Student Loans
 

I don't know about anyone else, but i believe that aviation should be accepted as a 'study' qualifying for a student loan from all banks! It just annoys me that us guys have the most expensive studies AND we have to come up with the money ourselves! :confused:

Very true. How about writing a letter to the Governement?

Im with you on that!! But just think how many low hour pilots there would be looking for that first job then?:eek:

Didn't think of that... very very true

Although I still think i'll seriously consider writing that letter! We should start a petition!:)

and also why we have to pay VAT on our training.......

training for other professions e.g. doctors, dentists, solicitors are VAT exempt!

You probably don't want me to tell you that you used to be able to get the some VAT back on the PPL until Gordon Brown stood up in the commons and announced he was closing a loop hole that was being abused by rich playboys learning to fly... NVQ tax relief was the deal.

WWW

I do agree that it's blindly unfair! However as pointed out earlier, if it were more accessible then competition for that first job would become a hell of a lot more painful!
That said I expect there are a lot of people out there that'd make damn fine pilots but don't get the chance for financial reasons! Which is why I believe it's somewhat of an acid test. Yes it's unfair, but it might carry a silver lining as it takes a crap load of commitment to get to the point where you can knock on the door of an employer. Perhaps I'm just being a capitalist pig?
To play devil's advocate: If everyone had a shot, then capacity to fulfill the role will prevail, and we'd see only the finest pilots making it?

Answers on the back of a post card.

My understanding from 'those who know' (i.e. accountants) is that you can still claim back some VAT on CPL training, although it's not as easy as it once was.

B

You can try but there is no formal scheme or allowance. Accountants are paid for what they can get away with...

WWW

I am VAT registered, from being self-employed and all that malarky, and I was under the impression that I would be able to claim VAT back on my flight training - dont say I cant now.... :\

It would make the whole thing cheaper - but then again as with everything in this country, if theres a cheaper/easier way to do something, it gets scrapped.

I read a thread on here not so long ago on the topic of tax. http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthr...ghlight=taxing

A box of some clever tricks I'd say!

I think that is the key. Look into it as you may be able to get the VAT back on costs related to professional licences. You can't do it for your PPL or related costs though!

B

It will certainly reduce a big chunk of the costs!!!
Everyones a winner:ok:

On a whole yea! I totally do agree, especially when your so keen to get there and money may seem the issue. Though on the other hand, if flying didnt come as expensive, would there be a over load of people wanting this occupation? If this would be the case it would probably put me off! At the moment, im looking for some sponsership for when i leave education. Anyone looked at CTC Wings? :)

I'm going to the bank cap in hand on Friday to ask for the money to do modular training.

I've got a guaranteed slot at Oxford for their APP First Officer course but simply can't afford it.

The government should help in the same way they help other professionals (doctors etc). But they should only offer financial aid once rigorous selection tests have been passed, such as medical, aptitude, interviews and exams.

Who's up for a protest?!

I would back the protest 100% percent!!:}

Good luck! I hope you get the loan and would be great if you could tell us fellow protesters here how it went :ok:

Flogging a dead horse I fear - there are too few student pilots to make a difference, and robber Brown has made up his mind.

As for doctors - don't think they get off lightly - after 5 years of university fees, and not to mention the poor financial deal if you intercollate for one extra year on a masters (almost a prerequisite for better positions these days), I don't see F1s and F2s I know rolling in money.