OK, why don't we all chill out a bit!. .. .I was under the same understanding as Freda, when I spoke to the people at MALGUS before the current scheme started they informed me that this first offer was limited, and would be the only 100% sponsorship scheme (I was also under the impression that places were v. limited). The following schemes would require payment back. The aim of their business being making money from in the future being able to provide a pool of pilots for various airlines. (Don't Air Atlantique do something similar)?. .Anyway, like all sponsorship opportunities the odds are stacked against the majority, but someone has to get it! If you look at other 'genuine' sponsorships then the fee of £147 is about the same, eg Brit Euro, two rounds about £75 each (not sure on exact figures)and 4 places. Go to Gapan or Cabair and pay the same just to sit the aptitudes and see how you do. It's all experience, and it all counts to your opportunities in the future.. .. .If people don't like it then don't apply.. .. .GQ

Guinness Queen. .. .As I understand it, for the British European sponsorship, there was no charge for the initial application. Only those called in for the first selection day, were charged around £50, but by then they were on a short list, with odds of 1 in 6 of selection for genuine guaranteed sponsorship.. .. .I was under the impression that other sponsorship schemes run by the RAF, GAPAN, Cabair, etc, were on a similar basis, but please correct me if I am wrong.. .. .I see nothing wrong in paying for aptitude tests, once the odds of selection, are better than about 1 in 20, when the sponsorship is being offered by a well known & long established organisation, & when there is a definite number of places on offer, which is not dependant on getting sufficient applicants, whose own application fees are the ONLY funding available to cover the costs of the sponsorship.

Perhaps I should have made my views clearer in previous postings. Believe it or not, I am NOT anti Malgus. BUT, I am in favour of full & honest disclosure in any financial offer made to the public, especially those aimed at cash-strapped Wannabees.. .. .Indeed, I see nothing wrong in applying to Malgus, so long as you are aware that it is apparantly nothing more than a lottery. Despite being a lottery it may well be the best chance that some Wannabes have of getting a fATPL. What I dislike is a lottery dressed-up as a genuine sponsorship, or even as employment. (It was in the employment sections of both The Times & The Sunday Times ). .. .Perhaps those of us who have been around a bit, & seen pyramid schemes & unregistered lotteries, have just got more cynical, over the years.. .. .So, good luck to those who have applied to Malgus <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

Lets see what happens to those who have made it to stage 2.

Another thing quite concerning is the VAT number is not valid.. .. .Did a check on the number and it is not valid.. .. .JonathanG

JonathanG. .. .Could you please expand on your last posting? Was a VAT number quoted anywhere, if so, what was it?. .. .Apptitude tests are normally standard-rated for VAT @ 17.5%. The VAT charged is, of course, payable to Customs & Excise.. .. .I assumed that the £147 was inclusive of VAT.. .After VAT, this equates to £125,10 net to Malgus.. .After deducting Malgus's costs (& profit?) how much is actually left to go towards the sponsorships? . .. .Oh Dear! ... I am becoming a cynical old sceptic again ... must go flying tomorrow to regain my sanity <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

Pyramid scheme, thats all this is.

Why don't you all get together and form a syndicate. When you have 500 members get a contract drawn up saying you all agree to put £100 into a 'prize draw'. Then get a tombola from the local Derby and Joan club and pull a winning ticket out of the hat.

It could be done at a PPRuNe bash if you like with Danny Fyne adjuticating and cranking the handle.

It would be £47 cheaper. The odds of being the winner would be higher as there are no wasted 'selection costs'. It would be more fun, quicker and probably fairer too.

I for one will be suprised if Malgus ever get anyone through an ATPL for £147.

I shall also make it my business to find out the exact relationship between any lucky winner and the men behind Malgus. If there is any connection or fishy business whatsoever I will organise a legal attack on Malgus and I already have the support of a well known aviation QC in doing so.

At the very best the men behind this scheme are launching their own commercial enterprise on the backs of Wannabes dreams.

Where were they before Sept11th for example? When there were plenty of real sponsorship opportunities about.

Where were they then? Perhaps it would be cruel to think that they saw the withdrawel of all airline sponsorship post 9/11 as an OPPORTUNTITY. Up they pop only a few weeks later with the only "Sponsorship" dream ticket deal on the market. A captive audience one might argue.

THINK ABOUT IT.

A nephew of Malgus's best friend from school is going to be the chosen one - mark my words.

You are all being USED to fund someone elses career. To watch your cow eyed blind hope and naivety is galling in the extreme.

Rember Malgus. You are being watched. Your 'Winner' will be investigated. Questions will be asked. The slightest slieght of hand WILL be exposed.

You are being watched. From a quite small distance in fact.

MIR.