestering i get it sent off, now the icing on the cake! I am in dispute over a bill which is costs surplus to the contracted price of the course but the school will not hand over my licence which only arrived last wednesday (thats the 19th september 2001) untill i pay this bill. I have calculated what i owe them but they want yet more letters from various departments to authorise all the changes in costs. In the mean time i am trying to prise my licence out of their sticky paws but they will not give it to me. I have reviewed the contract i initially signed and its speaks of nothing regarding the holding of documents without payment. I have sent a fax explaining the situation to the CAA. Does anybody have any legal knowledge that can help me as this is hindering my job hunting, i have an application form but can't fill in all the licence details yet.
To sumarise, is this within the rights of the school to effectively impound my JAA FRozen ATPL until i pay costs surplus to the original training contract?
Please help if you can!
regards