I know it is a long time ago but just ask yourself why did the RAF choose Canada and South Africa to train some of their pilots in WW2? The USA shares a border with Canada. Makes me think "why?"

They trained in the US too.

More likely because they were in the Commonwealth I'd have thought.
Canada and South Africa declared war at pretty much the same time as did the United Kingdom.

USA didn't enter until a few years later. Therefore there may have been a legal issue about training people for war in an "independent" state. (Maybe)

WW2 aircrew training in Canada
 

My UK school pal's dad was trained to fly the Mosquito in Canada.
He said they lost a lot with guys just "messing about".

Rob, whilst you are doubtless correct about the training records and the lack of a visa issue it would be slightly naive to rely on the UK legal system to guarantee protection.
Back in the 90s I and a number of other pilots were ripped off by a classic snakeoil salesman. The incident ended up in the national press, Flight International were slightly embarrassed as they were carrying his adverts, the police were actively involved and pursuing the gentleman in question with a view to a fraud prosecution. All seemed on track for a successful legal conclusion, faith restored in UK law etc. Unfortunately this did not come to pass as the person in question unfortunately (a cynic might say conveniently, I couldn't possibly comment) developed a dread disease which the police were lead to believe was going to be totally debilitating in very short order; unlikely as it may sound, the police showed some compassion and decided that further punishment was unnecessary and dropped the enquiry. Imagine my surprise when I find recently that said gentleman managed to continue his aviation "career" for a further 6 years, it would appear that conmen just keep on conning.
Unless you have the cash to pursue a private prosecution, which is unlikely if you have just paid for an ATPL, you will have to rely on the police and courts and unfortunately they can be conned as effectively as anyone else.
Caveat emptor and protect yourself at all times.

Secoat, SFT and very recently again with PFT. Many, many others. The joys of limited company law.

All shut down but always remarkable how the senior figures reappear. The Green's, the Boltons and Fishers.

I really must remember one day to suggest people don't pay up front - I'd never thought of it before:eek:

Rob.

Let's Clear Something Up
 

Ok - so technically and legally, we can persue a Floridian flight school should we find ourselves in a situation whereby we need to persue the matter in the courts.

The only thing, although there is nothing legally stopping us from doing so, taking a Floridan flight school is complicated and expensive, so much so that I am yet to find a single account of anyone bringing the matter to court, notwithstanding the fact whether they were successful or not?

Or am I over simplifying??

Limited company law
 

Why are these characters allowed to continue peddling grubby mendacity? Most professional bodies have a code of ethics which disowns them even if they legally can continue in practice. Is there not such a body in aviation?

Personally, I would lay this responsibility at the feet of the regulator. Surely the UK CAA has a view on this? It would make their life so much simpler if they knew that all applicants for licensing had been to an approved institution which, to the best of their knowledge has individuals of probity and integrity.

One could argue that the government should have a role in this. On second thoughts, maybe not.

Stephen Fisher
 

Anyone had dealings with this character? Is his track record indicative of standards in Florida?

http://www.pprune.org/professional-p...approvals.html

Well - I stand corrected. Maybe the CAA do do something about the goings on in Florida. Yes - it's been very slow to react, but it has reacted afterall.

JAA CFI Training in Florida
 

Hi all! I'm from Portugal almost completing my ATPL (A) Frozen, and I'd like to get an Instructor's Rating soon after I'm licensed. Because of high prices and qualitatively speaking, CFI courses here are of a lesser kind, I've opted to try and join a CFI course in the States; preferably in Florida.

With my limited resources on the internet, I'd like your opinions on what a best option of a school would be. Basically what I'd need is a school that approves JAA CFI (A) training and of course accommodation nearby the targeted airfield :)

So far I've found an attractive looking Flight School named EASA (Euro American School of Aviation). Hopefully their A/C are in tip top shape!

Thanks in advance,
Miguel

Don't go to EASA wich is the old school named Ormond Beach Aviation in the past! The owner is Mr. Fisher, he is just a shark, he wants just your money, nobody finished the training on-time! tens of hours more to fly (and pay), I had as instructor the HOT of the school (the name is Bill) every day he said that I was not prepared to pass the test, I was scared about that also because during the extra training he said to me nothing, just "turn right hdg 230, turn left, make turns". The morning before the exam, he said that was impossible for me to pass it, I was tired about that school, did the test and passed with an examiner from arizona!

I was happy to get out from that hell!


Keep your eyes opened!

spicejetter, it can be complicated but does not have to be. I posted this in another thread.

I also posted some information on the Small Claim Court process.

Anyone thinking about going to a flight school in Florida should do some extensive research (Same goes for any other States)

The better business bureau should be a good start!

United States and Canada BBB Consumer and Business Reviews, Reports, Ratings, Complaints and Accredited Business Listings

Search the online archives of the local paper Florida Newspapers - Florida Newspaper List

Search the county clerk of court website (lawsuits, liens etc.) Clerks of Court

Search the Florida Division of Corporation website (find out who the officers / directors / agents of the schools are). www.sunbiz.org - Document Searches

Before filling a lawsuit, I would contact the Florida General Attorney's Office (Consumer Protection) Florida Attorney General - Consumer Protection and the local media (some have investigative reporters).

I would not file suit before having exausted all means to resolve the problem out of court.

Remember information is power!

The police case against Fisher never materialised as he cancelled all visa's of the complainants (read ripped off students) and got them sent home before they could appear against him. The police never continued as they had no real witnesses.......a shame!! (taken from another PPruNe post).

Looks like it's not that easy afterall to take legal actions. These guys (apparent victims of a certain Florida based ex flight school owner) seemed to want to take action - but were sent home - most likely due to cancelled/expired visas. Yet I have seen no evidence of them persuing the individual from the UK.

Again - can anyone please give me examples of when you have brought action against a Florida based FTO - and what was the outcome?

Florida CPL Training
 

I am a UK PPL holder and have been re located to Miami Florida, whilst I am here doing my day job I want to build my hours and flying experience and go on to get my CPL and FI rating as upon my return to europe in a couple of years I want to go into teaching.
I have been here for 6 months, I signed up to one local school here and went for my first flight with them, only to find the aircraft was in an awful state and the throttle came off in my hand whilst climbing after take off. (This being only one of the problems)
After having paid the fees for the TSA finger printing etc and with the knowledge that I will have to pay the fees over again when I find a new school I am wanting any recommendations for schools in the south Florida area to do my CPL and eventually my FI.
Also I am trying to work out if it would actually be best to continue along the JAA route or go down the FAA route and convert at a later date.
Any advice gladly received.

Florida flight schools
 

I have experience of both UK and US.

I can say without any doubt that there is good and bad on both sides of the atlantic, I have had very poor cases of customer service in both.

The above mentioned SF was one of them and should he appear at any school in any form I would not hesitate to recommend students stay away.

I have had a poor experience in the UK also not to the same extent, however, I would say that most of my flying has been conducted very well and to a high standard here and in the US.

Having flown at 4 different schools their (US) the only one that was of the poor standard was run by SF (UK)

The dis-service is like most things to label everyone the same is as poor as the training that's being suggested, the valid points have all been stated, just keep them in mind.

In fact if anybody knows where Dan Collins is now from Huffman in Venice can they pass me the details, excellent pilot instructor!!

:E

Go out and visit schools, kick tyres and ask questions. best way to find out.

If its a JAA CPL you want then you will have to go to either Naples, Orlando flight training or Vero Beach.

As far as I know you cant do an FI rating out in the states but I may be wrong. I personally would go down the FAA route as its quicker and more realistic than what the JAA lot put you through. I converted my JAA ME CPL to an FAA stand alone CPL in 10 days. The IR can be done in 14 days and you can fly the same day you pass.

Carbonfibre,
Can I ask which of Fisher's manifestations you experienced and when ?

PTC in FL is the way to go for your CPL, forget Naples or Orlando.
The airplanes at FIT are state of the art. Seriously.