True Safety....or Revenue?

[Rookie Pilot]

I don't run a flight school.  Don't know anything about running a flight school. Don't want to know.  But can't help asking the question when I read this form, and the absence of any decision making skills on weather, or anything else.  Just rote learning tasks.  Any of which for the hopeful renter, one could  probably fail if they wanted more dual.  Totally subjective.


Not all schools are the same, obviously.



https://www.pacificflying.com/sites/def ... Review.pdf


Not only is there a box for a "US checkout" , I read on the blog this school doesn't accept anyone ELSE's US checkout.  Whatever the heck that means.


Now I know running an FTU sucks, and isn't the path to riches, and they can do what they want.  All good.


One wonders though why GA is in decline. 


If an FTU doesn't want to rent, don't rent.  Easy. 

[Nark1]

That check out is full of dumb. But whatever, it's what they want to do. 


Whether it's structured like that to satisfy insurance or lawyers or some egotistical flight instructor is anyone's guess. And you're correct it's subjective, but so is a CFI (normal flight instructor) prior to sending some out for solo or checkrides.

[mcrit]

I can see not trusting just anyone to take an airplane across a border.  If you mess up with customs and get the plane impounded that could lead to a whole lot of ass pain for the FTU.

[Slick Goodlin]

[quote author=mcrit link=topic=7506.msg20711#msg20711 date=1511200559]
I can see not trusting just anyone to take an airplane across a border.  If you mess up with customs and get the plane impounded that could lead to a whole lot of ass pain for the FTU.
[/quote]
Yeah, it doesn't take a very big mistake to get the fines over $50k.

[Rookie Pilot]

[quote author=Shiny link=topic=7506.msg20714#msg20714 date=1511202504]
Its usually unlikely for the school itself to get fined - ask me how I know - but the loss of revenue and recovery costs mount up fast.
[/quote]


I get the  reasons for the checkout Shiny.


I am curious if you have to use that form to tell is someone is competent. Is the system dumbed down that much?

[Slick Goodlin]

[quote author=Rookie Pilot link=topic=7506.msg20716#msg20716 date=1511209436]
I am curious if you have to use that form to tell is someone is competent. Is the system dumbed down that much?
[/quote]
Nah, it's a shaky transference of liability at best.  When US CBP gets mad and phones the registered operator of the aircraft (that being the flight school) they can point to the checkout sheet and say, "We did our part, it's not our fault that the rules were broken."


A lot of these checkouts and extra fluff are built on a fear of consequence and as such are a somewhat lame attempt at covering their asses.

[Rookie Pilot]

[quote author=Slick Goodlin link=topic=7506.msg20717#msg20717 date=1511210586]
[quote author=Rookie Pilot link=topic=7506.msg20716#msg20716 date=1511209436]
I am curious if you have to use that form to tell is someone is competent. Is the system dumbed down that much?
[/quote]
Nah, it's a shaky transference of liability at best.  When US CBP gets mad and phones the registered operator of the aircraft (that being the flight school) they can point to the checkout sheet and say, "We did our part, it's not our fault that the rules were broken."


A lot of these checkouts and extra fluff are built on a fear of consequence and as such are a somewhat lame attempt at covering their asses.
[/quote]




Now we're getting somewhere. Just don't call it competent, efficient operation of a business.