Safe flight training payment account

[lawenforcer]

Hello I am looking to start flight training, I am looking to see if anyone knows or has used a flight payment account, I am looking for a safe flight account that shows a flight school I have money on account but they cant go in and take the money out of my account unless I authorize payment after a flight was completed, I have seen all the story's about silver state taking the students money and want to be safe ,Does anyone know of a bank or other business that has this kind of service Thanks for you time

[PhotoFlyer]

Why would the flight school need to see you have money? If they want proof ahead of time that you have the money to pay then you should be looking for another school. (The only exception is if you are flying on credit, but if you have the $$$ why would you fly on credit?) If they ask for you to pay for more than 1 flight at a time then you should look elsewhere. Most schools will allow you to place money on account for a discount, but they shouldn't require it.

 

Oh, banks already have the account you need. Typically called a checking account. If you want easy access to some of your $$$, but want a return on the account get a money market account.

[Galadrium]

Any "school" that needs proof that you have a large amount of money in the bank should be avoided. Just because Silver State went bankrupt doesn't mean that there aren't plenty of Silver State clones still out there trying to make a quick buck.

 

I don't understand why anyone would deal with a business that asked for money before services are rendered, or at least would make you prove that you had it. This type of thing is very telling about what kind of business you are dealing with, consider this a free lesson and don't end up like those SSH students. You shouldn't have to prove anything, go train with a more honest and transparent business.

[NorCalHeliKid]

Hello I am looking to start flight training, I am looking to see if anyone knows or has used a flight payment account, I am looking for a safe flight account that shows a flight school I have money on account but they cant go in and take the money out of my account unless I authorize payment after a flight was completed, I have seen all the story's about silver state taking the students money and want to be safe ,Does anyone know of a bank or other business that has this kind of service Thanks for you time

 

I have used a flight account that was facilitated by a school and it worked out fine. In fact, all 3 schools I have been to I was able to use a flight school facilitated account in which I had funds on account, simply for ease of use and convenience. I do not see the harm in having a small amount on account to cover what you will be using in the near future. I would never pre-pay or authorize the full amount ahead of time, those are definite no-no's. As long as you are responsible enough to keep reciepts and keep track of what you are being charged for then it should never be an issue. Hope this helps...

 

p.s. What department are you working for?

[Goldy]

I disagree with some of the replies. A school is not going to give you a discounted rate for a block of time without some bucks up front...or just maybe...a joint account. You could just go open a joint checking account which requires dual signatures...then give them a check after each flight, let the school endorse it and cash it...might just work.

 

That gives you some flexibility and protection. Another poster mentioned using his credit card, not a bad idea, also gives you some protection. BUT..usually the school wants to know you are actually going to spend 4K if they give you the 4K block rate !

[ADRidge]

Pay as you go. If there's any doubt about a school legitimacy, walk the other way. Initially I'm sure it seems like there are only a few helicopter schools that are worth a darn, but the more I look, the more it seems everyone has hung up their shingle at an FBO.