jetcareers - View Single Post - Public Appeal to user: ERJ-135-ATA's Gary Grell

ERJ-135 · March 18th, 2003, 14:12

Sorry it took me so long to respond to Doug’s request. I had to do some soul searching as to what really happened at ATA.

OK, here’s the scoop on my position at ATA and what was my main role in all of this mess.

My position was working as a Training Coordinator. It is just a fancy title for a person in a marketing and sales position. The Williams’ did not like the word sales person, so to be politically correct; they called us Training Coordinator’s. Prior to the 9/11 tragedy, three Training Coordinator’s handled all the potential student contacts, mail-outs, phone contacts and tours of the academy. After 9/11, one of the Coordinator’s left for personal reasons. We took a drastic pay cut and he was not willing to stay until things got better.

Till the last day, we had no knowledge of the pending closure. I feel bad about what the academy did to the student’s future. It is a crime and the Williams’ should be brought to justice. I only lost one week salary; the students have lost a future and money.

Here are three reasons I had no inside information. The Williams’ really kept quiet on a lot of issues. Prior to the closure, as a matter of fact, on Wednesday 02/26, I had made reservations for RT flight to MKE from MCO to set up a booth and work the Oshkosh air show this summer. I don’t think Scott Williams would have instructed me to book the flights if he was about to close the academy. Monday 02/24, a new Training Coordinator started. We needed extra help in making contacts of potential students. We anticipated that the new ads would generate new leads. I really feel that the Williams’ were trying to do everything to keep the academy open. ATA had just redesigned their ads and also had signed new advertising contracts with 3 major flying magazines. The first new ad appeared in the March issue of AOPA Pilot magazine. The other magazines are: Flying, and AOPA’s Flight Training.

I know the students think Steve and I are scum bags and responsible for their loss. We were trying our best to keep the enrollment going each month which helped pay the bills.
If the Williams’ family was that far behind in the payment of expenses, we had no inside information that things were that bad. Yes, we had some slow months, but we also had good months. We never knew what the absolute bottom dollar amount was per month, to keep the doors open. Steve and I worked many a Saturday and Sunday, on our time giving tours and trying to keep the enrollment coming. It just was not good enough.

Did the Williams’ family dip into the funds? I really don’t know. Did they try and do everything to keep the academy open? I believe they tried everything until the end.

I have nothing to do with the refunds, so don't be to harsh on the messenger.

March 18th, 2003, 14:12	#9
ERJ-135 Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: USA Posts: 277	Re: Public Appeal to user: ERJ-135-ATA\'s Gary Grell Sorry it took me so long to respond to Doug’s request. I had to do some soul searching as to what really happened at ATA. OK, here’s the scoop on my position at ATA and what was my main role in all of this mess. My position was working as a Training Coordinator. It is just a fancy title for a person in a marketing and sales position. The Williams’ did not like the word sales person, so to be politically correct; they called us Training Coordinator’s. Prior to the 9/11 tragedy, three Training Coordinator’s handled all the potential student contacts, mail-outs, phone contacts and tours of the academy. After 9/11, one of the Coordinator’s left for personal reasons. We took a drastic pay cut and he was not willing to stay until things got better. Till the last day, we had no knowledge of the pending closure. I feel bad about what the academy did to the student’s future. It is a crime and the Williams’ should be brought to justice. I only lost one week salary; the students have lost a future and money. Here are three reasons I had no inside information. The Williams’ really kept quiet on a lot of issues. Prior to the closure, as a matter of fact, on Wednesday 02/26, I had made reservations for RT flight to MKE from MCO to set up a booth and work the Oshkosh air show this summer. I don’t think Scott Williams would have instructed me to book the flights if he was about to close the academy. Monday 02/24, a new Training Coordinator started. We needed extra help in making contacts of potential students. We anticipated that the new ads would generate new leads. I really feel that the Williams’ were trying to do everything to keep the academy open. ATA had just redesigned their ads and also had signed new advertising contracts with 3 major flying magazines. The first new ad appeared in the March issue of AOPA Pilot magazine. The other magazines are: Flying, and AOPA’s Flight Training. I know the students think Steve and I are scum bags and responsible for their loss. We were trying our best to keep the enrollment going each month which helped pay the bills. If the Williams’ family was that far behind in the payment of expenses, we had no inside information that things were that bad. Yes, we had some slow months, but we also had good months. We never knew what the absolute bottom dollar amount was per month, to keep the doors open. Steve and I worked many a Saturday and Sunday, on our time giving tours and trying to keep the enrollment coming. It just was not good enough. Did the Williams’ family dip into the funds? I really don’t know. Did they try and do everything to keep the academy open? I believe they tried everything until the end. I have nothing to do with the refunds, so don't be to harsh on the messenger.