Flying School money request

[Mike12421]

Hello everyone,

It's been a while since I was last on here. I was hoping someone could shed any light on a little query that I have.

In roughly 2006, I began my PPL with a flying school based at Liverpool and paid approximately £5000. This was because I wanted to have the money put to one side for my training and also I was told that if there was over £1000 in my account, I would receive a discount of "5%" I believe.

Unfortunately because of work and home commitments I have been unable to finish my training and approximately £2000 is left in my account. Does anybody know if it will be a problem in asking for the remainder of the balance to be paid back to me?

I thought it would be best to ask advice here before giving them a call.

Regards,
Michael.

[Genghis the Engineer]

I think that with over 5 years gap, the odds of getting your money back are extremely small. But if the school is still in business, there's nothing to be lost by going and asking nicely. Take any paperwork you have with you. Also check the terms and conditions document you doubtless signed to see if there was a time limit on the cash.

As a general rule however, paying up front for flying training, is a really bad idea - not least because flying schools are so volatile and go out of business so regularly.

G

[stickandrudderman]

go out of business so rarely.



I think you mean "go out of business so often"

Maybe it was irony but it didn't come across if so.

In any case you've nothing to lose by simply asking the school for the money. They might want a percentage to sweeten the pill somewhat.

[Torque Tonight]

Be prepared for the company to have disappeared without trace taking your money with it.

If it is still trading and they try to wriggle out of honouring your balance then the small claims court is a wonderful thing. I hope you have a receipt.

[Genghis the Engineer]

I think that I changed "rarely" to "regularly" whilst you were busy quoting my error :(

G

[Mike12421]

The flying school is Ravenair, which is still trading. As for any documentation, I don't recall ever signing anything, I certainly was not provided with a copy. I still receive my yearly membership bill of £100 which is deducted from my account.

[Torque Tonight]

That sounds promising then. But you handed over £5000 without geting a receipt :eek: I have some investments you might be interested in.

[Mike12421]

:) Apologies, I remember getting a receipt for the money (which I no longer have), but was never given any membership documentation. I was just wondering if anyone had been in a similar position with getting their money back?

[high wing harry]

Couple of things...

1.) Try to think back about what you paid for. If you were paying a fee for a course, most flying schools I have seen have a note on the pricing sheet that says "flying to be completed in 24 months" or something similar. If there was this on what you paid for then I think your chances are slim

2.) The flying school has the right to continue charging you a membership fee and taking that from your account with them until the money is used up without your permission. This is because of money laundering regulations - they are not allowed to hold money on account for someone who isn't a member.

You never know though, give them a ring... they may suggest you fly off the money rather than them being able to give it back but you may as well try!

[Whirlygig]

This is because of money laundering regulations - they are not allowed to hold money on account for someone who isn't a member.Really? I don't remember that clause. Sounds like hogwash to me ... like all the crap we hear about Data Protection.

The Statute of Limitations for reclaiming a debt is six years so put it in writing NOW to them that you'd like the balance of your account back. That will start the ball rolling. If you paid over a certain amount and have a log book to prove what you would have used, you should be able to work out the balance (less the membership fees which they have deducted - the rights and wrongs of that is another issue).

Cheers

Whirls

[Mike12421]

Thank you for all your replies.

I'll get a letter sent off first thing tomorrow requesting the amount left in my account. As for the membership fees that have been deducted, that's fair enough. But the money that is left I will be asking for back.

It's a shame I can not continue, as I would love too, however with the current economical climate I have to stop with all of my luxuries. :(

[Genghis the Engineer]

I can't help feel that personally, I'd not do the impersonal letter thing - I'd drive over there, very friendly but with the paperwork, and ask for a chat. Start by apologising for taking so long to do anything about it.

G

[Mike12421]

G, I prefer to do things face to face myself, however I'm certain that members can not see the "people behind the scenes". When I initially paid the £5000, I was not even allowed in to the main building as that was for "staff only", I had to wait in the flying school cabin with the instructors. I think I'll call them instead, that way I have a better chance of speaking with the accounts department directly.

[dublinpilot]

Why not do both.

Do up the letter, drive over there and explain that you're looking for your money back and why, and then give them the letter explaining that you're just formally asking for it back in case they need the request in writing.

dp

[high wing harry]

The government requires companies to apply due diligence to money that they hold on behalf of customers. This means that the company must assure themselves that the customer is who they say they are and that they have evidence for their address. They must have an onging business relationship for that due diligence to hold. If you aren't paying membership then your business relationship has ended and the company cannot, in all good faith, hold onto the money.

This point, however, does mean that they are more likely to give you your money back!

[Pilot DAR]

Though you might succeed, and best wishes for success, if the school is unwilling to return your unused funds, perhaps they will allow you to transfer your credit to a "new" client, whom you might present to them. Then you do a bit of work, to find a person who would like to buy some "cheap" ('cause I see that word used for flying, and it irks me so much! - but could apply here) flying. Give the new person a deal on what they pay you for the credit, and tell the school that they'll get a new client out of it, which is good for their business.

That too is worth a try - nothing whatever to loose. I agree with others, this should be done in person, not by letter at all. In these kind of things, body language is everything!

[high wing harry]

I like your "plan b" pilot dar!

[Genghis the Engineer]

or just finish your PPL off with them at current rates.

G

[Whirlygig]

The reason I mentioned the request in writing (and proof that they've received the letter) is that you are getting close to the Statute of Limitations time frame ... you need evidence that you've made a request so that the flying club can't claim you're out of time.

Sod the niceties of asking in person - IF this goes legal, you'll need that proof of request and receipt.

Cheers

Whirls

[jxc]

Would you be able to do the NPPL with the funds left over ? less hours

[Weirdfish]

Having only just started the ppl journey myself and very green with regard to the politics involving flying schools and clubs, I'm sure this post will show my naivety.

I would think you've got more chance of the school acknowledging your outstanding balance if you enquire about continuing your training rather than asking for the cash back. From there you can have a lesson or two, and then if you still feel you do not want to continue you can ask for a refund.

Steve

[xj8driver]

The fact that they're deducting membership fees shows that they acknowledge they hold a balance of funds in your name. Therefore it's yours.

If it were me, I'd ask for a Statement of Account in writing first, and once I'd got it, ask for a refund; that way it can't be denied.

Good luck