Wolverhampton Halfpenny - cease trading
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 58
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From: uk
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 1,274
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From: Glen Prosen, Scotland
While the economic climate surely played a part in this, to my mind the major part of the blame lies squarely with JAR/EASA (and by default the CAA for acquiescing) for putting so much bureacratic crap in the way of aviation and flying training in the UK that reputable, quality companies such as HGFC are forced out of business. The amount of money that has to be paid to these collections of festering turds that call themselves regulatory authorities just so that companies can continue in business is disgusting, but not as disgusting as the use to which it is put i.e. paying the salaries and pensions of people who should be unemployed as they are merely a parasitic drain on aviation in the UK.
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 299
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From: THE NORTH
Sad news!
I did bring up their DA42 in a thread a few months back! Half a million sat in the hangar for a long time then another 100K + on the engines, No company in this industry can take that on and not suffer!
Lets hope things improve! Soon.....
I did bring up their DA42 in a thread a few months back! Half a million sat in the hangar for a long time then another 100K + on the engines, No company in this industry can take that on and not suffer!
Lets hope things improve! Soon.....
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,199
Likes: 3
From: Hunched over a keyboard
Glad to be of service.
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,297
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From: The Burrow, N53:48:02 W1:48:57, The Tin Tent - EGBS, EGBO
That's a rather nasty post Flyprototype and totally unnecessary. 
To everyone there who helped me in any way both whilst I was learning and since, I hope you all find new, good jobs very soon.
To everyone there who helped me in any way both whilst I was learning and since, I hope you all find new, good jobs very soon.
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 609
Likes: 1
From: Around the world.
What a shame. I still remember going on my trial lesson in G-BPBM with Ron. It was a good school, it gave me a solid grounding for a career; I wish those involved all the best.
It is sad to see now that every school I trained at has gone, HGFC, ATA Coventry, Westflight and Jetlinx. Jeez I've only been flying for about 7 years.
Tom.
It is sad to see now that every school I trained at has gone, HGFC, ATA Coventry, Westflight and Jetlinx. Jeez I've only been flying for about 7 years.
Tom.
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 8
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From: UK - Chester
Good to see that things might not be completely dark - looks like Jetstream Exec are going to take over; whether that's good news or not I've no idea.
I'd been recommended to look at HPFC next year when I want to go for my CPL (assuming I get my PPL...) so was disappointed to see them gone (especially as I'd have had the chance to go back to Stourbidge and a rather fantastic curry house I used to know on the high street...)
Good luck to everyone involved whatever happens!
I'd been recommended to look at HPFC next year when I want to go for my CPL (assuming I get my PPL...) so was disappointed to see them gone (especially as I'd have had the chance to go back to Stourbidge and a rather fantastic curry house I used to know on the high street...)
Good luck to everyone involved whatever happens!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,199
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From: Hunched over a keyboard
Jetstream Executive are in the process of taking over now - the announcement has been made on the website: www.hgfc.co.uk
I believe that they're going through the necessary re-approval processes but i don't know what the company structure will be or who if anyone from the old company will be taken on.
If anyone wishes to enquire about training, I would suggest contacting the following email address: [email protected]
I believe that they're going through the necessary re-approval processes but i don't know what the company structure will be or who if anyone from the old company will be taken on.
If anyone wishes to enquire about training, I would suggest contacting the following email address: [email protected]
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Norway
I'm sorry to hear about the sad news. I did my MCC course there some 2 years ago. Richard Moss and his fellow instructors did a fantastic job!
In fact it was the only nice school experience I have had during my training career (and I have been involved in courses in five different schools).
Lets hope that Jetstream Executive can bring the school back to its former glory!
In fact it was the only nice school experience I have had during my training career (and I have been involved in courses in five different schools).
Lets hope that Jetstream Executive can bring the school back to its former glory!
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2
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From: Birmingham
So sad to hear about the closure but what will happen to customers like me that have paid upfront for lessons for my son due to take place this coming week??? Have I lost it all? or will Jetstream honour us old customers? Shame that I had to find out about the closure on the net and not from the staff and on a weekend where nothing can be done 
Im feel bad for all involved customers and staff, does anyone know or is anyone in the same situation as us? Any recommendations of another high quality training school as these guys locally?? Any help is apreciated as I am gutted!
Im feel bad for all involved customers and staff, does anyone know or is anyone in the same situation as us? Any recommendations of another high quality training school as these guys locally?? Any help is apreciated as I am gutted!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,199
Likes: 3
From: Hunched over a keyboard
By way of an update, the remnants of the company have been taken over by Jetstream Executive Travel and applications for re-approval have been submitted to the CAA. The company will be staffed by some of the ex-HGFC instructors and should be back in business shortly. The aim is to run PPL, CPL, IR and MCC with the original simulator and a DA42.
The name is changing slightly to: Halfpenny Green Flying Centre
The name is changing slightly to: Halfpenny Green Flying Centre
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 423
Likes: 0
From: UK, mainly
I think Jetstream Exec are taking over some of the Flight Centre remnants, while Flight Academy Wolverhampton are an offshoot of Flight Academy Blackpool, but using the Flight Centre's former CFI and most of the instructing staff. It'll be good to see more schools using Halfpenny Green again - it's been very noticeable recently while hanging around the airfield that things are very quiet indeed.