Airline Training Academy (ATA) locks its doors...

av8sean · February 28th, 2003, 01:26

Sounds like another skanky flight school bites the dust..

"The Airline Training Academy closed its doors today.

They gave the students 15 minutes to get out and locked the doors. They admitted a new class of students just 2 weeks ago. These people paid 60,000 dollars for 2 weeks of groundschool. I really feel for these students but at least they will be the last people the Airline Training Academy screw. Well at least for a while. The cockroaches behind ATA will proabably reinvent the lie to scam more people."

Doug Taylor · February 28th, 2003, 01:32

Holy crap, Cartman!

Are the students out of $60 grand?

av8sean · February 28th, 2003, 01:41

More gossip from an ATA'er..

"Your lucky you left when you did, it was really sad to see students outside the gate crying because they know that they will never get a dollar back from those crooked people. One funny thing though, before they announced the closing they had maintainance disconnect the starters on all of the aztecs and parked two fuel trucks on the entrance of the ramp to keep students from stealing the airplanes!
"

flyitup · February 28th, 2003, 01:43

That's unbelievable!

I really hope there is some way for the poor students to recover their lost 60k...

It almost gave me a heart attack when I lost my lone five dollar bill the other day... Sixty Thousand Dollars? Geez!

flyguy · February 28th, 2003, 02:06

They have to give the money back. They recieved no product or service for the payment. Any student who takes them to court will easily win their case.

blee256 · February 28th, 2003, 02:08

But if they filed for chapter 7 doesnt that mean no one is getting a dime?

-Brian

Doug Taylor · February 28th, 2003, 02:19

I figure any money will go to the aircraft leases or large institutions with lawyers on retainer/on staff and usually us lowly customers have to fight over the few scraps left.

Dammit dammit dammit, this pisses me off because this is just like the early 1990's all over again and a lot of good kids with dreams of flying got absolutely screwed -- and without legal representation, they're going to have little recourse if history bears it's ugly face again.

These guys knew for months about their impending doom probably, but still gleefully took money from people. GRRRRRRR!!!!!

The fact that ATA still took money up to the day they went out of business is going to hurt a lot of legitimate flight schools.

Timbuff10 · February 28th, 2003, 03:03

Ouch, when i started looking at these big flight schools ATA was the first one i considered but the thing that scared me was the pay up front thing. As far as i know though you had two payments of $30,000. They have a stage I for $30K and then when you pass that, you enter stage II for another $30K. basically stage I was where you get your ratings minus any flight instructor ratings, and stage II is where you just build time and then get the "guaranteed interview" where they tell you "we will keep your resume on file, thanks for coming"

Hopefully these guys will get their $$ back although i bet it will be tough! If not, maybe they are only out half the cost? Geez that really sucks! I dont do well when stuff like that happens to me... I would be afraid I would go nuts and do something stupid. I would probably be the guy stealing the planes fly it to mexico and sell it there.

Raskolnikov · February 28th, 2003, 04:05

I met a captain for American about two years ago who advised me to go to ATA. He had sent his son and daughter through the program and raved at how they didn't have to waste time instructing and that they would instead get a higher seniority number and a jump on their career. I almost took out the loan based on his recommendation alone. Luckily I came to my senses and decided to pay off some college loans before borrowing more money (still paying them off by the way). I could have gotten screwed not only out of my money, but also out of a dream.

I should write this guy a letter to see how his kids are doing?

I feel bad for the poor students who lost their money. Man that sucks!

PurduePilot · February 28th, 2003, 04:39

No where on their website does it say that they have closed their doors. I have no doubt that you're right, but I can't verify this...

You won't catch me at any of those training academies or pilot mills. Too much of a chance of being taken for me. I'll stick to the FBO route and get my CFIs that way. There really isn't any hurry in this job market after all.

carlos · February 28th, 2003, 06:25

Their web site comes back as a blank page when I just tried it now. Can anyone else confirm what's going on there?

EDUC8-or · February 28th, 2003, 06:26

Any place that wants that much cash up front is a little sketchy if you ask me. If I went somewhere that did this I would ask about having my student loans put into my bank account. After all, it is your money and YOU are the one who has to pay it back. Not the school!

Do any of us go to the Piggly Wiggly and pay for the next 8 years groceries and just hope that they would stay open until the 8 years is up?

Needless to say, this is REALLY sad.

marcusprice · February 28th, 2003, 06:49

I'm on a 6 month LOA as my wife got in an accident and one of my friends from school just emailed me and told me it actaully happend.

Guess I'll call a lawyer this morning.

marcusprice · February 28th, 2003, 07:16

I'm on the phone with the attorney general's office right now.

I want to see these scumbags go to jail.

pavelump · February 28th, 2003, 07:22

[ QUOTE ]
Any place that wants that much cash up front is a little sketchy if you ask me. If I went somewhere that did this I would ask about having my student loans put into my bank account. After all, it is your money and YOU are the one who has to pay it back. Not the school!

[/ QUOTE ]

This is exactly the reason why I only have about $2500 in my account at a time. I'm not afraid of FSI going bankrupt, but if I need to get out of there quick, I can.

WOW, I almost went there too. I'm sorry to hear that for the student's sake.

Dave

Eagle · February 28th, 2003, 07:37

I am surprised there hasn't been a Busload of new students driving to the homes to attach 60K worth of collateral assets.

Additionally I suspect, if the school was taking $ up to the day they closed that implies criminal intent (fraud), and the ability to file charges.

Personally I would be kicking some scumbag flight school ass, and getting the paperwork filed ASAP bringing criminal charges. Off to the sheriff's office I go.

on a lighter note, Mrs Eagle just offered up.. "sounds like the airlines they will sell you a ticket up to the day they go out of buisness, as you are standing at the gate. "Sorry we are out of buisness." D'oh!

ready2fly · February 28th, 2003, 08:34

Christ this is scary because the same thing almost happened to me - only at a smaller - lesser known academy.

I was going to attend "ACA - The Academy" in Lakeland, Florida (the ACA supposedly stood for "Airline Careers Academy" as well as "American Culinary Academy", so go figure).

I had already gone out and interviewed the school's student recruiter/GM. This was in November of 2001, so just after 9/11. I asked - point blank - "is the school in any danger of closing?"

The guy said "No. We did lose some international students, but we're okay."

Well, come January, I was about to send in my $500 deposit to hold my "spot" and called the guy to let him know to expect it.

He said "hey - why don't you wait until the end of the month? We've got a new class in and I don't want your money to get lost in the shuffle."

Two weeks later - GONE! CLosed the doors with no warning. Just like ATA.

The students were out, BUT if memory serves me correctly - a huge law firm took their case and they received all remaining funds back. I may be wrong on that.

I feel for the ATA students! Sucks! The folks who run ATA should spend a VERY long time in jail, because Eagle is right - they knew and they kept receiving funds. That's fruad no matter how you cut it.

Mahesh · February 28th, 2003, 09:40

This is so sad ... So Marcus Price, you said you are on a LOA from ATA? Keep us posted on what happens. I wonder if there is anything people on this board can do. Many people, including myself, almost went to ATA. Maybe publicize it?
I hope ATA has the decency to return the money to the students.

Mahesh

chunk75 · February 28th, 2003, 10:00

I can't believe I'm saying this, but GET A LAWYER QUICKLY! Express to counsel that you believe your money is in jeopardy and you will probably be in court today to get an injunction against them spending any of your funds.

SCUMBAGS! Find out where they live and start knocking on doors. I'd be half tempted to hand-prop an aircraft and fly it to an "undisclosed location". Course, you might go to jail for that....on second thought, just get the lawyer.

Chunk

ready2fly · February 28th, 2003, 10:10

(Dammit! Twice in two days, but....here goes..)

I agree with Chunk! If you're a (former) ATA student... Get a Lawyer!! Fast - fast- fast!!!
Like before you close this thread.
Good luck!
R2F

kansaspilot · February 28th, 2003, 10:11

I hope all those students who gave their money will recive it back. I have to laugh because when I was originally looking at schools, I got info from everyone. Hell, they called me on wednesday to see If I still thought of attending. I told them i was going to college.

kansaspilot · February 28th, 2003, 10:15

on a personal note, I prefer shotgun justice but that would not work in this situation. Get a lawyer and fast,call the news get your stories out there and get the masses behind you......hopefully you will get some of it back.

blee256 · February 28th, 2003, 10:30

[ QUOTE ]
I hope all those students who gave their money will recive it back. I have to laugh because when I was originally looking at schools, I got info from everyone. Hell, they called me on wednesday to see If I still thought of attending. I told them i was going to college.

[/ QUOTE ]

When you say wednesday you dont mean two days ago do you? If so, man that sucks, You might make a good testimony.

As far as ATA goes, I almost had a heart attack when I found out because I was going to go there. I applied for a loan to attend ATA, but my co-signers credit wasnt good enough, so i wasnt able to attend. Thank god I would have been out 60K. You dont understand the relief i felt, after i found this out. Though I feel really bad for the students there. I thiunk they should all get together and work as a group on trying to collect their money. strength in numbers.

-Brian

bumflip · February 28th, 2003, 10:35

ready2fly · February 28th, 2003, 12:49

I know a reporter with an ABC affiliate here it Tampa. I'll see if she might be interested in breaking the story.

Okay - I called and left a message on her voicemail, then spoke with the newsroom and e-mailed the story to their "news tips" address.

Maybe they'll get on it.

February 28th, 2003, 01:26	#1
av8sean Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Toronto/DTW Posts: 487	Airline Training Academy (ATA) locks its doors... Sounds like another skanky flight school bites the dust.. "The Airline Training Academy closed its doors today. They gave the students 15 minutes to get out and locked the doors. They admitted a new class of students just 2 weeks ago. These people paid 60,000 dollars for 2 weeks of groundschool. I really feel for these students but at least they will be the last people the Airline Training Academy screw. Well at least for a while. The cockroaches behind ATA will proabably reinvent the lie to scam more people."

February 28th, 2003, 01:32	#2
Doug Taylor Agent Smith Join Date: Dec 1969 Location: KSDL Posts: 41,926 Blog Entries: 1	Re: Airline Training Academy (ATA) locks its doors... Holy crap, Cartman! Are the students out of $60 grand?

February 28th, 2003, 01:41	#3
av8sean Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Toronto/DTW Posts: 487	Re: Airline Training Academy (ATA) locks its doors... More gossip from an ATA'er.. "Your lucky you left when you did, it was really sad to see students outside the gate crying because they know that they will never get a dollar back from those crooked people. One funny thing though, before they announced the closing they had maintainance disconnect the starters on all of the aztecs and parked two fuel trucks on the entrance of the ramp to keep students from stealing the airplanes! "

February 28th, 2003, 01:43	#4
flyitup Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 620	Re: Airline Training Academy (ATA) locks its doors... That's unbelievable! I really hope there is some way for the poor students to recover their lost 60k... It almost gave me a heart attack when I lost my lone five dollar bill the other day... Sixty Thousand Dollars? Geez!

February 28th, 2003, 02:06	#5
flyguy Old Skool Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 2,094	Re: Airline Training Academy (ATA) locks its doors... They have to give the money back. They recieved no product or service for the payment. Any student who takes them to court will easily win their case.

February 28th, 2003, 02:08	#6
blee256 Old Skool Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: lower canada Posts: 1,666	Re: Airline Training Academy (ATA) locks its doors... But if they filed for chapter 7 doesnt that mean no one is getting a dime? -Brian

February 28th, 2003, 02:19	#7
Doug Taylor Agent Smith Join Date: Dec 1969 Location: KSDL Posts: 41,926 Blog Entries: 1	Re: Airline Training Academy (ATA) locks its doors... I figure any money will go to the aircraft leases or large institutions with lawyers on retainer/on staff and usually us lowly customers have to fight over the few scraps left. Dammit dammit dammit, this pisses me off because this is just like the early 1990's all over again and a lot of good kids with dreams of flying got absolutely screwed -- and without legal representation, they're going to have little recourse if history bears it's ugly face again. These guys knew for months about their impending doom probably, but still gleefully took money from people. GRRRRRRR!!!!! The fact that ATA still took money up to the day they went out of business is going to hurt a lot of legitimate flight schools.

February 28th, 2003, 03:03	#8
Timbuff10 Old Skool Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Coloradan in Orange County, CA Posts: 3,235	Re: Airline Training Academy (ATA) locks its doors... Ouch, when i started looking at these big flight schools ATA was the first one i considered but the thing that scared me was the pay up front thing. As far as i know though you had two payments of $30,000. They have a stage I for $30K and then when you pass that, you enter stage II for another $30K. basically stage I was where you get your ratings minus any flight instructor ratings, and stage II is where you just build time and then get the "guaranteed interview" where they tell you "we will keep your resume on file, thanks for coming" Hopefully these guys will get their $$ back although i bet it will be tough! If not, maybe they are only out half the cost? Geez that really sucks! I dont do well when stuff like that happens to me... I would be afraid I would go nuts and do something stupid. I would probably be the guy stealing the planes fly it to mexico and sell it there.

February 28th, 2003, 04:05	#9
Raskolnikov Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Oregon Posts: 275	Re: Airline Training Academy (ATA) locks its doors... I met a captain for American about two years ago who advised me to go to ATA. He had sent his son and daughter through the program and raved at how they didn't have to waste time instructing and that they would instead get a higher seniority number and a jump on their career. I almost took out the loan based on his recommendation alone. Luckily I came to my senses and decided to pay off some college loans before borrowing more money (still paying them off by the way). I could have gotten screwed not only out of my money, but also out of a dream. I should write this guy a letter to see how his kids are doing? I feel bad for the poor students who lost their money. Man that sucks!

February 28th, 2003, 04:39	#10
PurduePilot Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Sherborn, Massachusetts USA Posts: 1,309	Re: Airline Training Academy (ATA) locks its doors... No where on their website does it say that they have closed their doors. I have no doubt that you're right, but I can't verify this... You won't catch me at any of those training academies or pilot mills. Too much of a chance of being taken for me. I'll stick to the FBO route and get my CFIs that way. There really isn't any hurry in this job market after all.

February 28th, 2003, 06:25	#11
carlos Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 91	Re: Airline Training Academy (ATA) locks its doors... Their web site comes back as a blank page when I just tried it now. Can anyone else confirm what's going on there?

February 28th, 2003, 06:26	#12
EDUC8-or Old Skool Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: NC Posts: 2,332	Re: Airline Training Academy (ATA) locks its doors... Any place that wants that much cash up front is a little sketchy if you ask me. If I went somewhere that did this I would ask about having my student loans put into my bank account. After all, it is your money and YOU are the one who has to pay it back. Not the school! Do any of us go to the Piggly Wiggly and pay for the next 8 years groceries and just hope that they would stay open until the 8 years is up? Needless to say, this is REALLY sad.

February 28th, 2003, 06:49	#13
marcusprice Newbie Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Zephyrhills, FL Posts: 12	Re: Airline Training Academy (ATA) locks its doors... I'm on a 6 month LOA as my wife got in an accident and one of my friends from school just emailed me and told me it actaully happend. Guess I'll call a lawyer this morning.

February 28th, 2003, 07:16	#14
marcusprice Newbie Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Zephyrhills, FL Posts: 12	Re: Airline Training Academy (ATA) locks its doors... I'm on the phone with the attorney general's office right now. I want to see these scumbags go to jail.

February 28th, 2003, 07:22	#15
pavelump Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Chicago Posts: 790	Re: Airline Training Academy (ATA) locks its doors... [ QUOTE ] Any place that wants that much cash up front is a little sketchy if you ask me. If I went somewhere that did this I would ask about having my student loans put into my bank account. After all, it is your money and YOU are the one who has to pay it back. Not the school! [/ QUOTE ] This is exactly the reason why I only have about $2500 in my account at a time. I'm not afraid of FSI going bankrupt, but if I need to get out of there quick, I can. WOW, I almost went there too. I'm sorry to hear that for the student's sake. Dave

February 28th, 2003, 07:37	#16
Eagle Banned Join Date: Oct 2000 Posts: 1,272	Re: Airline Training Academy (ATA) locks its doors... I am surprised there hasn't been a Busload of new students driving to the homes to attach 60K worth of collateral assets. Additionally I suspect, if the school was taking $ up to the day they closed that implies criminal intent (fraud), and the ability to file charges. Personally I would be kicking some scumbag flight school ass, and getting the paperwork filed ASAP bringing criminal charges. Off to the sheriff's office I go. on a lighter note, Mrs Eagle just offered up.. "sounds like the airlines they will sell you a ticket up to the day they go out of buisness, as you are standing at the gate. "Sorry we are out of buisness." D'oh!

February 28th, 2003, 08:34	#17
ready2fly Old Skool Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: DFW Posts: 7,373	Re: Airline Training Academy (ATA) locks its doors... Christ this is scary because the same thing almost happened to me - only at a smaller - lesser known academy. I was going to attend "ACA - The Academy" in Lakeland, Florida (the ACA supposedly stood for "Airline Careers Academy" as well as "American Culinary Academy", so go figure). I had already gone out and interviewed the school's student recruiter/GM. This was in November of 2001, so just after 9/11. I asked - point blank - "is the school in any danger of closing?" The guy said "No. We did lose some international students, but we're okay." Well, come January, I was about to send in my $500 deposit to hold my "spot" and called the guy to let him know to expect it. He said "hey - why don't you wait until the end of the month? We've got a new class in and I don't want your money to get lost in the shuffle." Two weeks later - GONE! CLosed the doors with no warning. Just like ATA. The students were out, BUT if memory serves me correctly - a huge law firm took their case and they received all remaining funds back. I may be wrong on that. I feel for the ATA students! Sucks! The folks who run ATA should spend a VERY long time in jail, because Eagle is right - they knew and they kept receiving funds. That's fruad no matter how you cut it.

February 28th, 2003, 09:40	#18
Mahesh Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Northern Hemisphere Posts: 1,370	Re: Airline Training Academy (ATA) locks its doors... This is so sad ... So Marcus Price, you said you are on a LOA from ATA? Keep us posted on what happens. I wonder if there is anything people on this board can do. Many people, including myself, almost went to ATA. Maybe publicize it? I hope ATA has the decency to return the money to the students. Mahesh

February 28th, 2003, 10:00	#19
chunk75 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: FL Posts: 922	Re: Airline Training Academy (ATA) locks its doors... I can't believe I'm saying this, but GET A LAWYER QUICKLY! Express to counsel that you believe your money is in jeopardy and you will probably be in court today to get an injunction against them spending any of your funds. SCUMBAGS! Find out where they live and start knocking on doors. I'd be half tempted to hand-prop an aircraft and fly it to an "undisclosed location". Course, you might go to jail for that....on second thought, just get the lawyer. Chunk

February 28th, 2003, 10:10	#20
ready2fly Old Skool Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: DFW Posts: 7,373	Re: Airline Training Academy (ATA) locks its doors... (Dammit! Twice in two days, but....here goes..) I agree with Chunk! If you're a (former) ATA student... Get a Lawyer!! Fast - fast- fast!!! Like before you close this thread. Good luck! R2F

February 28th, 2003, 10:11	#21
kansaspilot Newbie Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: KSLN Salina,Ks Posts: 27	Re: Airline Training Academy (ATA) locks its doors... I hope all those students who gave their money will recive it back. I have to laugh because when I was originally looking at schools, I got info from everyone. Hell, they called me on wednesday to see If I still thought of attending. I told them i was going to college.

February 28th, 2003, 10:15	#22
kansaspilot Newbie Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: KSLN Salina,Ks Posts: 27	Re: Airline Training Academy (ATA) locks its doors... on a personal note, I prefer shotgun justice but that would not work in this situation. Get a lawyer and fast,call the news get your stories out there and get the masses behind you......hopefully you will get some of it back.

February 28th, 2003, 10:30	#23
blee256 Old Skool Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: lower canada Posts: 1,666	Re: Airline Training Academy (ATA) locks its doors... [ QUOTE ] I hope all those students who gave their money will recive it back. I have to laugh because when I was originally looking at schools, I got info from everyone. Hell, they called me on wednesday to see If I still thought of attending. I told them i was going to college. [/ QUOTE ] When you say wednesday you dont mean two days ago do you? If so, man that sucks, You might make a good testimony. As far as ATA goes, I almost had a heart attack when I found out because I was going to go there. I applied for a loan to attend ATA, but my co-signers credit wasnt good enough, so i wasnt able to attend. Thank god I would have been out 60K. You dont understand the relief i felt, after i found this out. Though I feel really bad for the students there. I thiunk they should all get together and work as a group on trying to collect their money. strength in numbers. -Brian

February 28th, 2003, 10:35	#24
bumflip Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Frisco, TX Posts: 314	Post deleted by Doug Taylor

February 28th, 2003, 12:49	#25
ready2fly Old Skool Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: DFW Posts: 7,373	Re: Airline Training Academy (ATA) locks its doors... I know a reporter with an ABC affiliate here it Tampa. I'll see if she might be interested in breaking the story. Okay - I called and left a message on her voicemail, then spoke with the newsroom and e-mailed the story to their "news tips" address. Maybe they'll get on it.

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