Ambassador Airways Warning
Person Of Interest
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Keystone Heights, Florida
Age: 68
Posts: 842
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ambassador Airways Warning
Folks, It's not my style to bad mouth anyone or their business, but one of my passions is primary training (in my other life). So I will speak.
I enjoy hangar talking with all students from wherever overseas when I'm in Naples.
Today I heard Ambassador Airways is pulling chocks and heading to Venice, Fla.
A talk with my old friend who owns the Pilot Shop in APF confirms students from overseas who have paid to Ambassador will not receive their books and other materials with their "vouchers" as the "pilot shop" has not been paid by Ambassador.
Sorry for the bad news, but in my professional opinion I'd walk (fly) away from anything that had to do with a man with the initials R.D.
Best of Luck in all training for everyone...
I enjoy hangar talking with all students from wherever overseas when I'm in Naples.
Today I heard Ambassador Airways is pulling chocks and heading to Venice, Fla.
A talk with my old friend who owns the Pilot Shop in APF confirms students from overseas who have paid to Ambassador will not receive their books and other materials with their "vouchers" as the "pilot shop" has not been paid by Ambassador.
Sorry for the bad news, but in my professional opinion I'd walk (fly) away from anything that had to do with a man with the initials R.D.
Best of Luck in all training for everyone...
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Naples
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ambassador Airways is moving to Venice.
All the students are aware, we will finish
students in Naples.
We are not behind with payments with the pilotshop in Naples, i had a talk with Frank stetson and everybody can call him, 941-261-9141. All we do in move to Venice with the compleet flightschool, and we will conduct normal bussines, and JAR training.
If anybody has a question they can call me personal on my cell. 941-825-0245
Thanks
Rudi Dekkers, President Ambassador Airways
All the students are aware, we will finish
students in Naples.
We are not behind with payments with the pilotshop in Naples, i had a talk with Frank stetson and everybody can call him, 941-261-9141. All we do in move to Venice with the compleet flightschool, and we will conduct normal bussines, and JAR training.
If anybody has a question they can call me personal on my cell. 941-825-0245
Thanks
Rudi Dekkers, President Ambassador Airways
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: U.K.
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mr Dekkers,
If you are going challenge people to check up on you, at least give them the phone number to the real Frank Stetson so they can indeed find out you do owe him money. For anyone interested the real number is 941-263-9121.
When you get a chance could you explain to us why all the Students at SFT, which paid over six months ago, to fly Jetstreams for your airline never made it to training?
Sincerely,
Florida Air
If you are going challenge people to check up on you, at least give them the phone number to the real Frank Stetson so they can indeed find out you do owe him money. For anyone interested the real number is 941-263-9121.
When you get a chance could you explain to us why all the Students at SFT, which paid over six months ago, to fly Jetstreams for your airline never made it to training?
Sincerely,
Florida Air
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: U.K.
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mr Dekkers,
There was alot of discussion concerning yourself and your companies back in August. I was wondering if you would answer all the questions that were raised. We have been waiting a long time to hear from you. If you do not remember them you can read them here:
Topic: PPSC, 4 Forces, Pan Am now SFT's Florida connection!?
Sincerely,
Florida Air
There was alot of discussion concerning yourself and your companies back in August. I was wondering if you would answer all the questions that were raised. We have been waiting a long time to hear from you. If you do not remember them you can read them here:
Topic: PPSC, 4 Forces, Pan Am now SFT's Florida connection!?
Sincerely,
Florida Air
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Europe
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Fl Air,
I read the thread you linked and was surprised to see it was deleted.
The questions raised then (Aug 2001) seem to be surfacing again on this thread.
I called the Naples airport director who was noted on the thread you posted and surprise surprise, he was not aware that Ambassador was moving to Venice as they still have many years remaining on their lease in Naples.
But I take it from Mr. Dekkers post above Ambassador is moving.
So once again, who is being forthright and honest, and who is shading the truth?
I am thankful for this forum, as it surely opens my eyes.
Although it can't tell me where to go, it can really give me some strong clues as to NOT WHERE TO GO!!!
I read the thread you linked and was surprised to see it was deleted.
The questions raised then (Aug 2001) seem to be surfacing again on this thread.
I called the Naples airport director who was noted on the thread you posted and surprise surprise, he was not aware that Ambassador was moving to Venice as they still have many years remaining on their lease in Naples.
But I take it from Mr. Dekkers post above Ambassador is moving.
So once again, who is being forthright and honest, and who is shading the truth?
I am thankful for this forum, as it surely opens my eyes.
Although it can't tell me where to go, it can really give me some strong clues as to NOT WHERE TO GO!!!
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: bideford,devon,england
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well,well ,well.
Is this the same Rudi Dekkers who owns Huffman Aviation.
Iwas at Huffman during May and June of this year.
What a nightmare of a time I had with your aircraft.
During my basic PPL training Ihad to train in 3 different types of aircraft(warrior,152,katana)and a total of 5 different aircraft.
This was due to the clapped out array of a/c available.
Such a shame because you had a good bunch of instuctors working with rubbish machines.
In the week of my test I had an engine failure in a warrior(1120Q)and Thierrie(my instructor)had an engine fire in another warrior(554HA).
It was a joke to see two katanas on the ramp with one being stripped to keep the other one going.
I will never fly in any of Rudi,s a/c again.
Is this the same Rudi Dekkers who owns Huffman Aviation.
Iwas at Huffman during May and June of this year.
What a nightmare of a time I had with your aircraft.
During my basic PPL training Ihad to train in 3 different types of aircraft(warrior,152,katana)and a total of 5 different aircraft.
This was due to the clapped out array of a/c available.
Such a shame because you had a good bunch of instuctors working with rubbish machines.
In the week of my test I had an engine failure in a warrior(1120Q)and Thierrie(my instructor)had an engine fire in another warrior(554HA).
It was a joke to see two katanas on the ramp with one being stripped to keep the other one going.
I will never fly in any of Rudi,s a/c again.
Person Of Interest
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Keystone Heights, Florida
Age: 68
Posts: 842
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Kenny,
I don't know if Dekkers owns Huffman, but that would make sense if he is moving Ambassador to Venice.
I think Venice is also where the office to that "airline" Florida Air is located.
Too many coincidences for me...
I don't know if Dekkers owns Huffman, but that would make sense if he is moving Ambassador to Venice.
I think Venice is also where the office to that "airline" Florida Air is located.
Too many coincidences for me...
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: UK
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Dekkers, Rudi
President Ambassador Airways, Naples
President Huffman, Venice
President, FLAir, Venice (Not in Operation)
Ambassador soon to be moving to Venice will, I assume, take the place of Huffman.
President Ambassador Airways, Naples
President Huffman, Venice
President, FLAir, Venice (Not in Operation)
Ambassador soon to be moving to Venice will, I assume, take the place of Huffman.
Person Of Interest
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Keystone Heights, Florida
Age: 68
Posts: 842
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
For anyone interested, the number to the Naples Airport Authority, from whom Ambassador Airways leases their space at the airport, is +1 941 643-0733.
I called them just now and the woman who answered the phone confirmed that they have not been advised that Ambassador Airways intends to move (break their lease).
If in fact this is a business decision and everything is above board, wouldn't the landlord be one of the first to be told? What is Ambassador afraid of?
I called them just now and the woman who answered the phone confirmed that they have not been advised that Ambassador Airways intends to move (break their lease).
If in fact this is a business decision and everything is above board, wouldn't the landlord be one of the first to be told? What is Ambassador afraid of?
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Yorks
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I haven't been to Naples/Ambassador but were they involved recently with SFT (R.I.P.)?
Flight training has an unfortunate history of very mobile locations or frequently changing ownership.
Flight training has an unfortunate history of very mobile locations or frequently changing ownership.
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: U.K.
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sensible,
Are you kidding? Mr Dekkers has been bouncing checks to Employees and Vendors for years. The trail is a mile wide, you just have to go look for it.
If the demise of SFT left a large unpaid bill (Rumored between 40k and 60k), its about time someone got him for a change. Well done SFT.
The pattern of unpaid bills goes back much longer than the relationship with SFT. I remember during my training five years ago, seeing aircraft being repossessed due to non payment. This is nothing new.
Note in the thread listed above, Send Clowns saying, "Florida Air had its operator's certificate suspended because of the citizenship of the owner - he is not an American citizen. It is expected that the certificate will be reinstated in the next few weeks." on 21 August 2001. Please check the Florida Air Official Website
Also look back on all the false promises Mr. Dekkers made to different Airports around Florida that counted on him and his word. He was quoted in the various newspaper articles I quoted and linked in August.
Everyone has been given the starting information, do your research.
Sincerely,
Florida Air
Are you kidding? Mr Dekkers has been bouncing checks to Employees and Vendors for years. The trail is a mile wide, you just have to go look for it.
If the demise of SFT left a large unpaid bill (Rumored between 40k and 60k), its about time someone got him for a change. Well done SFT.
The pattern of unpaid bills goes back much longer than the relationship with SFT. I remember during my training five years ago, seeing aircraft being repossessed due to non payment. This is nothing new.
Note in the thread listed above, Send Clowns saying, "Florida Air had its operator's certificate suspended because of the citizenship of the owner - he is not an American citizen. It is expected that the certificate will be reinstated in the next few weeks." on 21 August 2001. Please check the Florida Air Official Website
Also look back on all the false promises Mr. Dekkers made to different Airports around Florida that counted on him and his word. He was quoted in the various newspaper articles I quoted and linked in August.
Everyone has been given the starting information, do your research.
Sincerely,
Florida Air
Person Of Interest
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Keystone Heights, Florida
Age: 68
Posts: 842
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree with Fal Air,
I have done further checking and have found that former students of mine have dealt with Ambassador on further education basis, such as BFR's and Inst Comp cks.
Dekkers seems to be more than happy to accept $$$cash$$$ for a discount, thus no record of the transaction taking place.
After 9/11, one of these persons came to me and said he wasn't surprised that one or more of the terrorist "pilots" had trained at Huffman in Venice, alledging a "cash basis" transaction.
I don't think Dekkers had anything to do whatsoever with the 9/11 tragedy, however, his alledged questionable business practices must make the trail harder to trace.
Before anyone calls me for aiming without ammo, my former students in (2) have agreed to be identified in any litigation Dekkers may wish to bring as a result of this post.
Stay away from Ambassador...that's my advice.
I have done further checking and have found that former students of mine have dealt with Ambassador on further education basis, such as BFR's and Inst Comp cks.
Dekkers seems to be more than happy to accept $$$cash$$$ for a discount, thus no record of the transaction taking place.
After 9/11, one of these persons came to me and said he wasn't surprised that one or more of the terrorist "pilots" had trained at Huffman in Venice, alledging a "cash basis" transaction.
I don't think Dekkers had anything to do whatsoever with the 9/11 tragedy, however, his alledged questionable business practices must make the trail harder to trace.
Before anyone calls me for aiming without ammo, my former students in (2) have agreed to be identified in any litigation Dekkers may wish to bring as a result of this post.
Stay away from Ambassador...that's my advice.
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Florida/Bahamas
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes i agree too. Loads of promises all talk no action....Mr. Dekkers has a better chance pissing againest the wind than setting up an airline.
And i also see the the Florida air web site is no longer there just some Crap about starting an airline in the next couple of days lol.....only in Florida boys and girls
That's like saying we have mailed in the coupon from the Kellogg's box for our FAA airline certificate any day now.....
And i also see the the Florida air web site is no longer there just some Crap about starting an airline in the next couple of days lol.....only in Florida boys and girls
That's like saying we have mailed in the coupon from the Kellogg's box for our FAA airline certificate any day now.....
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Yorks
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
'If the demise of SFT left a large unpaid bill (Rumored between 40k and 60k), its about time someone got him for a change. Well done SFT.'
Don't want to get involved with Dekker debates but, if he as sharp as you say, he wouldn't have given the Bournemouth boys any credit.
My point is that above 'Well done' wish was totally insensitive to the plight of any Wannabes who have been abandoned by S...FT.
Have any students been stranded in Florida?
Is no-one concerned about what happened to them?
Don't want to get involved with Dekker debates but, if he as sharp as you say, he wouldn't have given the Bournemouth boys any credit.
My point is that above 'Well done' wish was totally insensitive to the plight of any Wannabes who have been abandoned by S...FT.
Have any students been stranded in Florida?
Is no-one concerned about what happened to them?
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: UK
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Query
I don't think that you get it!!!!
The comments about getting it back in spades were concerning a business man who by the sounds of it has been activley screwing people! The fact is it has been thrown back in his face for a change.
No-one would ever laugh in the face of students who have lost a lot of money, however if there was any good to come out of it this by the looks of is it!
[ 15 November 2001: Message edited by: Facts Not Fiction Pls ]
[ 15 November 2001: Message edited by: Facts Not Fiction Pls ]
I don't think that you get it!!!!
The comments about getting it back in spades were concerning a business man who by the sounds of it has been activley screwing people! The fact is it has been thrown back in his face for a change.
No-one would ever laugh in the face of students who have lost a lot of money, however if there was any good to come out of it this by the looks of is it!
[ 15 November 2001: Message edited by: Facts Not Fiction Pls ]
[ 15 November 2001: Message edited by: Facts Not Fiction Pls ]
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Yorks
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oh yes, I did get it but, as I have made clear, I did not wish to get involved with the Naples/Ambassador/Huffman/Dekkers debate.
I'm not saying you're wrong either about their reputation or to gloat over any shafting by S...FT, if another operator was only getting a dose of their own medicine.
I was simply suggesting (and you seem to agree) that the primary concern on this forum should be the consequences for apparently innocent Wannabes, so any answers on their fate and fortunes in the aftermath?
I'm not saying you're wrong either about their reputation or to gloat over any shafting by S...FT, if another operator was only getting a dose of their own medicine.
I was simply suggesting (and you seem to agree) that the primary concern on this forum should be the consequences for apparently innocent Wannabes, so any answers on their fate and fortunes in the aftermath?
Person Of Interest
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Keystone Heights, Florida
Age: 68
Posts: 842
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Query,
And you are right, that was the purpose of my post starting this topic in the first place...good luck to all of the guys coming up.
And you are right, that was the purpose of my post starting this topic in the first place...good luck to all of the guys coming up.
The Oracle
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Naples, Florida U.S.A.
Posts: 2,902
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Query,
You said "Is no-one concerned about what happened to them?"
My Post from 05 November 2001
--------------------------------------------
Naples Air Center, Inc.
Just another number
Member # 39474
posted 05 November 2001 21:17
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
spitfire747,
If you already have the tickets and are coming to Florida, come see me. I will give you the aircraft time for nothing to complete your night rating, just pay the instructor's time. (Since they need to eat too.)
Actually I will make this offer to help anyone that was coming to the U.S. via SFT and were burned. I do not want to see anyone lose out on their dream of flying.
Tele: US +941-643-1717
Fax: US +941-643-7794
Sincerely,
Capt. Richard J. Gentil, Pres.
Naples Air Center, Inc.
--------------------
www.naples-air-center.com
Teaching the World's Future Pilots Since 1975
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Naples, Florida U.S.A. | Registered: Aug 2001 | IP: Logged
-------------------------------------------
Spitfire747 is currently at my school. He has converted his license to a Restricted FAA PPL and is doing some hour building along with his night rating.
I did see the SFT Students the evening that SFT closed. Their car had broken down right by a busy intersection. I helped them get their car to a mechanic and drove one of them to their hotel. They were all in surprisingly good spirits, making jokes of their situation.
I wish them all the best of luck with the remainder of their training.
Capt. Richard J. Gentil, Pres.
Naples Air Center, Inc.
You said "Is no-one concerned about what happened to them?"
My Post from 05 November 2001
--------------------------------------------
Naples Air Center, Inc.
Just another number
Member # 39474
posted 05 November 2001 21:17
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
spitfire747,
If you already have the tickets and are coming to Florida, come see me. I will give you the aircraft time for nothing to complete your night rating, just pay the instructor's time. (Since they need to eat too.)
Actually I will make this offer to help anyone that was coming to the U.S. via SFT and were burned. I do not want to see anyone lose out on their dream of flying.
Tele: US +941-643-1717
Fax: US +941-643-7794
Sincerely,
Capt. Richard J. Gentil, Pres.
Naples Air Center, Inc.
--------------------
www.naples-air-center.com
Teaching the World's Future Pilots Since 1975
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Naples, Florida U.S.A. | Registered: Aug 2001 | IP: Logged
-------------------------------------------
Spitfire747 is currently at my school. He has converted his license to a Restricted FAA PPL and is doing some hour building along with his night rating.
I did see the SFT Students the evening that SFT closed. Their car had broken down right by a busy intersection. I helped them get their car to a mechanic and drove one of them to their hotel. They were all in surprisingly good spirits, making jokes of their situation.
I wish them all the best of luck with the remainder of their training.
Capt. Richard J. Gentil, Pres.
Naples Air Center, Inc.