Are flight training prices negotiable
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Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: New Zealand
Age: 29
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Are flight training prices negotiable
Hi
I was wondering if flight training prices are negotiable in flight clubs in New Zealand.
I want to fly, but the prices are a bit expensive, even 10 dollars off can make a difference for me.
Thanks
I was wondering if flight training prices are negotiable in flight clubs in New Zealand.
I want to fly, but the prices are a bit expensive, even 10 dollars off can make a difference for me.
Thanks
Moderator
Sure - if you can negtotiate cheaper rates for maintenance, fuel, insurance, rent, tax etc exclusively for when you use the aircraft...!
There's reasons it costs what it does to operate an aircraft. Not many flying schools have big margins to play with.
And good advice DON'T pay up front unless you can afford to lose it all! Some people give "discounts" for this but it can be because they can't get finance any other way, and/or are desperate for cash flow because they have little or no liquidity. Not an indicator of a healthy business. Hang on to your cash, earn some interest on it and pay as you go.
There's reasons it costs what it does to operate an aircraft. Not many flying schools have big margins to play with.
And good advice DON'T pay up front unless you can afford to lose it all! Some people give "discounts" for this but it can be because they can't get finance any other way, and/or are desperate for cash flow because they have little or no liquidity. Not an indicator of a healthy business. Hang on to your cash, earn some interest on it and pay as you go.
Join Date: Jun 2008
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Most people 'Want' to fly - just as most 'Want' to have their own car at some early stage. Just as well they 'Can't' find the money, or the air routes would be as clogged as the highways. How much do you 'Want' to ?? .. Perhaps sacrificing some other 'Must Have' would help the 'Want'..!??!
Join Date: Dec 2007
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As the guy who sets prices for a flying club.
If you came to me and said "can I pay less", the only way I wouldn't have a chuckle at your joke is if you said "can I pay less since I will be flying an aburdly above-the-average number of hours in your aircraft this year".
And then, you would not be getting any discount unless you prepaid, or said discount would only be enacted after you reached and paid for the agreed number of hours!
If you came to me and said "can I pay less, because I can't afford it", you would politely be sent away until you can afford it.
If you came to me and said "can I pay less", the only way I wouldn't have a chuckle at your joke is if you said "can I pay less since I will be flying an aburdly above-the-average number of hours in your aircraft this year".
And then, you would not be getting any discount unless you prepaid, or said discount would only be enacted after you reached and paid for the agreed number of hours!
If you came to me and said "can I pay less, because I can't afford it", you would politely be sent away until you can afford it.
Moderator
Similar to the post above, we have a scheme where our hirers can earn frequent flier points, and once they have spent an accumulated total of "x" on hire they get a fixed rebate of "ÿ" off the next hire, a bit like reward points on a credit card.
Block flying discounts were discontinued because too many people were dishonest and would only do a fraction of the hours they said they would.
Block flying discounts were discontinued because too many people were dishonest and would only do a fraction of the hours they said they would.
Generally you will get what you pay for with flying training. Top school with good instructors and well maintained aircraft costs money. These places shouldn't need to negotiate rates unless you are talking about an airline sending a regular stream of cadets their way.
Go down market and you may get a bit off, particularly with cash in hand. Be aware of what's being cut back on though, there may be a high turnover of poorly paid staff who couldn't care less. Maintenance may not be quite up to scratch with hours possibly under logged. Financial stability may be a problem if the creditors move in half way through your training. Good advice above about not paying upfront, magic words are "trust account" where money is held by a third party and drawn down as you go through.
Good school may be cheaper in the end if you finish in less hours and have their reputation behind you when job hunting
Go down market and you may get a bit off, particularly with cash in hand. Be aware of what's being cut back on though, there may be a high turnover of poorly paid staff who couldn't care less. Maintenance may not be quite up to scratch with hours possibly under logged. Financial stability may be a problem if the creditors move in half way through your training. Good advice above about not paying upfront, magic words are "trust account" where money is held by a third party and drawn down as you go through.
Good school may be cheaper in the end if you finish in less hours and have their reputation behind you when job hunting
