Fred0311 Posted January 15, 2013 Report Posted January 15, 2013 (edited) So I stopped by a fixed wing flight school to pick something up from their pilot shop and figured I'd ask a few questions about their program because I'd like to get my fixed wing rating after I finish with rotor wing. The school irritated me by being very pushy about quiting rotor and going fixed now. "Fixed wing pilot shortage" "Fixed wing makes better money" etc. etc. Well I ignored that and pressed them for information and they said something I found pretty offensive in trying to get me to switch and it was hypocritical to boot. I no longer want to spend a dime there and want to take my buisness elsewhere. Unfortunately they are the best option around. I'd like to write a letter to the owner asking for an apology to put my mind at ease with using them but I am concerned it could taint me as aviation is such a small community. So should I write the letter? Suck it up and deal with the offense? Take my money elsewhere? I know I have to find the answer myself but maybe someone else's perspective could help. Any thoughts are appreciated. Edited January 15, 2013 by Fred0311 Quote
Lindsey Posted January 15, 2013 Report Posted January 15, 2013 So I stopped by a fixed wing flight school to pick something up from their pilot shop and figured I'd ask a few questions about their program because I'd like to get my fixed wing rating after I finish with rotor wing. The school irritated me by being very pushy about quiting rotor and going fixed now. "Fixed wing pilot shortage" "Fixed wing makes better money" etc. etc. Well I ignored that and pressed them for information and they said something I found pretty offensive in trying to get me to switch and it was hypocritical to boot. I no longer want to spend a dime there and want to take my buisness elsewhere. Unfortunately they are the best option around. I'd like to write a letter to the owner asking for an apology to put my mind at ease with using them but I am concerned it could taint me as aviation is such a small community. So should I write the letter? Suck it up and deal with the offense? Take my money elsewhere? I know I have to find the answer myself but maybe someone else's perspective could help. Any thoughts are appreciated. Was it one person that was giving you this impression, or several? If just one, I wouldn't be overly concerned about it, as it could just be that individual. If several...yeah I might be concerned and take your money elsewhere. Quote
HeliUtah Posted January 15, 2013 Report Posted January 15, 2013 Take your money elsewhere. Your info says you are in SLC, so there are plenty of options. I've got both my heli and fixed wing ratings, and am familiar with most of the operators in the Salt Lake area, so if you have any questions feel free to PM me. Quote
eagle5 Posted January 16, 2013 Report Posted January 16, 2013 If anyone at any flight school ever tells you there is a pilot shortage,...RUN!!! Don't write a letter asking for an apology! If they gave you a bad impression just move on, there are PLENTY of other schools ALL OVER THE WORLD! Quote
Fred0311 Posted January 16, 2013 Author Report Posted January 16, 2013 Appreciate the thoughts guys (and gal Lindsey). It was a single person but it was the owner... Had it been an over zealous employee I probably would of let it go. Anyway I think I will probably look elsewhere but any other opinions are still welcomed. Quote
Lindsey Posted January 16, 2013 Report Posted January 16, 2013 Appreciate the thoughts guys (and gal Lindsey). It was a single person but it was the owner... Had it been an over zealous employee I probably would of let it go. Anyway I think I will probably look elsewhere but any other opinions are still welcomed. Sounds like the guy either doesn't understand the industry, misleads people purposefully in order to drum up business, and/or is a tool. Find another place. If he's trying to tell you things that are blatantly untrue (pilot shortage), then it goes beyond a personality issue and becomes a financial risk for you. What else is he going to mislead you about once he's got some of your money in his pockets, etc? This isn't to say that his instructors aren't quality, but I would still take your money elsewhere. 1 Quote
Gomer Pylot Posted January 18, 2013 Report Posted January 18, 2013 I would have advised letting the owner know, because he needs to know what his employees are doing. But since it was the owner you talked to, I would just not go back. Talking further with him isn't likely to result in anything good. You can get pilot supplies anywhere, either locally or online, and probably cheaper. Quote
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