The Unnamed Flight School
Well, there isn't much to this story. I was
taking my training with a Flight School in this area. The deal they had
was: You buy a "block" of time and they give you a slightly discounted rate on
the regular prices of airplane and instructor fees. When your block ($500)
is almost used up, they let you know so you can put more money in your account.
Easy enough and a pretty good idea as opposed to writing a check every time you
go up there.
I had done my solo and was going to do one more block while Dad got his
airplane sorted out and then I would finish my training in his. None of
this was mentioned to the Flight School. I bought another block of time and was
ready to proceed. After 1 lesson into the new block, my 2nd full-time
instructor (the first had been fired for some unknown reason) got a job with an
airline company and was leaving. So, now I was going to be issued a third full
time instructor. There were already a lot of inconsistencies between the 4
instructors I had already flown with. (2 full time and 2 one time deals) I
didn't want to break in ANOTHER instructor and figure out what he/she wants and
expects while they figure out how I flew. Not to mention there was no guarantee
that instructor would stay around long enough for me to finish my training.
So, I decided to pull out of the school early and finish my training with a
local guy here in town that I KNOW will be around long enough for me to finish.
So, I called up the Flight School and told them what I wanted to do and they
told me that was fine, but I couldn't have my money back. So, in other words, I
paid them 500 bucks and I'm not entitled to any of that hasn't been used.
(Which, by the way, is about 370 bucks) They say I can use the money to
purchase anything around there (like "store credit") but I can't get any of it
back.
Well, I think that's total BS, but who am I? So, I'll use the money
for my FAA Check ride or gas or whatever. But, because they are being that way,
I will not advertise for them on this site. And, I will not tell anyone to
go to the school. There have already been 2 people; one that wanted to
start Pilot Training and had a bad experience with the On-Base Aero Club and
another that just PCS'ed in with his own airplane, and wanted to get instrument
rated. I have sent both of them to other places other than the flight school.
It really sux that the school thought that much of my 370 bucks, because I just
sent close to $10,000 in a different direction. Too bad, so sad. As
for the website, I have taken out all mention of the school's name (including
blurring out the name on the picture of the school sign) and taken off all links
to the school's website. I won't bash them and tell you not to business
with them, like I do that CROOK, Clint Walker and Pro-Motion Motorsports, but
I'm not going to give them any free advertising either.
As you all know, I was a race car driver. There was never any free
advertising on my car. If we could do something for each other or you
helped me out, I was happy to run your colors on the car. But, if you
weren't willing to help me out, or at least give me a slight break on things, I
wouldn't run it. Why would you advertise something for someone that is
giving you the same deal as any Joe Schmo that walks through the door? You
wouldn't. Same goes for me and this website. Hence, the Unnamed
Flight School.
**D**