The flight centre Halfpenny Green
 

Heard that it might of gone under? Anyone heard anything about it.. Will be a shame for everyone involved if its true

Yes, the website says it ceased trading 5/2/2010

That is really sad , sign of the times.

Unfortunately it's true. We've done our best not to let down any customers but there comes a point when you can't go on. I don't know what the future holds - I've no idea if there will be anyone doing commercial training at Wolverhampton.

Thanks go to all past and present customers.

I did my CPL there a couple of years ago, some cracking people who I wish well to and hope the future brings some good fortune..

Moggie what will happen to the bits of old Rovers!

Were they the chaps who got the first/one of the first Twinstars re-engined with the new Astro engines?

I am also saddened to hear this news, I recently did my FI course with them, a nice group of people.

Very best wishes to all of you.

Yes, HGFC have one of the first re-engined DA42 NGs. Unfortunately this has not helped - the aircraft owes slightly more than its current value thanks to depressed markets. Rather a shame, I was hoping to fly it next week for a renewal...

very sad news,

I did my MCC last year there with Richard Moss - what a guy, really good instructor for the course.

Very friendly staff, nice aircraft and good instructors.

Pity

Vulcan 607 - thanks for the kind words. I'm glad we did the business for you.

Nearly There - I repatriated the last one some time ago (I have three Rovers on my drive!).

As for what happens next, it's a bit early to say. I personally have a couple of irons in the fire and hope to hear something in the next week or two. Fingers crossed for the rest of the team - it has been a pleasure to work with such a great bunch, all of whom remained totally professional right to the end.

We've done our best to do right by our customers over this difficult period and hopefully they will not be too badly inconvenienced or left out of pocket by our shutdown. If anyone wants more information (such as we have!) feel free to send me a PM or email and I'll do my best to help.

I am sorry to hear about the demise of this well liked school. Flight training is not the best sector to be working in at the moment - unfortunately! With initial issue class one medical applications down by 50% things are going to get really tough for most FTO's involved - certainly in the modular training sector.

I too am very sorry at the demise of HGFC. I did my work experience there when I was 16 and have since gone on to finish my night rating only last week with them. Great bunch of people and I thank them for all the opportunities. Shame....was planning on carrying on my commercial training with them in due course.

Good luck to everyone!!!

Wolverhampton Halfpenny - cease trading
 

Had word that the Wolverhampton training base has ceased trading as of 5th feb, backed up on their website also.

This thread was halfway down the page! :}

http://www.pprune.org/professional-p...nny-green.html

Cheers

Whirls

Sad news, great little airfield and a school with a good reputation.

Wonderful that they - seemingly - didn't go under with any wannabes money owing to them and that they acted honourably to the bitter end. This has not always been the case with other FTO's that have gone bust/ceased trading.

Wannabes beware. It happens all the time.


Commiserations to all now out of work.

WWW

Thanks, I missed it.

The question is in times like now, does a student Commercial pilot take less of a risk by training at a larger organisation that seems well established rather than a smaller flying school?

Did my MCC there about 4 years ago with Richard Moss. Great course and great instructor. Had a wonderful time. A lovely little place in a lovely part of the country. My commiserations go out to everyone and I hope that all works out in the end for all those who were employed there.


Alpha

Firstly bad luck to all involved, would like to echo WWW sentiments that it is refreshing to see a buisness that has gone under behave in an decent way to its patrons.

I doubt the risk is any less with big schools than it is with small schools I imagine big schools have huge debts to service, large staff bills etc etc whilst the smaller school maybe able to cope with lower costs but has a smaller cash flow..

I certainly would not be paying upfront for a CTC/OAA course at the moment, or ever in fact...imagine if they went how many people would be seriously stung.

Do not pay up front, always use a credit card.

I started my training in 2001 with a large well-established school in Bournemouth. B***ards went bankrupt a month or 2 later takin my hard-earned cash with them!!

Take it from me..i have instructed in 3 different schools in my career (2 of which no longer exist...and the 3rd is floundering!!)

DO NOT SPEND ANY MORE MONEY UPFRONT THAN WHICH YOU CAN COMFORTABLY AFFORD TO LOSE.......

Ignore the above advice at your peril guys

Alpha