PPSC...Gone To the Wind
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As I suggested they would back on page two, the training organisations have gone to extraordinary lengths in a very short period to help PPSC students.
By now it must be obvious that our normally dim view of firms using this forum for free advertising is presently softened and Scroggs has been working away behind the scenes.
Companies offering approved and modular courses as well as instructional staff made redundant are welcome to use the forum to announce efforts to assist those affected by company failures.
Most using this forum are new to the professional aviation world. They should know that there is a long and honourable history of UK companies assisting those in the training sector and within the airlines when a competitor fails.
It's an honour to see this site help in some little way those caught up in all this and we're especially pleased to be able to help the instructors who have garnered so much praise in recent days.
As things settle down it might be interesting to consider some less traumatic ways of acknowledging these unsung heroes of British aviation whichever school they work for.
Rob Lloyd
[ 14 August 2001: Message edited by: PPRuNe Towers ]
By now it must be obvious that our normally dim view of firms using this forum for free advertising is presently softened and Scroggs has been working away behind the scenes.
Companies offering approved and modular courses as well as instructional staff made redundant are welcome to use the forum to announce efforts to assist those affected by company failures.
Most using this forum are new to the professional aviation world. They should know that there is a long and honourable history of UK companies assisting those in the training sector and within the airlines when a competitor fails.
It's an honour to see this site help in some little way those caught up in all this and we're especially pleased to be able to help the instructors who have garnered so much praise in recent days.
As things settle down it might be interesting to consider some less traumatic ways of acknowledging these unsung heroes of British aviation whichever school they work for.
Rob Lloyd
[ 14 August 2001: Message edited by: PPRuNe Towers ]
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sorry to hear of PPSC's demise,
had a few mates there & no-one had any idea of what was about to happen.
I know that Pilot Assist are also helping out students in any which way they can, they've also found out that the CAA have seized all the student training records therefore you can get a credit for the amount of hours you've already put in (just a shame it isn't for the money too!). If some of you guys found the full time residential too much hard going, maybe try the 'closer learning' they've got at PAC, it seems to be working for the people here!
Again, commiserations to all the students & instructors, but if you're in the market for either a job or a course, give em a ring!
had a few mates there & no-one had any idea of what was about to happen.
I know that Pilot Assist are also helping out students in any which way they can, they've also found out that the CAA have seized all the student training records therefore you can get a credit for the amount of hours you've already put in (just a shame it isn't for the money too!). If some of you guys found the full time residential too much hard going, maybe try the 'closer learning' they've got at PAC, it seems to be working for the people here!
Again, commiserations to all the students & instructors, but if you're in the market for either a job or a course, give em a ring!
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Sorry to hear of the demise of PPSC.
I trained with them in '95, passed all nav subjects and failed the tech's.
They were extremely good for the Nav's but IMHO they were let down badly in the Tech subjects in terms of the teaching. Not being horrible but word does get around, and certainly there were many other sudents that thought the same about the tech exam teachings. Which is why after many students failed the tech's they went to a school that was a bit more clued up like Bristol (and no I don't work for them)
In my case I ran out of money having passed 13 of the 15 exams. My year ran out and I lost all of my exam credits.
I'm now in a boring office job. I don't want sympathy, I have no wish to sit the exams again but there is not a single day that goes by when I don't think of how different things might be if I had passed the Tech's.
So good luck to all at PPSC in finding alternative employment but spare a thought for those of us who feel slightly let down by your Tech course.
I trained with them in '95, passed all nav subjects and failed the tech's.
They were extremely good for the Nav's but IMHO they were let down badly in the Tech subjects in terms of the teaching. Not being horrible but word does get around, and certainly there were many other sudents that thought the same about the tech exam teachings. Which is why after many students failed the tech's they went to a school that was a bit more clued up like Bristol (and no I don't work for them)
In my case I ran out of money having passed 13 of the 15 exams. My year ran out and I lost all of my exam credits.
I'm now in a boring office job. I don't want sympathy, I have no wish to sit the exams again but there is not a single day that goes by when I don't think of how different things might be if I had passed the Tech's.
So good luck to all at PPSC in finding alternative employment but spare a thought for those of us who feel slightly let down by your Tech course.
lazy fairweather PPRuNer
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The birth of my new son and a heavy work schedule have meant I've been kept away from PPRune lately. I must say this is not good news to be coming back to. I am an Ex PPSC student and they were EXCELLENT!
Anyway, I have a question and I'm sorry if its already been asked because I just haven't had time to read the whole post but does anybody have ANY idea how this happened. Is it the cut-throat business syndrome or a lack of students (or students going elsewhere) or the cost of changing their syllabus over to JAR or simply just mis-management?
Anyone any clue?
Anyway, I have a question and I'm sorry if its already been asked because I just haven't had time to read the whole post but does anybody have ANY idea how this happened. Is it the cut-throat business syndrome or a lack of students (or students going elsewhere) or the cost of changing their syllabus over to JAR or simply just mis-management?
Anyone any clue?
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First of all my heart goes out to all the instructors at PPSC who, as far as I am concerned, are more affected by this **** than I am.
I am one of the (ex) PPSC PPL/IR distance learning students. I have done some phoning around and found out some information for those that are doing the PPL/IR course.
Yesterday I spoke to Alex Whittingham at Bristol. They are running an old CAA CPL NAV course that would be acceptable to the CAA as a classroom based element.
London Guildhall University are currently putting together a rescue package for PPL/IR course and have the approval from the CAA for that.
I just spoke to the Head of Department at Guildhall. He said that he is trying to get a refresher course set up for all those PPL/IR students that are going to sit the exams on the 13th and 14th of September subject to his Tutors being able to run the course.
The 'man at the CAA' confirmed that Guildhall have been in contact with them and said that the refesher course would be acceptable as a classroom element.
He also had 'some info' that Roger Henshaw is trying to so some SAR as well although I have no idea how true that is or how to get into contact with Roger.
Also, I am actually quite impressed how willing the CAA are at finding solutions the problems that arose from the PPSC demise. They were actually VERY helpful earlier on.
Not to mention all the other schools who are doing their best! Well done!
I hope I got all of this right.
If anyone has some more information then could they let me know also via email:
[email protected]
Cheers all!
Arnie
[EDIT]
Of course I just received my last worksheet from PPSC in the mail. Airlaw 5. Posted: 10/08/2001!!!!
Only got 88% in it as well
.
[ 14 August 2001: Message edited by: Hicks ]
I am one of the (ex) PPSC PPL/IR distance learning students. I have done some phoning around and found out some information for those that are doing the PPL/IR course.
Yesterday I spoke to Alex Whittingham at Bristol. They are running an old CAA CPL NAV course that would be acceptable to the CAA as a classroom based element.
London Guildhall University are currently putting together a rescue package for PPL/IR course and have the approval from the CAA for that.
I just spoke to the Head of Department at Guildhall. He said that he is trying to get a refresher course set up for all those PPL/IR students that are going to sit the exams on the 13th and 14th of September subject to his Tutors being able to run the course.
The 'man at the CAA' confirmed that Guildhall have been in contact with them and said that the refesher course would be acceptable as a classroom element.
He also had 'some info' that Roger Henshaw is trying to so some SAR as well although I have no idea how true that is or how to get into contact with Roger.
Also, I am actually quite impressed how willing the CAA are at finding solutions the problems that arose from the PPSC demise. They were actually VERY helpful earlier on.
Not to mention all the other schools who are doing their best! Well done!
I hope I got all of this right.
If anyone has some more information then could they let me know also via email:
[email protected]
Cheers all!
Arnie
[EDIT]
Of course I just received my last worksheet from PPSC in the mail. Airlaw 5. Posted: 10/08/2001!!!!
Only got 88% in it as well
.[ 14 August 2001: Message edited by: Hicks ]
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I'm approaching the end of module 1 distance learning course with PPSC and am also amazed by their demise. I would like to thank Bristol ground school for their rescue package. It looks like the lifeline i need as i approach the peak of the study curve! It is clearly in their best interests to secure more students. But they, along with others, seem to be genuinely interested in helping those of us left in the lurch. Having lost a not insignificant amount of money I feel let down by the management of PPSC (especially as there was no mention of any probs when i called them on Friday!). My sympathies to those who have lost much more than me. Finally, i am told that PPSC are not handing over marking papers for the assessments. I can think of no good reason why PPSC would want to further hinder the progress of it's students, and i hope that they quickly reconsider this 
policy!!
policy!!
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I am very sorry to hear that PPSC has gone bust .
I was a jar ATPL full time student there for most of this year .
I do know that their Mod 1 course was second to none .
Martin , Jon , And Derek were inspirational in there ability to put exactly what you needed to know across in the simplest form.
But I fear that their Mod 2 (tecs) course was not up to the job .
Consistant courses had failed quite badly in part 2 even when exellent results had been attained in Mod 1 . And I know bad news travells . I met a guy in the u.s.last month.
We got talking and he had passed mod 1 at PPSC but had been advised to go else where for his tecs .
For me , well I've only got 3 retakes left
PoF, Perf, & M&B.
Good luck to you all,
Cubby
I was a jar ATPL full time student there for most of this year .
I do know that their Mod 1 course was second to none .
Martin , Jon , And Derek were inspirational in there ability to put exactly what you needed to know across in the simplest form.
But I fear that their Mod 2 (tecs) course was not up to the job .
Consistant courses had failed quite badly in part 2 even when exellent results had been attained in Mod 1 . And I know bad news travells . I met a guy in the u.s.last month.
We got talking and he had passed mod 1 at PPSC but had been advised to go else where for his tecs .
For me , well I've only got 3 retakes left
PoF, Perf, & M&B.
Good luck to you all,
Cubby
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well at least we know that Dave is not in poor spirits. as if you could catch me in our newly upgraded SUPER FRIENDSHIP.... ooooooooo!!
I agree with BackSeatDriver with regards to the video... perhaps if they'd spent less instructor time on that and more in the classroom then more people might have passed first time etc. No disrespect intended to the instructors as you guys simply sis as you were told. I know this was a bone of contention when Jon Standon was always away for our met lessons.
It would be nice to get all the instructor e-mails before they disappear also so if you could message either openly or privately that would be fab as I'd hate to lose touch.
Dave good luck with your 'phoenix!'
BoxJock
I agree with BackSeatDriver with regards to the video... perhaps if they'd spent less instructor time on that and more in the classroom then more people might have passed first time etc. No disrespect intended to the instructors as you guys simply sis as you were told. I know this was a bone of contention when Jon Standon was always away for our met lessons.
It would be nice to get all the instructor e-mails before they disappear also so if you could message either openly or privately that would be fab as I'd hate to lose touch.
Dave good luck with your 'phoenix!'
BoxJock
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I'll start off by saying a huge thankyou to Roger Henshaw who has stood by the somewhat disheartened students from the start and who was at sft this morning to give us moral support and help sft with the best solution followed by agreeing with morning glories comments not a lot left to say apart from looking forward to wearing my epilletes! in a fortnight.
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Looks like I'll be heading to sunny Spain soon. For those of you interested, my e-mail address is [email protected]
Once again, heartfelt thanks to all those who have taken the trouble to post your complimentary remarks.... thank you
Once again, heartfelt thanks to all those who have taken the trouble to post your complimentary remarks.... thank you
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My thoughts go out to all affected by this tragic state of affairs. I hope everyone finds a way through.
It does intruige me though - how a training provider can go bust? Lets face it - they charge a fortune for what you get. All of them. Regurgitate a few text books in your own fancy binders, gather some "feedback", employ a few old RAF navigators on a pension for peanuts buy the biggest CRP-5 you can find then bill every one of the captive audience £2000.
Why not let people just turn up for the exams at their own risk?
[ 14 August 2001: Message edited by: AirScream ]
It does intruige me though - how a training provider can go bust? Lets face it - they charge a fortune for what you get. All of them. Regurgitate a few text books in your own fancy binders, gather some "feedback", employ a few old RAF navigators on a pension for peanuts buy the biggest CRP-5 you can find then bill every one of the captive audience £2000.
Why not let people just turn up for the exams at their own risk?
[ 14 August 2001: Message edited by: AirScream ]
John Standen - you are one of the most remarkable groundschool instructors I have ever met and I have met many. Thank you once again for getting me through Met in 1998.
I must say its extremely cheering to see the industry rally 'round in this time of mild crisis.
Thank heavens for PPRuNe - if this had happened 5 years ago...
Good luck to both students and instructors,
WWW
ps if any instructor fancies a move to the sun then I know that BAE at Jerez are actively recruiting for the Groundschool...
I must say its extremely cheering to see the industry rally 'round in this time of mild crisis.
Thank heavens for PPRuNe - if this had happened 5 years ago...
Good luck to both students and instructors,
WWW
ps if any instructor fancies a move to the sun then I know that BAE at Jerez are actively recruiting for the Groundschool...
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WWW
I'll second that. I was there Feb this year, and he's not changed. Same result for me.
Funny thing was we had one of the fairer sex in our class, so John had to tone down his usual bit. The full text was usualy available during fag breaks mind you... The guys a hoot.
PS
I'll second that. I was there Feb this year, and he's not changed. Same result for me.
Funny thing was we had one of the fairer sex in our class, so John had to tone down his usual bit. The full text was usualy available during fag breaks mind you... The guys a hoot.
PS
The Original Whirly
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windspeed,
Why the hell don't you give it another shot? "Boring job", "not a day goes by" - your words, not mine. Are you going to spend the rest of your life thinking that way?
Why the hell don't you give it another shot? "Boring job", "not a day goes by" - your words, not mine. Are you going to spend the rest of your life thinking that way?
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I had the fortune of studying with PPSC earlier this year or they had the misfortune of teaching me....
Eitherway, all I can say is that regardless of the added hitches with swapping schools because of different subject splits across the modules the whole issue is made so much worse in my opinion BECAUSE the guys there were SO good!!! (I dont wish to offend lecturers at other schools and I am sure there are many great ones out there)
But... to all of those who taught me at PPSC you made the whole experience worthwhile and very enjoyable (except the class exams that is) and I am very sad that this has happened to you as much as I am me!!
To those of you I have already sent emails too... you had better believe that I will be keeping intouch wherever you get to.
Many thanks for the help.....
Eitherway, all I can say is that regardless of the added hitches with swapping schools because of different subject splits across the modules the whole issue is made so much worse in my opinion BECAUSE the guys there were SO good!!! (I dont wish to offend lecturers at other schools and I am sure there are many great ones out there)
But... to all of those who taught me at PPSC you made the whole experience worthwhile and very enjoyable (except the class exams that is) and I am very sad that this has happened to you as much as I am me!!
To those of you I have already sent emails too... you had better believe that I will be keeping intouch wherever you get to.
Many thanks for the help.....
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whirlybird, the reason is due to lack of cash, bad credit rating because I borrowed a lot of money for the last set of exams and got behind with payments, and also I work in a pretty poorly paid job at the moment.
I would like to try again but it is finding the right school.
Recent postings on this page make me glad that I never tried the new JAA exams at PPSC because it sounds like the module2 (Tech) course is still not up to scratch.
I would like to try again but it is finding the right school.
Recent postings on this page make me glad that I never tried the new JAA exams at PPSC because it sounds like the module2 (Tech) course is still not up to scratch.
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From John Standen ex PPSC
[email protected]
Firstly, many thanks for the many nice things you have said about my colleages and I.
I have enjoyed teaching you all, and like Martin think it is time for some sun, sand and Spanish fly, we are both going for a look round next Tuesday.
Will have to check my climatology notes and see if i need 'my warm Y fronts in winter!'
Good luck to you all and I'm sure to be seeing some of you again somewhere
Cheers
John S
[email protected]
Firstly, many thanks for the many nice things you have said about my colleages and I.
I have enjoyed teaching you all, and like Martin think it is time for some sun, sand and Spanish fly, we are both going for a look round next Tuesday.
Will have to check my climatology notes and see if i need 'my warm Y fronts in winter!'
Good luck to you all and I'm sure to be seeing some of you again somewhere
Cheers
John S
PPRuNe Knight in Shining Armour
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I have two things to say.
To those who doubted the PPSC tech course, from what you say and what I've experienced they must have improved it vastly because I though it was good (I only missed AFS by 1% and then passed with 86% in the next sitting).
And to John, my favourite of yours was the Slugs in Summer and Worms in Winter to picture the Easterly equarorial winds!! (I was in the late Nov 2000 consolidation, on the back row, next to a Kiwi!!)
To all (ex) instructors from PPSC, good luck.
To those who doubted the PPSC tech course, from what you say and what I've experienced they must have improved it vastly because I though it was good (I only missed AFS by 1% and then passed with 86% in the next sitting).
And to John, my favourite of yours was the Slugs in Summer and Worms in Winter to picture the Easterly equarorial winds!! (I was in the late Nov 2000 consolidation, on the back row, next to a Kiwi!!)
To all (ex) instructors from PPSC, good luck.
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I KNOW IT IS NOT MUCH CONSOLATION BUT IF YOU PAID BY VISA OR CREDIT CARD YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO GET SOME MONEY BACK THROUGH THERE INSURANCE SO CALL YOU CARD COMPANY . I AM IN THE SAME SITUATION WITH 4 FORCES . GOOD LUCK CHAPS! 
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Don't forget the contributions made by Roger Henshaw (CGI) PPSC.
Roger is to be congratulated on his helpfullness to the students, especially when you realise that he has only just lost his wife after her valiant fight against cancer.
He has worked hard to try to resolve the problems of the Mod 1/2 students even offering to teach free of charge.
He has set up a PPL/IR course for the 3rd Sept and all the old crew will be teaching it, it will be my last course in Bournemouth.
Roger has my vote as 'Number One Guy of the Year'.
Lets hear a vote of thanks to Roger, who always tried his best for all of you!
John S.
Roger is to be congratulated on his helpfullness to the students, especially when you realise that he has only just lost his wife after her valiant fight against cancer.
He has worked hard to try to resolve the problems of the Mod 1/2 students even offering to teach free of charge.
He has set up a PPL/IR course for the 3rd Sept and all the old crew will be teaching it, it will be my last course in Bournemouth.
Roger has my vote as 'Number One Guy of the Year'.
Lets hear a vote of thanks to Roger, who always tried his best for all of you!
John S.