Pilot Training College - Florida Ops closure
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 755
Likes: 26
From: Dublin, Ireland. (No, I just live here.)
RTÉ News has picked up the story today: lots of "it is thought" and "it is believed", so I guess they got it here ...
The IAA has said in a statement it is aware of certain difficulties with the Florida Pilot Training College.
An officer of the IAA is in Florida to brief the students and to explore the possibility of allowing the students to continue their training in Florida or back in Ireland.
"The IAA will endeavour to facilitate the crediting of all flight and ground training carried out so far in Florida towards qualifications," the statement added.
An officer of the IAA is in Florida to brief the students and to explore the possibility of allowing the students to continue their training in Florida or back in Ireland.
"The IAA will endeavour to facilitate the crediting of all flight and ground training carried out so far in Florida towards qualifications," the statement added.
Last edited by bnt; 4th July 2012 at 11:19.
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
From: EIDW
I am amazed at the amount of folk online here in Pprune who genuinely appear to be delighted that PTC have destroyed the dreams of many and destroyed their bank accounts and most likely, those of their parents too
Do remember, that a lot of those directly affected by this will be reading your comments, and you pushing their noses deeper into the mire helps no one
If so many knew that PTC was so bad, how come so few of you posted warnings with specific information
Rant over ... now, back to feeling sorry for those in trouble
Do remember, that a lot of those directly affected by this will be reading your comments, and you pushing their noses deeper into the mire helps no one
If so many knew that PTC was so bad, how come so few of you posted warnings with specific information
Rant over ... now, back to feeling sorry for those in trouble
Last edited by Flame; 4th July 2012 at 16:05. Reason: spelling
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 10,804
Likes: 1
We did flame and some of us went to the bother of getting some of there advertising banded in the UK at least.
Sticking comments up on a BB may have the desired effect but it is relatively easy for the person they are aimed at to have them removed by threats of legal action. If the person that posted them doesn't have to balls to call thier bluff away they go.
ASA Adjudication on The Pilot Training College - Advertising Standards Authority
That finding is nearly two years old the people in training at the time will have all finished. Anyone who spends the amount of money required needs to have due caution before committing funds.
I do have some sympathy with the on going stream of dreams that have been blown out the window. BTW I think there will be several more schools go the same way over the next year. But there is only so much people can say.
In 2000 when I started looking at training the advice on here was don't pay up front. People still do and still get shafted when companys go bust. There must have been over 1000 pilots lost money to schools going bust since I started flying include PPL schools as well must be over 2000.
Will that fact change people paying up front and not doing there homework?
Nah will it hell.
Sticking comments up on a BB may have the desired effect but it is relatively easy for the person they are aimed at to have them removed by threats of legal action. If the person that posted them doesn't have to balls to call thier bluff away they go.
ASA Adjudication on The Pilot Training College - Advertising Standards Authority
That finding is nearly two years old the people in training at the time will have all finished. Anyone who spends the amount of money required needs to have due caution before committing funds.
I do have some sympathy with the on going stream of dreams that have been blown out the window. BTW I think there will be several more schools go the same way over the next year. But there is only so much people can say.
In 2000 when I started looking at training the advice on here was don't pay up front. People still do and still get shafted when companys go bust. There must have been over 1000 pilots lost money to schools going bust since I started flying include PPL schools as well must be over 2000.
Will that fact change people paying up front and not doing there homework?
Nah will it hell.
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: ireland
I'm with you mad jock. There has been pages upon pages written on this website telling people what to expect with PTC and not to even dream of going down their road but yet they keep on writing here that they have an interview with them and looking forward to doing their training with PTC and start their new job with the airline of their choice.
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,817
Likes: 1
From: Hotel Gypsy
Yes, but this isn't just a PTC issue, it is industry wide. If people stopped for a moment and removed their rose-tinted spectacles, they would actually understand why the vast majority of companies asks for cash up front. There is one reason, and one reason only - liquidity. Indeed, if one were to take a look at their accounts, it could be argued that many companies are trading in liquidation (OK, legislation indicates that a business is not insolvent as long as it can pay its bills but the reality is that many companies do not have the ability to service all their creditors).
Sure, if someone offers you 5% discount if you buy 10 hr blocks then that isn't a bad risk, especially if your Barclaycard/MasterCard will take the pain (and risk). But the thought of someone paying tens of thousands up-front to a company, or worse a set of partnered companies, is indicative that the 'customer' may have a six pack but they are lacking the plastic bit that holds it all together.
Please, please, please don't allow anyone to convince you that paying up front is good and proper. If you came to our school and offered me the full amount, in cash, for your CPL/ME/IR, I would kindly refuse your offer and give you the contact details of a good psychiatrist.
MJ is spot on.
Sure, if someone offers you 5% discount if you buy 10 hr blocks then that isn't a bad risk, especially if your Barclaycard/MasterCard will take the pain (and risk). But the thought of someone paying tens of thousands up-front to a company, or worse a set of partnered companies, is indicative that the 'customer' may have a six pack but they are lacking the plastic bit that holds it all together.
Please, please, please don't allow anyone to convince you that paying up front is good and proper. If you came to our school and offered me the full amount, in cash, for your CPL/ME/IR, I would kindly refuse your offer and give you the contact details of a good psychiatrist.
MJ is spot on.
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: huj
The IAA has suspended flight training operations for PTC and that includes their Irish operation:
Irish Aviation Authority - Statement from the Irish Aviation Authority in relation to Pilot Training College Florida.
And all their aircraft are for sale
Piper Aircraft for Sale in Ireland - Used Irish Aircraft Sales at GlobalPlaneSearch.com
Not much need to read between the lines there.
At a meeting today (Wednesday 4th July 2012) with PTCW, and their financial / legal advisers the IAA, (in accordance with JAR, Joint Aviation Requirements Flight Crew Licensing) sought evidence and assurances that sufficient funding is available to continue operations in Waterford, given that the Florida operations have ceased.
And all their aircraft are for sale
Piper Aircraft for Sale in Ireland - Used Irish Aircraft Sales at GlobalPlaneSearch.com
Not much need to read between the lines there.
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: UK
Seminoles for sale.
Interesting to note that the 3 PA44 seminoles shown on the link above and the pictures confirm they are PTC aircraft were listed (updated) 37 days ago! late May.
It might suggest PTCW were fully aware that things were about to go downhill rapidly and looking to sell off it's assets!
It might suggest PTCW were fully aware that things were about to go downhill rapidly and looking to sell off it's assets!
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: europe
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 175
Likes: 0
From: Ireland
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 455
Likes: 0
From: Euroville
It's hard not to feel sorry for some members of the zombie army as they are very young people and part of growing up is making mistakes, what an expensive one to make. I feel less sorry for the parents who failed to find forums such as this one and the reference threads and who broke the cardinal rule of never paying up front!
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: England
I sent PTC an email regarding their latest scheme involving an RAF cadet sponsorship.I received a call on the 26/06/2012 asking if I was interested in taking the skills assessment ASAP. I informed the chap that I was considering all my options and would contact him if I wished to go ahead. I can't believe this was happening around the same time!
I also can't believe nothing is being mentioned on their website or Facebook page!
Thanks
Ben435
I also can't believe nothing is being mentioned on their website or Facebook page!
Thanks
Ben435
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 468
Likes: 3
From: London
It's not fair to blame the parents. These kids were training to be pilots and responsible for safety and making serious descisions. Should it therefore be the responsibility of said child to weigh up the risks? It's ok for them to fly hundreds of souls and many tonnes of aircraft but they can't see the risk and couldn't find one of the many posts regarding paying up front. I honestly believe some people just wake up one random morning and say "daddy I want to be a pilot, can you cough up £80k-£100k, thanks".
The fact that a company who charges Europe prices for a Florida cost base can fail to money is beyond me.
The fact that a company who charges Europe prices for a Florida cost base can fail to money is beyond me.
