PPSC...Gone To the Wind
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Schuler,
The training companies will be doing what they can to help out in the short term. Some will have a cynical view of this and others will see it as enlightened self interest.
Ultimately it is in their interests to go through a great deal of short term hassle and reorganisation of courses to help keep up the general reputation of the industry.
The underlying point though isn't so much numbers as incredibly small margins - competition is cut throat. Over on the FTO side of things both pay as you go and use of real credit cards as opposed to debit variants are good advice.
£60 per hour for decent sims and £250 or so per hour for I/R twins? Is that sustainable?
The training companies will be doing what they can to help out in the short term. Some will have a cynical view of this and others will see it as enlightened self interest.
Ultimately it is in their interests to go through a great deal of short term hassle and reorganisation of courses to help keep up the general reputation of the industry.
The underlying point though isn't so much numbers as incredibly small margins - competition is cut throat. Over on the FTO side of things both pay as you go and use of real credit cards as opposed to debit variants are good advice.
£60 per hour for decent sims and £250 or so per hour for I/R twins? Is that sustainable?
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Not good news. I know a few people who went through PPSC and spoke very highly of them.
However I am sitting here asking myself, is the PPSC situation unique or does it paint a gloomy picture of the current situation that UK FTO's are in.
As I said not good news. I feel sorry for those who are affected by this unfortunate news.
MG
However I am sitting here asking myself, is the PPSC situation unique or does it paint a gloomy picture of the current situation that UK FTO's are in.
As I said not good news. I feel sorry for those who are affected by this unfortunate news.
MG
Join Date: May 1999
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Thanks to all of you who have offered their sympathy to the instructors and students of PPSC.
As the now ex-met instructor at PPSC, your kind remarks are welcome.
Looks like I suddenly got an unexpected holiday, like take the next 365 days as unpaid leave!
Those of you who have booked me for private tuition this month at my chalet, don't worry, it will go ahead as planned. Depending on the job scene I may stay around Bournemouth or leave the country.
So on behalf of myself and the other ten new members of the jobseekers club....thanks and good luck.
John Standen ex Met Instructor PPSC.
As the now ex-met instructor at PPSC, your kind remarks are welcome.
Looks like I suddenly got an unexpected holiday, like take the next 365 days as unpaid leave!
Those of you who have booked me for private tuition this month at my chalet, don't worry, it will go ahead as planned. Depending on the job scene I may stay around Bournemouth or leave the country.
So on behalf of myself and the other ten new members of the jobseekers club....thanks and good luck.
John Standen ex Met Instructor PPSC.
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I can confirm that late yesterday staff at SFT were working hard to respond to this problem. I am not certain how long it will take to sort, but would recommend anyone interested to call SFT on Monday (though be patient - Paula, a star among sales persons was extremely busy yesterday fielding calls!) on (01202) 599888.
I am not officially involved in the preparation of the offer to PPSC's students, so I don't know any details I am afraid. However if anyone wishes to know a little more about SFT in general email me. I started their modular course early last year, and on comlpetion I started to work for them. Therefore I know the company well. You can, of course also check out SFT's website for more details about the company.
I am very sorry to hear about this event, realising the problems it is causing to students. However you decide to proceed, I hope none of you give up on a dream, and wish you the best of luck.
I am not officially involved in the preparation of the offer to PPSC's students, so I don't know any details I am afraid. However if anyone wishes to know a little more about SFT in general email me. I started their modular course early last year, and on comlpetion I started to work for them. Therefore I know the company well. You can, of course also check out SFT's website for more details about the company.
I am very sorry to hear about this event, realising the problems it is causing to students. However you decide to proceed, I hope none of you give up on a dream, and wish you the best of luck.
Join Date: May 2001
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Hello Metsys
From a student(distance learning),it is difficult not to get caught in the self pity situation,and there is a degree of hurt at the suddenness of the news,however my sympathies are with you ,especially as I have talked to many students who have a lot of respect for you.I did not get to meet you(nearly did though) but found your videos helpful and shall in the future.It must be hard when you've put alot of effort into a project,the videos alone take much more effort than people imagine.
I am sure that I'll find another school,but I'm definately sure that your talents shall be snapped up.(Anyone that can even start to understand climatology must be worth good money)Best Wishes.
PS-The sun will shine tomorrow!
From a student(distance learning),it is difficult not to get caught in the self pity situation,and there is a degree of hurt at the suddenness of the news,however my sympathies are with you ,especially as I have talked to many students who have a lot of respect for you.I did not get to meet you(nearly did though) but found your videos helpful and shall in the future.It must be hard when you've put alot of effort into a project,the videos alone take much more effort than people imagine.
I am sure that I'll find another school,but I'm definately sure that your talents shall be snapped up.(Anyone that can even start to understand climatology must be worth good money)Best Wishes.
PS-The sun will shine tomorrow!
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Sorry to hear about PPSC especially for people that have invested money in them. I am a student at SFT and I was cautious parting with my £30,000 and problems like that are always in the back of the mind.
I have several friends syudying at PPSC at the moment, I just hope that they haven't lost too much money!!!
Lets just hope that they all get sorted out and manage to carry on with there dreams to become airline pilots!!
MM
I have several friends syudying at PPSC at the moment, I just hope that they haven't lost too much money!!!
Lets just hope that they all get sorted out and manage to carry on with there dreams to become airline pilots!!
MM
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Metsys! Stu here, sorry about the situation, they have only just taken £150 deposit for the two week brush up from me. (money I could use to pay off a debt or two!) 
What can I do now, I'm 3/4 of the way through mod 2 distance learning and wanted to sit my exams in OCT, giving me 4 months to pick up any exams I dropped but now this will mean if I have to do another course with someone else I may run over the deadline, not to mention the difference in subjects! HELP! Can I get my money back? (if so it's yours!) and in your opinion could I still get an exam sign off from them? Doubt it but it may be worth a go. Maybe the CAA will give me an extension to complete the exams? also unlikley! grim situation....I'm off to find another career......Metsys I'll call you soon, good luck to the rest of you suffering the same bad luck ( underpaid good instructors included!)........TD2 
What can I do now, I'm 3/4 of the way through mod 2 distance learning and wanted to sit my exams in OCT, giving me 4 months to pick up any exams I dropped but now this will mean if I have to do another course with someone else I may run over the deadline, not to mention the difference in subjects! HELP! Can I get my money back? (if so it's yours!) and in your opinion could I still get an exam sign off from them? Doubt it but it may be worth a go. Maybe the CAA will give me an extension to complete the exams? also unlikley! grim situation....I'm off to find another career......Metsys I'll call you soon, good luck to the rest of you suffering the same bad luck ( underpaid good instructors included!)........TD2
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John Standen ex Met Instructor PPSC,
Let me tell you that in my view in your case, the only way you are going to have the next 365 days off is of your own choice. I am an ex student of yours, and if you ever need a reference, just shout. Let me also add that the entire class (UK ATPL 6 weeks started last Jan) where all singing their praise of you in particular, even after sitting he exam. I shall never forget some of those short cuts you taught us, my favorite being that one about the fronts.
A real shame about PPSC. Even more so for such a well established company.
Best regards.
PS
Let me tell you that in my view in your case, the only way you are going to have the next 365 days off is of your own choice. I am an ex student of yours, and if you ever need a reference, just shout. Let me also add that the entire class (UK ATPL 6 weeks started last Jan) where all singing their praise of you in particular, even after sitting he exam. I shall never forget some of those short cuts you taught us, my favorite being that one about the fronts.
A real shame about PPSC. Even more so for such a well established company.
Best regards.
PS
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I'm very sorry to hear the news. PPSC have always been a top rate school.
For those of you on courses the situation is not completely bleak. The CAA will allow transfers between approved schools at any stage. The administrator should simply pass on the student's training records to the new school.
I would suggest those on the current full time courses talk to SFT on the other side of the airfield. They may not be able to match the module you are studying exactly but you should be able to complete the majority of your subjects. It will be difficult to avoid extra costs but I'm sure SFT won't overcharge.
I will talk to the administrator on Monday to see if there is something we (Bristol) can do for the distance learning students at either minimal or no extra cost and I'll post the result here.
For those of you on courses the situation is not completely bleak. The CAA will allow transfers between approved schools at any stage. The administrator should simply pass on the student's training records to the new school.
I would suggest those on the current full time courses talk to SFT on the other side of the airfield. They may not be able to match the module you are studying exactly but you should be able to complete the majority of your subjects. It will be difficult to avoid extra costs but I'm sure SFT won't overcharge.
I will talk to the administrator on Monday to see if there is something we (Bristol) can do for the distance learning students at either minimal or no extra cost and I'll post the result here.
Alex,
I know it's early days yet and so this is an unfair question but is there any chance you could get something up and running by 20 Aug? I leave for the UK on Thursday so need to know where I'm going otherwise I'll be wandering from Bristol to Coventry to Oxford trying to find someone to take me in! Does anyone know if the CAA will be flexible about choice of exam venue at short notice?
[ 11 August 2001: Message edited by: Ham Phisted ]
I know it's early days yet and so this is an unfair question but is there any chance you could get something up and running by 20 Aug? I leave for the UK on Thursday so need to know where I'm going otherwise I'll be wandering from Bristol to Coventry to Oxford trying to find someone to take me in! Does anyone know if the CAA will be flexible about choice of exam venue at short notice?
[ 11 August 2001: Message edited by: Ham Phisted ]
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In company with JS, I have suddenly and rather unexpectedly joined the great unwashed..... I too would like to thank those of you who have expressed sympathy with the plight not only of the instructors, but also our students..... We worked them to the bone of course, but they were shaping up to be a good bunch.... I'm sure they will be a credit to any FTO that takes them on.....
Like John, those who have booked private nav tuition with me will not be let down..... tho' I may take this opportunity to take a long-overdue break in sunny climes.... As to the future, well, I'm not sure.... will just have to wait and see.
In the mean time, I'd just like to say that for the last 3 years, it has been a pleasure and a privilege to teach and get to know so many of you out there..... I'm going to miss it.....
All the best to all you wannabes.... never give up your dream.... and remember: what's the difference between a great circle and a rhumb line?........ who gives a f***!!! LOL
Martin Taggart ex-Navigation Instructor PPSC (RIP)
Like John, those who have booked private nav tuition with me will not be let down..... tho' I may take this opportunity to take a long-overdue break in sunny climes.... As to the future, well, I'm not sure.... will just have to wait and see.
In the mean time, I'd just like to say that for the last 3 years, it has been a pleasure and a privilege to teach and get to know so many of you out there..... I'm going to miss it.....
All the best to all you wannabes.... never give up your dream.... and remember: what's the difference between a great circle and a rhumb line?........ who gives a f***!!! LOL
Martin Taggart ex-Navigation Instructor PPSC (RIP)
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It's very important that John and Martin, 2 greats in their field, are not lost from the industry...
I'm sure some clever FTO owner is already on the case guys..
[ 11 August 2001: Message edited by: JB007 ]
I'm sure some clever FTO owner is already on the case guys..
[ 11 August 2001: Message edited by: JB007 ]
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From John Standen: ex-Met, PPSC
Any of our (PPSC) students on distance learning would be well advised to contact Alex Whittingham at Bristol.
I have a great deal of respect for Alex and his talents, a nice guy and a great instructor.
For distance learners, Alex is my recommendation (IMHO).
John S
Any of our (PPSC) students on distance learning would be well advised to contact Alex Whittingham at Bristol.
I have a great deal of respect for Alex and his talents, a nice guy and a great instructor.
For distance learners, Alex is my recommendation (IMHO).
John S
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BackSeatDriver / Martin Taggart..
Sorry about this..
I've been asked by a friend who was sitting a brush up course with you in a week or so if you are available for some Gen.Nav private tuition.
Probably enough guys out there to run a small course !!!!!(just a thought!)
If you are, could you please e-mail me your details and i'll pass them on..
[email protected]
Cheers
Sorry about this..
I've been asked by a friend who was sitting a brush up course with you in a week or so if you are available for some Gen.Nav private tuition.
Probably enough guys out there to run a small course !!!!!(just a thought!)
If you are, could you please e-mail me your details and i'll pass them on..
[email protected]
Cheers
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Anyone fancy some of my hard earned cash? I know all you F.T.O 's will be reading these pages with great interest and if you can offer anything to me for the "old" PPSC module 2 then I'll take it as my time is running out fast and I'm getting worried, (6 mths) to pass all the exams. Many thanks to Martin Taggart and John Standen for showing themselves here, I've had the pleasure of private tuition from both during and after my time at PPSC and I can say the tuition and subject knowledge on both parts is astounding and I for one can't imagine better instructors for what at the end of the day is two of the toughest subjects on offer (F.T.O's take note! these are the men for the job!) I shall be phoning the CAA on Monday to discover their stance on things and anyone else in my boat( at the end of Mod2 distance learning )should hope that chaps such as Alex of Bristol and other ATPL G/S providers clock on and secure the business of all those 'ex' PPSC students. To the rest of you on my ship these things are sent to test us I'm sure so keep your chins up (inst inc.) and if you hear anything let us all know!
P.S thanks alot PPSC for letting me know you were going down the tubes when you asked me for my "brush up" cash the other day!............Manners cost nothing!
P.S thanks alot PPSC for letting me know you were going down the tubes when you asked me for my "brush up" cash the other day!............Manners cost nothing!
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Further to Alex Wittingham's post:
As far as I last heard, SFT are trying to set up courses specifically matched to the remainder of the full-time PPSC courses. At this early stage I don't think that the practicalities are quite worked out, and I don't guarantee that we can do it. However we are trying. Hold in there, and call SFT on monday.
Anyone needing private tuition in the Bournemouth area for General Nav email me (JB007 I may be able to help your friend if BackSeatDriver can't). I may also be able to put you in touch with other subject tutors too.
As far as I last heard, SFT are trying to set up courses specifically matched to the remainder of the full-time PPSC courses. At this early stage I don't think that the practicalities are quite worked out, and I don't guarantee that we can do it. However we are trying. Hold in there, and call SFT on monday.
Anyone needing private tuition in the Bournemouth area for General Nav email me (JB007 I may be able to help your friend if BackSeatDriver can't). I may also be able to put you in touch with other subject tutors too.
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Another one bites the dust 
My sympathies to the staff and anyone who's lost money, and I hope that you all get sorted sooner rather than later.
What really irks me is the fact that any company can legally continue to take deposits etc for future training in the full knowledge that they are likely to cease trading imminently.(As opposed to continuing trading whilst insolvent -
(which is of course illegal, and of course, no one would do that)
We await to see the reasons for their demise, but regardless of the obvious talents of the teaching staff, it doesn't say much for the owners business acumen if they have let the company get into such a mess.
My sympathies to the staff and anyone who's lost money, and I hope that you all get sorted sooner rather than later.
What really irks me is the fact that any company can legally continue to take deposits etc for future training in the full knowledge that they are likely to cease trading imminently.(As opposed to continuing trading whilst insolvent -
(which is of course illegal, and of course, no one would do that)
We await to see the reasons for their demise, but regardless of the obvious talents of the teaching staff, it doesn't say much for the owners business acumen if they have let the company get into such a mess.
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so it looks like a transfer to another provider is a possibility with the associated student files. but how easy this is going to be with a company in recievership is hard to gauge, anyone got any ideas?
also it seems that bristol's module 1 content
is different to ppsc's, which also throws another spanner in the works, if all the other possible alternatives are the same!
i honestly thought that all the providers would follow the same path. i suppose i shouldn't be suprised that a logical ruling such as this be omitted in the new order j.a.r. world we now live in.
by any chance does anyone know the content of a.f.t.'s modules?
labyrinths i can do, you just keep going, it's all these fxxxing mazes that do me.
also it seems that bristol's module 1 content
is different to ppsc's, which also throws another spanner in the works, if all the other possible alternatives are the same!
i honestly thought that all the providers would follow the same path. i suppose i shouldn't be suprised that a logical ruling such as this be omitted in the new order j.a.r. world we now live in.
by any chance does anyone know the content of a.f.t.'s modules?
labyrinths i can do, you just keep going, it's all these fxxxing mazes that do me.
Looks like the distance modules have been split in a number of "sensible" ways. PPSC chose to lump days 3 & 4 exams together while other schools lumped subjects together which had some synergy between them. Links for module content are:
SFT: http://www.sft.co.uk/jar_atpl.htm
Bristol: http://www.bristol.gs/ATPL%20Course.html
AFT: http://www.atlanticairlines.co.uk/atpl_dl.htm
Oxford: http://www.oxfordaviation.net/produc...vccorsfram.htm
SFT: http://www.sft.co.uk/jar_atpl.htm
Bristol: http://www.bristol.gs/ATPL%20Course.html
AFT: http://www.atlanticairlines.co.uk/atpl_dl.htm
Oxford: http://www.oxfordaviation.net/produc...vccorsfram.htm
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May I take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt and personal sympathy to all students registered with PPSC. Over the last ten years I have taught many ATPL students.
I have memories of ups and downs, some classes very sombre, others hilariating ( and how could I ever forget the strippogram?) You all know who you are! Like all my colleagues it has been not inconsiderable success in the examinations which has been strong motivation. I thank all who have said good things about us. To those caught in the middle of all this, may I personally wish you all the very best of luck in your pursuit of what I have always said is a very worthy profession. It is said that the Phoenix arose from the ashes.....
David
I have memories of ups and downs, some classes very sombre, others hilariating ( and how could I ever forget the strippogram?) You all know who you are! Like all my colleagues it has been not inconsiderable success in the examinations which has been strong motivation. I thank all who have said good things about us. To those caught in the middle of all this, may I personally wish you all the very best of luck in your pursuit of what I have always said is a very worthy profession. It is said that the Phoenix arose from the ashes.....
David