The ATA situation seems to be similar to The Academy in Lakeland not too long ago. Students came back from (I believe) Winter break to find the school had closed down. Yet anither "pilot mill" goes belly-up and leaves the hopes and aspirations of many students grounded.
A story told far too often.
My name is Robert Cooper. My wife and I own National Aviation at St. Pete-Clearwater Int'l (PIE). National is one of the oldest flight schools in Florida, having been around since 1968, and one of the first Cessna Pilot Centers. We also own the FBO where National is located: Air-1 Aircraft, the newest FBO in the Tampa Bay area. Air-1 houses Challengers, Lear 60's, Citations, Saberliners, and is regularly visited by G-V's, Global's, Falcon's and other corporate aircraft.
We became a Part 141 school in Sept. 2001. Our Part 141 certificate includes Pvt., Inst., Comm. and Multi. We have had many, many students go through our program. Many stay with us after they earn their CFI; others have gone on to the Regionals and beyond.
We were able to help some of The Academy students, and we may be able to help the ATA students as well.
We don't offer "guaranteed" jobs, marketing hype, etc. You don't wear epaulets and cheap shirts and pants while training. We don't blast you through a program on a strict timetable. We do not make impossible, overhyped promises. You won't see expensive, slick magazine ads. You get what you pay for, and nothing less. And we have a sense of humor.
We DO promise you this: When you leave National Aviation, you will be a competant, safe, and confident pilot. You will have trained in well-maintained, newer Cessna, Piper Seminole, and AMD aircraft. After that, the future is up to you. But you WILL go to job interviews with the secure knowledge that your ability will be easily noticed by the interviewee.
If I can be of service to any of you, please contact David Cunningham, Director of Operations, or Tom Jamin, Chief Flight Instructor at 727-531-3545. Or e-mail:
[email protected]. Our website is
www.national-aviation.com.
It is sad to hear of these situations and the human tragedy they cause. We would like to do a little something to help.
Robert Cooper, President
National Aviation Holdings, Inc.
e-addy:
[email protected]