Highland Flying School in Administration?
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I'm kicking myself now! 
I bought the £500 PPL starter kit in August last year.
Since then I've been ill and theres been a whole load of reasons why I havn't been able to get flying and I still have 3 hours left to take.
I've only got 3 hours on my PPL to date so those extra 3 hours that i was still hoping to claim is a substantial amount!
I know there are people much worse off than myself, and i feel a great deal of sympathy for them. Flying is an expensive business, especially with the way the economy is just now.
I bought the £500 PPL starter kit in August last year.
Since then I've been ill and theres been a whole load of reasons why I havn't been able to get flying and I still have 3 hours left to take.
I've only got 3 hours on my PPL to date so those extra 3 hours that i was still hoping to claim is a substantial amount!
I know there are people much worse off than myself, and i feel a great deal of sympathy for them. Flying is an expensive business, especially with the way the economy is just now.
Last edited by TurningFinals; 21st Mar 2009 at 12:39.
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Sorely Disappointed
I recently qualified with my PPL last month. Looking forward to getting some flying hours under my belt before choosing career pathway. Gutted to find out this afternoon of HFS. Always thought something dodgy but people seemed freindly enough. Can any one tell me where i may be able to hire aircraft to continue flying?
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Always thought something dodgy
I'm about to get my PPL and was planning to sign up for their 4-hour "advanced course", or whatever was called (short field ops, spins etc.), this summer. I'm gutted that the school is no more, since all reviews seemed very positive. Were there signs that something bad was going on?
Cheers.
Deeday
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Their name should change from BROOKS to CROOKS.
I guess all the excuses I was fed to get my money back was a crock of ****. Just for the record I had invested 1k for ten hours on the PA28.
I subsequently bough my own aircraft and wanted my money back as I was unlikely to use the hours. I have been trying to get my money back since mid last year and had even been told by Magpie that the cheque was in the post, it never turned up. When I insisted on talking to Maggie myself, I was told she was ill and in hospital.
I have no sympathy for them as they have clearly shown a lack of transparency as they head back down south with their former loyal customers cash.
Sleep easy Maggie and Peter!!
I guess all the excuses I was fed to get my money back was a crock of ****. Just for the record I had invested 1k for ten hours on the PA28.
I subsequently bough my own aircraft and wanted my money back as I was unlikely to use the hours. I have been trying to get my money back since mid last year and had even been told by Magpie that the cheque was in the post, it never turned up. When I insisted on talking to Maggie myself, I was told she was ill and in hospital.
I have no sympathy for them as they have clearly shown a lack of transparency as they head back down south with their former loyal customers cash.
Sleep easy Maggie and Peter!!
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Messy!! Deeday
After being told last October that all exams and solo hours complete i was waiting for final skills test. Kept getting put off and when i forced the issue i was told that i still had an exam to sit and hours to make up!! eventually after passing skills test i was hit for a bill for excess hours. Not a lot off money, but money i shouldnt have had to pay if there records were checked regularly
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I started my PPL with them last July and had the starter pack and a couple of lessons on top. They would always fit you in for a lesson but there was a different instructor each time, some better than others, and next to nothing in the way of pre-flight briefing.
I paid them 2 grand thinking I would return last Sept (but cancelled after circumstances meant I had to remain in the south due to a serious illness in the family) but after much persuasion managed to get it out of them.
Sad news and best wishes to those who have lost money or their livelihoods.
I paid them 2 grand thinking I would return last Sept (but cancelled after circumstances meant I had to remain in the south due to a serious illness in the family) but after much persuasion managed to get it out of them.
Sad news and best wishes to those who have lost money or their livelihoods.
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I am an instructor at the Moray Flying Club at Kinloss. We have some spare capacity just now and could handle a few more flyers. If you find yourself mid way through a PPL, and want to finish in the local area, we could probably help you out.
For what its worth, I never met the owner of HFS, but had only heard good things about him. I hope that once the dust settles, things will be fine at Inverness. See you in the LTA.
For what its worth, I never met the owner of HFS, but had only heard good things about him. I hope that once the dust settles, things will be fine at Inverness. See you in the LTA.
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Currently owed £1780 for an IMC course (Minus 1hr) I was due to start a week on Monday, totally gutted at the entire shambolic situation.
I asked for a refund once the jungle drums were in full motion but needless to say that was never going to happen, excuses like we lost the refund card and the like being battered about.
This whole situation has been brewing for months now it's not happened overnight for sure and when I paid my money back in February Maggie took it from me knowing fine well that the place was going to the dogs.
Can I just categorically say to Maggie and Pete who I know will read this -
I am totally disgusted with the way that people have been treated, there are lots of customers out there who just wanted to pay some very hard earned money to fly and you have royally shafted them.
I find myself so dissillusioned that I dont even know if I want to aim for a commercial license now, my hopes and dreams shattered and my money missing presumed gone or should that say stolen I dont know.
I had a great loyalty to the organisation, I wanted to help out where I could, offering what skills I have to better the establishment whilst seeking no reward and I guess it was too much to expect at least a tiny bit of loyalty in return, at least the decency to return my money so I could go elsewhere and do the training i have made so many sacrifices to pay for.
Peter and Maggie you both need to realise you are messing with peoples lives here, this is bigger than just your own situation, I urge you to not bury your heads in the sand or relocate to England never to be seen again but instead stand up and be held accountable and help sort out your customers issues, in effect Please do the right thing.
David, Glasgow.
I asked for a refund once the jungle drums were in full motion but needless to say that was never going to happen, excuses like we lost the refund card and the like being battered about.
This whole situation has been brewing for months now it's not happened overnight for sure and when I paid my money back in February Maggie took it from me knowing fine well that the place was going to the dogs.
Can I just categorically say to Maggie and Pete who I know will read this -
I am totally disgusted with the way that people have been treated, there are lots of customers out there who just wanted to pay some very hard earned money to fly and you have royally shafted them.
I find myself so dissillusioned that I dont even know if I want to aim for a commercial license now, my hopes and dreams shattered and my money missing presumed gone or should that say stolen I dont know.
I had a great loyalty to the organisation, I wanted to help out where I could, offering what skills I have to better the establishment whilst seeking no reward and I guess it was too much to expect at least a tiny bit of loyalty in return, at least the decency to return my money so I could go elsewhere and do the training i have made so many sacrifices to pay for.
Peter and Maggie you both need to realise you are messing with peoples lives here, this is bigger than just your own situation, I urge you to not bury your heads in the sand or relocate to England never to be seen again but instead stand up and be held accountable and help sort out your customers issues, in effect Please do the right thing.
David, Glasgow.
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Can any one tell me where i may be able to hire aircraft to continue flying?
Get in contact with them here.
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-HAC(Highland Aeroclub) have a pa38 Tomahawk that can be hired and there is a limited amount of instruction available.
It appears to be early days but there is a market for PPL training and flying at Inverness as mad Jock says, so things will probably improve in the next few weeks.
The website booking does work although is fiddly to begin with.
Leading Edge Flying Club and Flight Training
You do need to be a HAC member
You only pay on the day for the flying you do.
The instructor situation will improve as some of those made unemployed at the fllying school may move over to the Aeroclub.
Highland Aero Club
There is also flying at kinloss a bit cheaper but more fiddly to get airside, I guess it depends where you are based.
Ring Wick if in the far north I am not sure of the current situation.
The flying school also tried to get lots of my money in January but luckly I read prune didn't pay up front.
NEVER PAY UP FRONT
It appears to be early days but there is a market for PPL training and flying at Inverness as mad Jock says, so things will probably improve in the next few weeks.
The website booking does work although is fiddly to begin with.
Leading Edge Flying Club and Flight Training
You do need to be a HAC member
You only pay on the day for the flying you do.
The instructor situation will improve as some of those made unemployed at the fllying school may move over to the Aeroclub.
Highland Aero Club
There is also flying at kinloss a bit cheaper but more fiddly to get airside, I guess it depends where you are based.
Ring Wick if in the far north I am not sure of the current situation.
The flying school also tried to get lots of my money in January but luckly I read prune didn't pay up front.
NEVER PAY UP FRONT
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Originally Posted by Mad Jock
G-YR was the most difficult aircraft to land I have flown in my career.
Very sad to hear the old place has stopped. It sounds to me like there was some bitter personal differences getting in the way between the Aeroclub and the school which is a great shame.
As for the current opportunities to fly, well none will be the same. HFS was a place I used to re-visit occasionally when I was in the area and there was always a friendly face, a cup of tea and spare plane for me to go and have some fun in for 20 mins.
As for the people who have lost money, well life sucks sometimes. A friend of mine lost over £20k when a Bournmouth based FTO went down a few years ago. It set him back years in getting his first commercial job. These things will happen and you make you choice whether to pay up front or not. It there was no risk everyone would pay up front. For some the risk may be worth the saving. Personall when looking for a place to spend my £20,000 on a CPL, IR and FI rating I refused to consider FTOs that required any upfront money. I remember writing a cheque for £10,800 the day I passed my IR. Up to that point I hadn't paid a penny.
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Those thinking of still training up in inverness I wouldn't write it off just yet.
James the new CFI is a good lad and good instructor and by some of the texts flying around with some of the ex highland school instructors the pool of instructors may be quite sizeable. And the experience base will be quite impressive. And there is at least one ex-examiner is going to get his ticket back.
There were quite a few of us who would have continued instructing in our spare time if it hadn't been for the politics with maggie. I wouldn't be surprised if various people come out of the woodwork again who had been made to avoid the place. I am sure the fat controller could be bribed into running his ground school again.
And on a personal note I don't think Pete planned any of this he is just not that sort of person. He got caught out with the situation (which has been brewing for years) that developed before xmas and let emotion over ride business sense. To be honest I would imagine most schools are only in business month to month in a state of nearly going into administration it could have happen to the majority of schools in the country if the trial flight market dried up.
And as a note
EGPE 220920Z 26023KT 9999 FEW026 BKN038 10/05 Q1022
I bet its cracking flying up there today wouldn't be surprised if you could see Wick from the training area.
James the new CFI is a good lad and good instructor and by some of the texts flying around with some of the ex highland school instructors the pool of instructors may be quite sizeable. And the experience base will be quite impressive. And there is at least one ex-examiner is going to get his ticket back.
There were quite a few of us who would have continued instructing in our spare time if it hadn't been for the politics with maggie. I wouldn't be surprised if various people come out of the woodwork again who had been made to avoid the place. I am sure the fat controller could be bribed into running his ground school again.
And on a personal note I don't think Pete planned any of this he is just not that sort of person. He got caught out with the situation (which has been brewing for years) that developed before xmas and let emotion over ride business sense. To be honest I would imagine most schools are only in business month to month in a state of nearly going into administration it could have happen to the majority of schools in the country if the trial flight market dried up.
And as a note
EGPE 220920Z 26023KT 9999 FEW026 BKN038 10/05 Q1022
I bet its cracking flying up there today wouldn't be surprised if you could see Wick from the training area.
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G-YR
I have had a few contacts with people about this aircraft and it being a bitch to land.
My method which seemed to work every time.
1. fly the approach at the correct speed as usual.
2. Normal round out
3. Power off and start flaring now don't let it touch down until you feel the back of the aircraft drop. You will need to put quite a bit of back pressure on it to stop her landing then let her sit down on the runway. This is occurs after the ASI has started reading zero. You will be at very nearly taxi speed when you land.
If you don't wait for the drop in the tail,the bounce used to be very impressive with some students trying put it on the deck at book speeds managing to get 30-40ft.
I don't know what was up with it but it used to cruise at 5-10knts faster than any other C172 I had flown. And apart from the landing she was sweet to fly never did manage to stall her.
I suspect mungo that in 6 months time if you walk in the door you won't see much difference. I won't be involved but I have a sneaky suspicion after chatting to one of the characters a couple of weeks back it might be a bit of a phoenix resurrection for training at INV. With more of a club with training. Than a school who has to share a building with a club.
My method which seemed to work every time.
1. fly the approach at the correct speed as usual.
2. Normal round out
3. Power off and start flaring now don't let it touch down until you feel the back of the aircraft drop. You will need to put quite a bit of back pressure on it to stop her landing then let her sit down on the runway. This is occurs after the ASI has started reading zero. You will be at very nearly taxi speed when you land.
If you don't wait for the drop in the tail,the bounce used to be very impressive with some students trying put it on the deck at book speeds managing to get 30-40ft.
I don't know what was up with it but it used to cruise at 5-10knts faster than any other C172 I had flown. And apart from the landing she was sweet to fly never did manage to stall her.
I suspect mungo that in 6 months time if you walk in the door you won't see much difference. I won't be involved but I have a sneaky suspicion after chatting to one of the characters a couple of weeks back it might be a bit of a phoenix resurrection for training at INV. With more of a club with training. Than a school who has to share a building with a club.
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try the aero club 1st before trying kinloss as it might not be the best option see below
http://www.pprune.org/4302924-post26.html
Ah, but when the rest of jockland is in sunshine, the moray coast is getting piddled on. Like today
Seriously though, Inverness and Kinloss do statistically have the best flying weather in the UK over a year. Nairn, funnily enough, is the sunniest place in whole of the UK.
The school at Inverness has a good reputation, and seems to be very busy at the moment. Which, in my humble opinion, shows that they must be doing something right. Suitably motivated students have been known to get their PPL in three weeks (in mid january). Only down side is that they don't provide commercial training.
There are mixed opinions about MFC, personally I found it a negative place. All the posters and rulebook are preceded by Don't do this and Don't do that. They only have one full time instructor, the CFI, who is a bit draconion to say the least. There are two ways of doing things apparently, his way or the wrong way. Availability of instructor maybe an issue. Also getting on to the base in a major ballache.
http://www.pprune.org/4302924-post26.html
Ah, but when the rest of jockland is in sunshine, the moray coast is getting piddled on. Like today
Seriously though, Inverness and Kinloss do statistically have the best flying weather in the UK over a year. Nairn, funnily enough, is the sunniest place in whole of the UK.
The school at Inverness has a good reputation, and seems to be very busy at the moment. Which, in my humble opinion, shows that they must be doing something right. Suitably motivated students have been known to get their PPL in three weeks (in mid january). Only down side is that they don't provide commercial training.
There are mixed opinions about MFC, personally I found it a negative place. All the posters and rulebook are preceded by Don't do this and Don't do that. They only have one full time instructor, the CFI, who is a bit draconion to say the least. There are two ways of doing things apparently, his way or the wrong way. Availability of instructor maybe an issue. Also getting on to the base in a major ballache.
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I'm extremely saddened to see the school close doors and am certain that there are others besides myself who wish to extend a warm thank you to both Pete and Maggie for their efforts over the years. We have lost an excellent school, one which has aided many a student on their way to achieving their dream - be it flying commercially or just an occasional jolly in the sky. Their steady work, advice and sound assistance to hundreds of pilot's and enthusiasts over the years is something I hope not to see forgotten by those understandably considering the hit to their 'back pocket'.
If I may, I'd like to clarify the current situation at the HFS:
What's happened?
The decision to 'shut up shop' is not one the school have seemingly taken lightly. Facing ill health and rising political tension the club closed doors on Thursday March 19th. The school diligently explored all possible avenues, including the sale of the business to other established training organisations, prior to making a decision that no-one wanted to see.
What's happening now?
The club is no longer operating. An accountant (administrator) will be on-site from Monday March 22nd in order to reconcile the school's accounts. All creditors (those who have hours or money owed for goods or services not received) will be notified in writing in due course.
How likely am I to get my money back?
Extremely. As mentioned in previous posts, if you have money on account and the transaction was made by Credit card you will be able to raise a dispute directly with the credit provider. The process is painless and surprisingly free of 'red-tape' and I am told that, in most cases, the matter is resolved within 28 days.
If you didn't pay by Credit card it is noteworthy to mention that the school are in excellent shape to repay this value in full. The club own 6 aircraft out-right and there is no question of any finance agreement outstanding on any of their fleet.
In short...
Aircraft and other remaining assets of value are will be sold, the proceeds transferred to a client account from which the Administrator can the distribute to creditors. The school would seemingly be able repay all outstanding monies even if only 1/3 of their aircraft were sold.
And finally...
My very best to all who have had the pleasure of crossing paths with the HFS, it's staff and customers, past and present.
Kind regards,
S.Daedalus
If I may, I'd like to clarify the current situation at the HFS:
What's happened?
The decision to 'shut up shop' is not one the school have seemingly taken lightly. Facing ill health and rising political tension the club closed doors on Thursday March 19th. The school diligently explored all possible avenues, including the sale of the business to other established training organisations, prior to making a decision that no-one wanted to see.
What's happening now?
The club is no longer operating. An accountant (administrator) will be on-site from Monday March 22nd in order to reconcile the school's accounts. All creditors (those who have hours or money owed for goods or services not received) will be notified in writing in due course.
How likely am I to get my money back?
Extremely. As mentioned in previous posts, if you have money on account and the transaction was made by Credit card you will be able to raise a dispute directly with the credit provider. The process is painless and surprisingly free of 'red-tape' and I am told that, in most cases, the matter is resolved within 28 days.
If you didn't pay by Credit card it is noteworthy to mention that the school are in excellent shape to repay this value in full. The club own 6 aircraft out-right and there is no question of any finance agreement outstanding on any of their fleet.
In short...
Aircraft and other remaining assets of value are will be sold, the proceeds transferred to a client account from which the Administrator can the distribute to creditors. The school would seemingly be able repay all outstanding monies even if only 1/3 of their aircraft were sold.
And finally...
My very best to all who have had the pleasure of crossing paths with the HFS, it's staff and customers, past and present.
Kind regards,
S.Daedalus
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the aero club will be as good if not better than highland in its hay day. as for kinloss/moray you could be jumping from the firepan into the fire.
http://www.pprune.org/4302924-post26.html
Ah, but when the rest of jockland is in sunshine, the moray coast is getting piddled on. Like today
Seriously though, Inverness and Kinloss do statistically have the best flying weather in the UK over a year. Nairn, funnily enough, is the sunniest place in whole of the UK.
The school at Inverness has a good reputation, and seems to be very busy at the moment. Which, in my humble opinion, shows that they must be doing something right. Suitably motivated students have been known to get their PPL in three weeks (in mid january). Only down side is that they don't provide commercial training.
There are mixed opinions about MFC, personally I found it a negative place. All the posters and rulebook are preceded by Don't do this and Don't do that. They only have one full time instructor, the CFI, who is a bit draconion to say the least. There are two ways of doing things apparently, his way or the wrong way. Availability of instructor maybe an issue. Also getting on to the base in a major ballache.[/COLOR]
http://www.pprune.org/4302924-post26.html
Ah, but when the rest of jockland is in sunshine, the moray coast is getting piddled on. Like today
Seriously though, Inverness and Kinloss do statistically have the best flying weather in the UK over a year. Nairn, funnily enough, is the sunniest place in whole of the UK.
The school at Inverness has a good reputation, and seems to be very busy at the moment. Which, in my humble opinion, shows that they must be doing something right. Suitably motivated students have been known to get their PPL in three weeks (in mid january). Only down side is that they don't provide commercial training.
There are mixed opinions about MFC, personally I found it a negative place. All the posters and rulebook are preceded by Don't do this and Don't do that. They only have one full time instructor, the CFI, who is a bit draconion to say the least. There are two ways of doing things apparently, his way or the wrong way. Availability of instructor maybe an issue. Also getting on to the base in a major ballache.[/COLOR]
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And the ****e stirring starts again.
For gawds sake now HFS has gone is it not time to put all the childish snipping to bed. Yes everyone knows Mick is a cantankerous old bugga and his wife is lovely and how does that affect the pilots wanting to learn to fly in Inverness? It didn't before so I can't see how it can suddenly start.
Hopefully the club is now intending doing club training for the benefit of its members. What does it matter if some young wannabie travels up from England and spends 4 weeks at Moray instead of hogging a machine and instructor then disappearing at INV?. It gives you 60 quid I will admit but it doesn't add anything to the aero club.
I hope everyone at the club will just forget all the old battles and enjoy building something which is fun. For the kids learning to fly through to the old farts who's highlight of the week is going for a waltz around the black isle after soup and a sandwich on sunday.
And BTW I was that instructor who got the student through in three weeks and I seem to remember a horrible trip down to Dundee to get the 50 hour done or Bill and the other Sunday fliers wouldn't have had an aircraft to fly. Intensive courses create logistical problems and admin problems all of there own. If Moray want that business you would be well advised to point any enquiries in their direction.
For gawds sake now HFS has gone is it not time to put all the childish snipping to bed. Yes everyone knows Mick is a cantankerous old bugga and his wife is lovely and how does that affect the pilots wanting to learn to fly in Inverness? It didn't before so I can't see how it can suddenly start.
Hopefully the club is now intending doing club training for the benefit of its members. What does it matter if some young wannabie travels up from England and spends 4 weeks at Moray instead of hogging a machine and instructor then disappearing at INV?. It gives you 60 quid I will admit but it doesn't add anything to the aero club.
I hope everyone at the club will just forget all the old battles and enjoy building something which is fun. For the kids learning to fly through to the old farts who's highlight of the week is going for a waltz around the black isle after soup and a sandwich on sunday.
And BTW I was that instructor who got the student through in three weeks and I seem to remember a horrible trip down to Dundee to get the 50 hour done or Bill and the other Sunday fliers wouldn't have had an aircraft to fly. Intensive courses create logistical problems and admin problems all of there own. If Moray want that business you would be well advised to point any enquiries in their direction.
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I am sure it will and as I have been told I can actually enter the building again I will be joining next month as an ordinary member.
So if anyone in the know can tell me how I can organise a SEP test through the club I would be more than grateful.
And thanks, s.daedalus I had a sneaky feeling that all the planes were owned and Pete had everything covered but didn't want to get anyone's hopes up. And if your reading this Pete look after yourself yer old sod. The worst thing about me leaving the school was loosing someone who had been a good mate.
So if anyone in the know can tell me how I can organise a SEP test through the club I would be more than grateful.
And thanks, s.daedalus I had a sneaky feeling that all the planes were owned and Pete had everything covered but didn't want to get anyone's hopes up. And if your reading this Pete look after yourself yer old sod. The worst thing about me leaving the school was loosing someone who had been a good mate.
Last edited by mad_jock; 22nd Mar 2009 at 22:01.