cumbernauld flying school - advice
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,291
Likes: 2
From: GLASGOW
PPL Training
I am very familiar with the operation at Cumbernauld, and the difficulties in achieving PPL training in the uk. I think you may encounter the same issues at another school, although Prestwick Flight Centre appears to be reasonable in its approach. I have always stated that there are five main issues with training in the uk. 1. Weather, 2. Your time and availability, 3. Aeroplane availability, 4. Instructor avialability, 5. If none of the other four points merge, then recency, i.e. continuity. 32 hours does seem high without going solo, and you should approach your current school and find answers. Ted is a good guy and should give you an accurate appraisal. I faced the same when training many years ago at Glasgow Flying Club. I was fortunate enough to buy my own aeroplane, and an instructor who taught me to fly in it. I got my ppl within 45 hours. This may be an option for you, say take a share in something, then source an instructor to teach you. They do exist. Wish you well.
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Scotland
Come up North
SeeYouJimmy,
If you are willing to travel try Highland Flying School. Based at Inverness, ATSU just like Gla or Edi but (still) in Class G . No landing fees, no shortage of aircraft, no instructor problems. You get clear airspace and you have the benefit of a radar service if you want it. You also have the benefit of a LARS from Lossiemouth ( useful on solo x country)
If you are willing to travel try Highland Flying School. Based at Inverness, ATSU just like Gla or Edi but (still) in Class G . No landing fees, no shortage of aircraft, no instructor problems. You get clear airspace and you have the benefit of a radar service if you want it. You also have the benefit of a LARS from Lossiemouth ( useful on solo x country)
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,827
Likes: 7
From: Sometimes north, sometimes south
maxred:
Fantastic idea! Let me state here and now that I am available to be bought at any time. Price negotiable but all reasonable offers considered.
NS
I was fortunate enough to buy my own aeroplane, and an instructor who taught me to fly in it
NS
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,827
Likes: 7
From: Sometimes north, sometimes south
Oh dear, how many times does this have to be said? Stephen, we all sympathise with your difficulties but the primary advice to everyone has to be DO NOT GIVE MONEY UP FRONT TO FLYING SCHOOLS. Flying training is an extremely marginal business and is currently subject to uncontrollable cost increases. Training organisations are highly likely to want to hang on to your money so unless you are prepared to stick it out with your chosen school through thick and thin and make the most of it, don't trust them with your hard-earned cash, just put it in a bank and pay as you go.
NS
NS
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 649
Likes: 0
From: .
^^ Got it in one NorthSouth. Never hand over any up-front payments. Pay as you go, indeed.
Also, while I sympathise with your bad experience, I don't think launching into a slanging match against your old school will do much good at all.
Also, while I sympathise with your bad experience, I don't think launching into a slanging match against your old school will do much good at all.
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,130
Likes: 17
From: U.K.
I think I spoke to your mother a few weeks ago as I was just about to go into surgery. Good luck with CTC, you'll be having a blast out there. I'm very jealous!
I won't get into any slagging off of any particular schools, but I cannot see any reason why a school should hold onto your money.
You put it into an account with them and whilst you may lose some of it for "administrative purposes", there is nothing that stops you getting YOUR money back.
If it was me, I wouldn't be slagging someone off on a VERY public website if I was still trying to get money out of them. Try every option first, from solicitors to trading standards. Direct attacks on here won't really help you much I'm afraid.
Unfortunately this is just another example of why you must NEVER pay upfront.
I won't get into any slagging off of any particular schools, but I cannot see any reason why a school should hold onto your money.
You put it into an account with them and whilst you may lose some of it for "administrative purposes", there is nothing that stops you getting YOUR money back.
If it was me, I wouldn't be slagging someone off on a VERY public website if I was still trying to get money out of them. Try every option first, from solicitors to trading standards. Direct attacks on here won't really help you much I'm afraid.
Unfortunately this is just another example of why you must NEVER pay upfront.
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 896
Likes: 0
From: Strathaven Airfield
In journalism, we used to say dog doesn't bite dog.
So as an instructor, flying school owner etc I am hoping this will be ataken as a general point, and not criticism of any particular school.
If you feel it is worthwhile paying up front, check the terms and conditions of the deal. IE what happens if you get a job in another country etc.
There is a reason you get a discount for paying up front, and that reason might be - in some business plans - that the "punter" disappears abroad.
But the bottom line for most people is don't pay up front. Just don't.
And if you do, check the terms and conditions.
And if you haven't seen and signed any, then check with your local trading standards and consider small claims court (as a business owner, the hassle of facing a small claims court action might well make me consider paying up!)
Very best wishes with your training (but one lesson to be learnt is that aviation is a small world and dogs don't bite dogs)
Since you are still a teenager and haven't had the lessons learned the hard way that I have had, here's another. Write what you want to say, such as resignation letters or tirades against flying schools/employers, put them in a drawer for 24 hours and then re-read them!
So as an instructor, flying school owner etc I am hoping this will be ataken as a general point, and not criticism of any particular school.
If you feel it is worthwhile paying up front, check the terms and conditions of the deal. IE what happens if you get a job in another country etc.
There is a reason you get a discount for paying up front, and that reason might be - in some business plans - that the "punter" disappears abroad.
But the bottom line for most people is don't pay up front. Just don't.
And if you do, check the terms and conditions.
And if you haven't seen and signed any, then check with your local trading standards and consider small claims court (as a business owner, the hassle of facing a small claims court action might well make me consider paying up!)
Very best wishes with your training (but one lesson to be learnt is that aviation is a small world and dogs don't bite dogs)
Since you are still a teenager and haven't had the lessons learned the hard way that I have had, here's another. Write what you want to say, such as resignation letters or tirades against flying schools/employers, put them in a drawer for 24 hours and then re-read them!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: SCOTCHLAND
whats the story?
After a brief visit to Cumbernauld Airport last week i was wondering what was happening at Cumbernauld Flying School? The place looked completely locked up at 1630? A quick chat with another pilot in the building suggested that they were slowly leaving the scene at Cumbernauld.
I have just tried to access their web site with no page displayed. Could their days be numbered?
I have been listening on my scanner to cumbernauld of late (i stay nearby) and i dont hear much from their aircraft compared to others.
I know this thread might not be the best one but thought someone out there might know something i dont!
I have just tried to access their web site with no page displayed. Could their days be numbered?
I have been listening on my scanner to cumbernauld of late (i stay nearby) and i dont hear much from their aircraft compared to others.
I know this thread might not be the best one but thought someone out there might know something i dont!
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: UK
I have just tried to access their web site with no page displayed.
