FTC sold?

[NorthSouth]

I've heard that FTC has been bought by Alpine Aviation. Anyone know anything more?

[Rhodie]

Rumour has popped up once or twice before - it DOES appear to have some substance this time...

Just hope they (Alpine) don't get burned - and hope that the AMO's at Grand get their money, somehow......

R

[Flying Boat]

Heard today it was bought for 1Rand, allegedly, no news about all the creditors though.

[neilfraser]

JUST FOR THE RECORD, I MANAGED TO GET HOLD OF A COPY OF THE FOLLOWING PRESS RELEASE FROM JONATHAN ARTHUR - WHO, I BELIEVE IS THE NEW MD OF ALPINE AND OF THE OLD FTC....... LOOKS LIKE THINGS ARE REALLY LOOKING UP DOWN IN AFRICA. I DID MY JAR PPL (A) THERE AND CANNOT PRAISE THEM HIGHLY ENOUGH. BEEN THROUGH BAD TIMES BUT IT REALLY DOES LOOK LIKE THINGS ARE ON THE UP WHICH IS GREAT NEWS FOR THE INSTRUCTORS WHO STUCK BY THEM THROUGH BAD TIMES. COMPLETE CHANGE OF MANAGEMENT APPEARS TO BE ON THE CARDS. WILL BE INTERESTING TO FOLLOW THEIR PROGRESS IN THE FUTURE. MR. ARTHUR.....IF YOU READ THIS, KEEP US POSTED.



ALPINE AVIATION ACQUISITION OF FLIGHT TRAINING COLLEGE



On the 8th October 2003 an agreement was reached between the present owner of Flight
Training College (FTC) and Alpine Aviation (AA) in which AA has acquired 100% of FTC.

Who are Alpine Aviation? Alpine is a Company that runs a fleet of helicopters which
include Eurocopter S-330 Puma's, Bell 407's, Bell 206 Jet Rangers, Robinson R44's
including a "News-Copter" (Long Ranger) and Robinson R22's catering to the tourist and
executive markets, security transport and escorting of Bullion and High Value Commodities,
contract Charter and Vehicle Tracking (the largest account being Netstar). Alpine also
boasts an excellent Helicopter Training School with their Instructors being some of the
most experienced in South Africa who are dedicated to providing the highest levels of
training at all times. The most innovative and state of the art training aids available
in the country are employed at Alpine Helicopter Training School and the in-house training
manual has been developed over many years. It is a unique manual that enables students to
gain the maximum benefits possible during all stages of the training syllabus, together
with the computer based training and video footage of a

The intention of Alpine is therefore to turn FTC into one of the worlds most successful
JAR approved schools by ensuring that the fleet of aircraft are brought online as soon as
possible and that all the Administrative and Accounting systems are totally revamped to
the standards which Alpine Aviation expects from an institution such as FTC, with the
inclusion of establishing a Student Trust Account with a firm of Lawyers/Solicitors so
that students will be assured that their funds will be looked after safely. New premises
for the ground school are presently being re-located which will be purpose built for JAR
compliance. In time Instructors will be recruited from both South Africa and overseas
from the most experienced staff.

What does this mean for future students? Well the good news for students from around the
world is that the benefits of joining the two companies will be felt by including the JAR
fixed wing approval to include helicopter training as well.

There is the choice of 20 aircraft to choose from for both dual and solo time.

Students will have peace of mind by depositing funds into a Student Trust Account, which
will be administered by a firm of Attorneys/Solicitors.

The latest Training methods, Technology and Systems will become available.

On site maintenance with the College's own workshop on site, which will necessitate
minimum downtime, with the objective of doing a substantial amount of the work at night,
thus inconveniencing Students as little as possible.

New premises are being negotiated for both the ground and flight school, which are being
purpose built, in terms of JAR specifications.

Students will have a choice of accommodation ranging from the very basic to the more
luxurious, which will allow those Students doing short courses to bring their partners
with them should they wish and use the opportunity to visit other parts of South Africa by
Helicopter or by other modes of transport.

It is anticipated to add the Alpine name to the training college and as things progress we
will keep you informed on developments at the college on a regular basis.



J.G. ARTHUR
ALPINE AVIATION

DATE : 14/10/2003

[wheels up]

As an interested observer who did some training at FTC, I hope that the new owners treat their customers and staff with less disdain than the previous owners. I was astounded by the way the managment of FTC actively demolished what was at one stage a successful business, by alienating their staff and customers. I suggest that a change of name be a priority as there is certainly no goodwill value associated with FTC, as this forum will attest.

That said, I had no problems with my training at FTC due entirely to the competence and dedication of the instructors - thanks Ash! Could I suggest a re-write of the ATP notes - they're crap!!

WU

[Propellor Head]

The buyout by Alpine of FTC is indeed great news for training within South Africa. It would appear that all past Creditors are to be repaid - in full and that the new owners are doing everything within their power to re-establish the old FTC to it's former glory as one of the World's premier flight training providers. I understand from sourses close to the coal face that the new company name for the JAA training side of things is going to be ALPINE GLOBAL FLIGHT TRAINING.

Rumour also has it that the new company is going to be offering a Prize Draw CPL (or part thereto) voucher at the forthcoming FLYER Expo on 8th. Nov (London), in order to launch the new company.

Sources also say that the morale of the staff has lifted and that everyone down at Grand Central is looking forward to a very bright furture. New Instructors, new Ground School Staff, new Maintenance (their own) and plenty of aircraft.

Here's wishing you every success ALPINE GLOBAL.