TNO,
I had an email from a mate who told me the other day that they'd shut up shop for good. A sad day for Civil, but inevitable really, as they'd been
mismanaged for years. Sadly, the last ditch buy out attempt was also a failure.
They also owed me money, but I'm guessing I wont be seening any of that.
AFAIK, the gift certificates were via a vendor company (such as Adrenaline or Wishlist). I'd suggest your neighbour contact them to see if it is transferable to something else, or refundable so that he can go to another flying school for his flight.
Hope this helps,
DIVOSH!