FairPlane

Support Us

Please support our campaign for fairness for student pilots by signing up below.

New! Please download this letter to send to your MP.

You can find the name and address of your MP here.

Before you sign up below, a word from BALPA, the Pilots and Flight Engineers trade union and professional association representing members in UK airlines:

In the UK, virtually all the airlines have abrogated their responsibilities towards training, expecting the prospective pilots to pay for all their training, with self sponsored type ratings becoming the norm. Sign up to a training course and you are unlikely to get much change from £80,000.00, and there is only very limited sponsorship available, so it seems hard to imagine how prospective pilots are going to fund their training, especially given the lowering of terms and conditions throughout the industry. It has also been suggested that the quality of the candidates is not always of the calibre required, and therefore some form of selection on ability would be desirable, rather than on the ability to pay. It is difficult to imagine in the fiercely competitive world of Flight Training that prospective candidates with the requisite amount of money in their hands, are going to be turned away from a school with places to fill. It could indeed be argued that selection will take place, with candidates not up to the task, failing to achieve the required standard being self selecting based on individual wealth.

It is seen as imperative that the Government takes this issue on board, providing professional flying training with the same educational benefits as provided to other professions, such as medical/engineer/surveyor/accountant /legal. This may require that the profession follows the tertiary education route, in line with other professional selection, but in line with other professional selection the students should then be eligible for loans, tax breaks, tax relief, etc.

BALPA has brought these issues to the attention of governments but has yet to see the issue being taken seriously.

There are a number of European Countries that offer tax relief on flight training, so why not the UK? Now that we are part of Europe we should be applying the same standards to ensure UK students and UK Flight Training Organisations are not disadvantaged.

621 Responses to “Support Us”

Thomas Johnson on 28 May 2009 at 5:52 pm #

Support the campaign 120%, Pilots should defiantly get support, if every other student can get support, why cant they??
Liza Botti on 28 May 2009 at 6:10 pm #

I would like to add my support to the above statement. The governement should provide the same support to trainee pilots as other students.
Lucy Botti on 28 May 2009 at 6:19 pm #

I feel that the government should help trainee pilots.
Jamie Walker on 28 May 2009 at 6:37 pm #

Well done on completing your training Oliver. I attempted the training four years ago and on completion of my PPL had to call it a day due to lack of finance. Being in my mid 20s at the time the possibility of flying professionally was just not attainable due to the costs of training, despite the offer of a £40k loan from HSBC (probably not enough anyway) with crippling repayments after completion of training and no guarantees of a job straight away. This is a great isdea and I offer my full support. I will watch with interest – good luck!
Craig Baker on 29 May 2009 at 8:57 am #

I fully support this campaign. Flight training should provide professional education not debt!
Carolyn Evans on 29 May 2009 at 9:34 am #

Why should every other student receive government supported training when seeking to follow their chosen profession except pilots. Is it that the government perceives the profession as ‘sexy’ and somehow different to a real job? If so they need a wake up call, it is a very real very hard job, long hours, shift work but with good rewards. All we ask for is a fair playing field why should UK pilots start their career life off with such an enormous burden of interest bearing debt? Without UK pilots we will not have a UK industry and as for training establishments, with tax benefits and grants available overseas what attraction is there for pilots to train in the UK.
Dave Brooks on 29 May 2009 at 9:51 am #

I think the airlines should sponsor pilot training and be able to claim back from the government. In this way only the best would be accepted for training. It is very worrying that there are pilots out there who are not of the best calibre and are only flying because they had the money to pay for training.
Cath Hooper on 29 May 2009 at 10:43 am #

I fully suppport this campaign, it doesn’t seem fair to have one rule for one student and another rule for another form of student. Lets have that level playing field please!
Sarah Barry on 29 May 2009 at 11:48 am #

I think there is a problem of perception of pilots in the UK. Many people think pilots only come from wealthy backgrounds, or that their training is paid for by the airlines. This is so not the case! Although every airline pilot has passed the required training and exams, there has often been a long and arduous route to do this. Many potential pilots spend years trying to save up to pay for their training (and many give up) and many potential pilots take out huge loans in order to pay for their training. I was amazed when I was undertaking my training that there was absolutely no money available from the government for a course that was likely to give me a good career at the end of it (and mean that the government would recoup any money spent on me by my paying of higher taxes) No student loans, no tax breaks, no Income Support, no Unemployment Benefit, no Housing Benefit. Yet if I had wanted some help from the government, perhaps I should have chosen something really useful like a degree in Citizenship Studies or a BA in Knitting? (Both supported by government funding).

Even though I was training for a career, I had to pay everything myself with not even the most basic help from the government. At the end of training there is the stress not only of paying back your loans, but also of trying to find that first job. Even when you get your first job, the wages are generally not that high and you work all hours, and it still takes years to pay back the money for your training. Whilst working as a new airline pilot you are therefore under additional pressure, trying to pay back your loans.

The government seems keen to encourage more people to go to University, yet refuses to support those who wish to do a vocational qualification.

I fully support FairPlane’s aims, and think that as a start, the government should look at offering Career Development Loans for the amount of the course, grants/student loans towards living expenses and tax breaks for the training.
Dusty Miller on 29 May 2009 at 11:49 am #

Pay as you go is not necessary getting the best? Is the present system doing that?
Mark Savill on 29 May 2009 at 12:18 pm #

I have seen first hand just how much this whole family have had to sacrifice to get this pilots licence through. I applaud their single minded determination in achieving their goal – but the point is that they should not have had to sacrifice so much. Any student should be entitled to the same treatment as any other student or trainee. Shame on the government for this woeful treatment.
Steve Green on 29 May 2009 at 12:50 pm #

An excellent move to highlight this totally unfair discrimination against tertiary education for potential airline pilots.
Adam Chudley on 29 May 2009 at 12:50 pm #

I completely support this campaign as this is the career I continually wish to pursue however this system is the single reason I cannot. Forcing this kind of financial burden is not fair to those of us that simply cant afford it.
Edward Jones on 29 May 2009 at 12:59 pm #

This is an abrogation of Human Rights by the Government towards pilots.
Training is critical and trainees should be supported on an inclusive basis with other professions.
The current situation is patently unfair.
Donna Fleming on 29 May 2009 at 1:17 pm #

A very worthy cause
Piet Reynolds on 29 May 2009 at 2:41 pm #

I fully support the aims of this campaign!!
Peter Desforges on 29 May 2009 at 2:50 pm #

Any responsible Government must provide professional flying training and financial loans in line with the other professions. These young people, regardless of background are the future of this country. We should invest in them recognising the huge responsibiliy they carryfor the lives of people. Politicians should wake up to the fact they reuire help – not hand outs
Tom Cockhill on 29 May 2009 at 3:15 pm #

As an ex-student I know how tough it can be! They can count on my support.
Jeffrey Dale on 29 May 2009 at 5:03 pm #

I am pleased to add my weight to this campaign.
Anthony Smith on 30 May 2009 at 11:58 am #

100% behind this cause, came throught the pilot training system myself last year and was one of the lucky ones to get a job on completion. I therefore know what it’s like for families to take the huge gamble on training costs and I know that this is not the kind of job where anything but the most worthy candidate will do.

It is simply unacceptable that those who lack the skills but can afford to pay end up responsible for the safety of hundreds of passengers and as stated we certainly wouldn’t accept it from our Doctors/Surgeons.

It’s high time pilots had a level playing field where career training is concerned.
Sue & Nigel Hendry on 30 May 2009 at 12:02 pm #

All students should have help with grants – or is being a pilot an elitist occupation??
Captain Peter Boulding on 01 Jun 2009 at 10:27 am #

High time something was done to rectify this situation!
Stefano Felici on 01 Jun 2009 at 11:33 am #

Hi!

I’m italian and i’m 21 just happened!!

I’m working in a IT Technology industries as Flight Procedure Designer for 2 years…I’m saving a lot of money to begin my training…

Good LooK
Graham on 01 Jun 2009 at 11:59 am #

Fully supporting this website. My partner is just about to start her surgical training.

It actually costs £250,000 to train a medical student, of course, the governement pays for it.

And they accuse medicine of being elitest…
Keith Jones on 01 Jun 2009 at 12:20 pm #

This is a case of discrimination in education, It is my wish to student pilots treated as students. I find it totaly unfair when I see students from other EU states being refunded the VAT when they train in the UK and yet a student from the UK pays the VAT in full.
Tudor Owen on 01 Jun 2009 at 2:16 pm #

I’ve always thought the inequality is very unfair, and am pleased to support this initiative.

It is completely unacceptable that someone should be prevented from entering the profession because he/she doesn’t have the funds to obtain the necessary qualifications.

Some post-qualification debt is inevitable these days, unfortunately, but there should be equality.
Sam on 01 Jun 2009 at 2:20 pm #

Training to be a commercial pilot is hard enough without the hideous debt involved. If the UK government does not take action then it will ultimately lose out.
student pilot on 01 Jun 2009 at 2:25 pm #

It is brilliant that someone has finally taken up this challenge that will probably meet a lot of resistance, however I am sure a lot of people agree that students are students no matter what they are studying and if some get funding and others don’t, how is that fair?

All the best and I really hope you get far!
Steve Sivell on 01 Jun 2009 at 2:34 pm #

Having just returned back from annual leave, this is obviously still fresh in my mind.

Why should pilots only come from wealthy backgrounds and I believe everybody should receive equal rights in terms of both opportunities and funding, especially when the role of a pilot is such an important one.

I’m amazed to hear that there is absolutely no money available from the government for this type of course / training to give somebody a good career at the end of it.

You have my full support in your campaign.

Good Luck!
Carole Burgess on 01 Jun 2009 at 4:06 pm #

only too pleased to support this campaign
Lloyd Watson on 01 Jun 2009 at 4:23 pm #

Of course the government should allow this training to receive the benefit of loans, indeed certain countries in the Middle East fund pilot training as higher education.

But then succesive governements are in power mostly for their benfit and rarely for ours.
WALLY EPTON on 01 Jun 2009 at 6:18 pm #

In supporting this initiative I would add that regrettably the cost of qualifying as a pilot goes beyond just the cost of initial commercial licence training. Added to this initial cost is very often the cost of obtaining a suitable aircraft type rating to become employed. Not all airlines or GA employers provide type training, and very often the debt-laden newly-qualified pilot is required to spend more money to obtain a type rating. Airlines and aircraft owners should accept that part of the cost of operating aircraft is the cost of essential training to get the qualified professional pilot into the cockpit.
DAVID MARTIN on 01 Jun 2009 at 6:26 pm #

Only by having equality in funding can we realistically carry out in depth selection reducing the number of those who fail to complete the trainig and raise the standards of those who suceed.
Tania Edwards on 01 Jun 2009 at 6:52 pm #

I would like to add my support to the above statement. The governement should provide the same support to trainee pilots as other students.
Mike Butterworth on 01 Jun 2009 at 8:23 pm #

I have long been involved (through GAPAN) with pilot selection for flying scholarships.One of the most frequent complaints from aspiring pilots is the terrifying cost of training, and the stress of undertaking training with no guarantee of a job on completion.
As a former BA trainer,I suspect that while young people continue to find a way to fund themselves, no operator feels the need to sponsor them.
Robin & Lesley Chard on 02 Jun 2009 at 9:30 am #

We have put 2 children through university with the benefit of grant’s and this was difficult enough. Why, if you wish to become a piliot is there no funding? surley all professional training should be the same. We fully support this campaign.
Benjamin David Brooks on 02 Jun 2009 at 11:14 am #

I am in complete agreement with this campaign, about the only way to get “free” or “subsidised” training these days is to join the armed forces.

as the Government pays some of the cost of almost every other professional’s training it should at least do the same for pilots.
Barbara Lovelass on 02 Jun 2009 at 11:35 am #

Perhaps MP’s should be made to pay back their fraudulantly gained ‘pocket money’ into worthy causes such as this?
Tony Banfield on 02 Jun 2009 at 8:30 pm #

In the latter part of my flying career I was closely involved with the training of students to instrument rating standard and was, therefore, acutely aware of the costs and sacrifices involved. It is quite illogical that student airline pilots should be treated any differently to any other profession. It is vital, for the sake of the industry and the safety of all airline passengers, that access to the profession should be by merit and not parents’ ability or sacrificial willingness to pay. We are already beginning to see a disturbing trend of accidents attributable to skill failures. It must serve as a warning to our legislators.
Rick Peacock-Edwards on 03 Jun 2009 at 6:29 am #

I fully support this initiative. the government’s attitude, as we all know, is disgraceful
Tim Bennett on 03 Jun 2009 at 2:13 pm #

Here is an opportunity to for our government to do something that benefits others (rather than themselves!) It is ridiculous that there is such a lack of support for trainee pilots.
Colin Cooke-Priest on 03 Jun 2009 at 5:35 pm #

The Government’s attitude to flying training is entirely illogical. I support any effort to change this, since without change this country will, in a few years, be totally unable to meet the commercial pilot requirement – and this is without even entering the debate on the social and moral implications.
Brett Westcott on 03 Jun 2009 at 10:44 pm #

A surgeon makes a mistake and accidentally kills a patient.

A 747 pilot makes a mistake and kills 400 people.
Janet Obern on 04 Jun 2009 at 8:12 am #

This situation is a disgrace, good luck trying to get it changed, perhaps the government can look at the benefits cheats to finance a change????????
Andrew Roddick on 04 Jun 2009 at 8:38 am #

Im 18 and at the point where many of my friends are off to university….ALL of them gaining student finance. A STUDENT pilot deserves the same recognition and privileges.
Michael Tanney on 04 Jun 2009 at 12:59 pm #

Think of the huge expense incurred by the government in training medical professionals, not only initial degrees but in their specialist exams. There is no way that aviation training would be of any greater expense. Sadly, I think the reality is that that the airline industry uses the fact that many parents can’t afford to finance their children in becoming a pilot as a means of restricting entry into the profession. Getting the “right sort”, and ultimately keeping the number of pilots down. If the government was able to finance this, the UK would become flooded with pilots, after all, who at 18 years of age would not want to be a pilot ? This would cause the supply to far outreach the demand and wages to drop, even more.
josephine horler on 04 Jun 2009 at 12:59 pm #

i fully support this initative, we are watching our 2o year old grandson working all hours to pay for flying lessons taken when money, time,and conditions allow. I heard this on somerset sound ,I hope many people did and will call on the government to act, and provide grants for student pilots. God bless your efforts . 04 june 2009
Neema Soni on 04 Jun 2009 at 5:14 pm #

I am in the same position as Oliver. I know exactly how difficult it is and on top of that the job situation is extremely tough at the moment. It would be good to know that future generations would not have to go through these difficulties.
Phil Boddy on 04 Jun 2009 at 5:52 pm #

Very surprised to learn that student pilots aren’t classed the same as any other students with regard to grants whilst training. Our life is often most certainly in their hands and their training should most definitely be govt. funded . I fully support this campaign and trust it will prove successful in changing the unfairness that currently exists
Phil Mathews on 06 Jun 2009 at 11:12 am #

Government attitude to aviation is pretty poor at the best of times. Hopefully this initiative can bring some change.
Audrey Rice on 06 Jun 2009 at 6:09 pm #

Airline pilots are as important as surgeons especially in this age of travel.
I travel by air quite a bit and am not a confident passenger, and for me it is essential to believe that the pilot has had all the training and is top of his profession.
Therefore his training should have the same priorities as the surgeon…. who knows how many potential pilots have been lost because of the lack of funds. Having had 3 sons we certainly could not have afforded to pay for their training, fortunately they each gained an apprenticeship! Why not the same for pilots?
Richard Crosby on 07 Jun 2009 at 10:53 am #

I agree wholeheartedly with the sentiments above.

Tax breaks and loans should be available to anyone wanting to either start out, or advance in any profession.

The disadvantage that the UK government puts upon the aviation world is unfair to say the least especially as the training for the commercial pilot is horrendously expensive to start with.

I know that I could not afford to help any of my children past their PPL and I know how expensive that is!
Joe Edwards on 07 Jun 2009 at 10:55 am #

Got my support. Keep at it. It is a democracy after all !……..
Richard King on 07 Jun 2009 at 4:36 pm #

Time for change. Whatever happened to the level playing field?
Cheryl Sinfield on 07 Jun 2009 at 11:54 pm #

Yes, this gets my support. Certainly time for a change.
William Cooper on 08 Jun 2009 at 3:18 pm #

the price of flying is too high….if i want to take on flying as a career my only option is to join the RAF
Hilary Copson on 09 Jun 2009 at 10:03 am #

This is a brilliant cause and I completely agree with the comments above. This gets my wholehearted support.
Chris Jellard on 10 Jun 2009 at 11:07 am #

I agree with the comments that the best pilots do not come from an exclusively wealthy background.

Given the profits these airlines make, excepting BA of course, I think the pressure should be on them to sponsor the number of pilots they need.
Obviously it’s a shame that the wealthy folk are happy to spend the money and keep the pilot pool topped up which means that the airlines can get away with it.

I know from personal experience how tough the training is, hats off to any one who gets through.
Rob Desbois on 10 Jun 2009 at 10:13 pm #

It does seem extremely unfair that people in full-time training in this country get financial support and benefits from the government unless they’re training for piloting. The government needs to support those who contribute to the country’s economy so I’m behind this all the way!

–rob
June Bright on 11 Jun 2009 at 1:03 pm #

My son is 15 yrs old and has wanted to be a pilot from a very early age. Having just embarked on his first flying lessons, I was astonished at how expensive it is and how there is no loan or grant system whatsoever available for him to train. He doesn’t want to join the RAF so if he wants to have a career in flying we have no option than to try and get the money together ourselves.

Time for a government supported apprenticeship scheme perhaps? They seem to have them for everything else ………..
Adam Bright on 11 Jun 2009 at 6:03 pm #

My Whole family support this because i am now 15 and training to be a pilot.
I am on my way to the grades but am worried about going from solo flyer to Proffessional Pilot due to the costs up to £80,000. I cannot explain how much of a good idea this is.
We will support you all the way.
Carol Kilham on 13 Jun 2009 at 10:10 am #

I fully support this, absolutely unbelievable in this day & age that trainee pilots get no assistance with funding …..most people are likely to hop on a plane for a holiday than jump in their cars and drive up/down the motorways ……definately TIME FOR A CHANGE !!!
Justin Ramchurn on 13 Jun 2009 at 10:26 am #

Great idea, I think it is high time student Pilots were given recognition and supported with the cost of training!
Neal Redshaw on 13 Jun 2009 at 10:35 am #

I fully support this campaign, hats off to those who have completed and currently completing their training. Hopefully things will change in the NEAR furture!!
Daniel Gwizdek on 13 Jun 2009 at 10:38 am #

Hard times these days, so much support is needed to prepare for the future of aviation!
Rekha Jogia on 13 Jun 2009 at 10:40 am #

I wholeheartedly agree with this petition. Even though I am not a pilot, as a student, I know how crucial accessible funding is. Refusing student loans to pilots is elitist and outright discriminatory. Do the airlines think a fat bank balance will help save 200 lives if the plane is about to crash? There are enough people who don’t see £80000 in their whole lives. The training is ridiculously expensive as it is. I understand the need to cover fuel costs, etc, but to deny student loans and absolutely no sort of funding makes no sense, when European countries can find the resources to do so. Pilots in training are students. Treat them like it.
Mark Skidmore on 13 Jun 2009 at 11:01 am #

I completed my flight training Way back in 1993. It cost me in the region of £75k. Thanks to the ‘big bang’ of the late eighties – after which I was able to sell my apartment for a good profit – and some very understanding parents who very kindly loaned me 7.5k, I managed to complete my studies. It was though, but now that I am flying the A340 for Virgin Atlantic, I can look back with glee and say that I did it despite all the odds being stacked against me.
Lorraine Mountford on 13 Jun 2009 at 2:10 pm #

Funding should come from government., not out of the pilot’s pocket.
Tim MacKay on 13 Jun 2009 at 4:05 pm #

Completely agree, 100% support behind this one.
Lee McAllen on 13 Jun 2009 at 7:11 pm #

Got my support.
Certainly time for a change.
Charise Boal on 13 Jun 2009 at 8:04 pm #

100% agree with this campaign!
Derek Martin on 13 Jun 2009 at 10:17 pm #

Well done guys for organising a support campaign, I wholeheartedly agree and support this cause (being in the same boat myself).
Jeanette Redshaw on 13 Jun 2009 at 11:27 pm #

Entrance exams in to professional flying schools are of a very high standard.
The student who is successful and completes the pilot training should be recognized for their ability. Government should provide assistance with the astronomical cost for the student pilot as they do for other professional training.

Not everyone wants to join the RAF
David Bryans on 14 Jun 2009 at 1:49 am #

The government should give the same support to aviation students as other students
George Sanabili on 14 Jun 2009 at 3:25 am #

It’s not fair and I’lll support it
Adele Shepherd on 14 Jun 2009 at 10:35 pm #

The governement should provide the same support to trainee pilots as other students.
Captain Steve freeman on 15 Jun 2009 at 2:36 pm #

A great idea to gain support for this very specialized industry. The cost of flying is prohibitive for many and realising your dream can be out of reach for some. Government backing for students, like that given to candidates in other professions is essential. Only those with financial support to start with will get to where they want to be. I see many talented individuals loose out on a great career because they just do not have the funds to get going. The industry looses out on this talent as well and we all need to feel safe with the best calibre of person in the cockpit. I talk with people on a daily basis who cannot gain such support and their enthusiasm outweighs those in so many other fields.

We at Future Airline Pilot are 100% behind a venture such as this and are very keen for it to succeed. Lets get more comments here to show how much drive we all have in this very professional field!!! You will find a link on our site to show our support.

Good luck.
Simon Hands on 15 Jun 2009 at 8:07 pm #

From someone who chose not to persue their natural career following a degree…

Education and training should be open to all, no matter what the subject is.

Financial support should be available on a means tested basis. Loans should be available at standard student rates, not higher percentages offered by financial institutions.

And, of course, upon completion of the training and securing a job, the loan should be repaid.

Why should have equality for students of all disciplines.

Pilots in training, you have my support!
Aled Griffiths on 16 Jun 2009 at 11:50 am #

A great idea

you have my full backing
Aakarshan Kathuria on 16 Jun 2009 at 10:17 pm #

This is so true. The fees for pilot training is ridiculous. Even once we get our P.P.L, we have to pay such high amounts to build our hours if we do it from a flight training school. Some light should certainly be shed onto this matter.
Lewis Peters on 17 Jun 2009 at 3:29 pm #

Nearly every person I have spoken to is finding it enormously difficult to find funding.. issues of unsecured loans, equity, personal guarantors.. its not flexible enough for those candidates that have been accepted at an FTO with good grades.
Tom Mollart on 17 Jun 2009 at 4:27 pm #

Great idea, lets hope something is done
Allan Dawson on 18 Jun 2009 at 12:16 am #

This is long overdue, I support this completely.
Mikhail Malik-Evans on 18 Jun 2009 at 1:17 am #

You’ve of course got my support! Hope the future students dont have to go through what we did!
debbie williams on 24 Jun 2009 at 10:56 am #

You have my support, Hope you get somewhere with it
Charles Hampshire on 25 Jun 2009 at 10:40 pm #

Trainee pilots deserve student status and the same support that comes with this! Well done you have my full support!
nicola rowswell on 27 Jun 2009 at 2:19 pm #

Great cause! Lets hope the powers that be recognise the inaqualities and act on them.
Nicky Tyman on 27 Jun 2009 at 5:30 pm #

Well done for bringing this to everyone’s attention. And Good Luck. Nicky
Annie Magenis on 29 Jun 2009 at 10:07 am #

I’m training to be a commercial pilot at the moment and the most stress people seem to encounter is thinking about how they’re going to pay back the huge loan! This website, and others like it, are a great way to make the cause public!
Dan Roberts on 29 Jun 2009 at 5:57 pm #

Excellent idea. Hope this gets the attention is deserves.
Sam Sherburn on 30 Jun 2009 at 8:04 pm #

As a wannabee, I can only hope that any government move to help finance the training is introduced before I get near my ATPL. Airline Pilots are highly intelligent and adaptable individuals with a clear passion for what they do and take this financial pain and suffering with little argument. I am sure that we all appreciate how Air Travel has made our lives easier so why are some of it’s most important employees being let down like this. The ATPL is equivalent if not exceeding a degree qualification in what it allows so the government should allow all students financial support. I wish all the best to those with this ambition and hope that the monetary pain and suffering will cease in the immediate future.

Yours,
Sam Sherburn
Pilot Wannabee
kathy robins on 02 Jul 2009 at 11:24 am #

I fully support this campaign for all the aspiring pilots and their families. The government should support education and training across the board. We hear so much bad press about young people, let’s applaud and support those that have the drive to succeed against the odds. Change is needed.
chris price on 03 Jul 2009 at 8:16 am #

Maybe some of the extortionate air passenger duty charges levied by our “beloved” government could be used for this type of worthy funding, rather than the people in power dressing it up as a eco friendly tax, which serves simply to bump up the Treasury coffers!
Ken Crawley on 06 Jul 2009 at 1:53 pm #

I fully support the campaign
Martyn Hobbs on 13 Jul 2009 at 12:01 pm #

I’m behind the cause for all the reasons stated above!
Ryan Turner on 13 Jul 2009 at 11:54 pm #

Totally agree with everything here!
Clare Makin on 16 Jul 2009 at 9:54 am #

You have my support, and good luck with the campaign.
Mrs S Union on 16 Jul 2009 at 10:02 am #

This is discrimination by the UK government. It’s definitely time for a change.
Ally Broughton on 11 Aug 2009 at 10:04 pm #

It is a shame that some students may be deterred from pursuing their chosen career in aviation purely because they can’t afford the training expenses.

Not all parents are going to be in a position to financially support their son or daughter for their pilot training and therefore changes should be made by the Government to improve the system.

Good luck with the campaign.
Alan Desforges on 12 Aug 2009 at 6:03 pm #

It really is time that these hard working students were treated the same way as other students.
Nathalia Desforges on 18 Aug 2009 at 3:27 pm #

Because of this i cannot do my own pilot training, because of the goverment refusing to help i have to wait untill i can get the money by my own means… How is this fair?
You have my full support
Big Tone on 02 Sep 2009 at 1:58 pm #

So much for John Majors classless society and labour looking after the young, old and less well off. Why is it that equality only exists in death?
Helen Krasner on 03 Sep 2009 at 3:44 pm #

As a commercial helicopter pilot and instructor who paid for all my training myself, I fully support this campaign. I could afford it, just; many can’t. And why should they have to? This is a campaign for fair treatment, no more and no less.
Sarah Langdon on 05 Sep 2009 at 11:25 am #

Every one needs the support and to be treated as equally as all other students.
Pardon Dzumbunu on 07 Sep 2009 at 5:31 pm #

Just like an other highly disciplined profesion we need support with training .
Rowland Hibbard on 10 Sep 2009 at 3:38 pm #

I fully support Oliver and his family and would be very pleased if this action was able to get funding not only for pilots but also for other occupations which require expensive
training ,which currently is not the case. Good luck to you all.
Mr John Rumble on 12 Sep 2009 at 9:28 pm #

I fully support this initiative. the government’s attitude, as we all know, is disgraceful fairness to all students
Dominic Verdon on 20 Sep 2009 at 4:35 pm #

No doubt there are a lot of potentially very able pilots out there who simply cannot realise their dream because they do not have the money. This is absolutely unfair.

Unfortunately it’s too late for myself and others but hopefully this can be changed and trainee pilots will receive more financial support in future.
Claire Pike on 01 Oct 2009 at 7:27 pm #

These young people meed support which they should be getting from tghe government.
Bernard Pike on 01 Oct 2009 at 7:29 pm #

Support this campaign
michelle jackson-mogford on 02 Oct 2009 at 1:33 pm #

I thought there wasn’t meant to be elitism anymore and that all students were equal, evidently this is not true when it comes to pilots and I hope this campaign pushes ahead and shames the government into acting properly and supporting our BRITISH pilots!!!
Simon Cook on 15 Oct 2009 at 4:38 pm #

It’s time for the government to listen to the voice of reason.
Diane Spencer on 15 Oct 2009 at 10:03 pm #

We totally agree with what you are trying to do. It is high time the government treated student pilots the same as any other student and provide grants to help them acheive their goals.
Jeremy Diack on 20 Oct 2009 at 9:06 am #

There is a level of hypocrisy by UK Government here that is both opportunistic and self-defeating.

It is inequitable that student pilots should be forced to conform to the same entry requirements as those commencing alternative forms of vocational training and yet at the same time fail to be recognised as bona fide students when it comes to funding assistance. VAT must be removed and proper student funding assistance provided if the UK flight training industry is to continue to be able to compete in such a hard fought market place.

While European flight training is undergoing its largest upheaval for 50 years, in a bid to provide a level playing field across all Member States, student pilots training in the UK continue to be penalised by an attitude that is so out of place in modern society as to beggar belief. Access to the flightdeck should be judged on ability alone, not ability to pay.
David Lewis on 20 Oct 2009 at 4:25 pm #

Interesting to ponder how many current senior jet captains would be in their current positions, had they had to overcome the same financial hurdles before and during training that today’s aspirants face. I would suggest a significant number would not now be flying; they would not have started.
Good luck with the campaign, and thank you for your efforts.
Robert Hyams on 31 Oct 2009 at 11:34 am #

Financial loans are necessary this day to secure professional training. I believe they should be offered as if it were a university course
Robert Taylor Hall on 31 Oct 2009 at 11:36 am #

Hello

Support the fariplane campaign

Regards

Robert
colin jackson on 31 Oct 2009 at 11:39 am #

student pilots are our future
Kelly Leslie on 31 Oct 2009 at 11:42 am #

Full Support!!
Mark Guiry on 31 Oct 2009 at 11:44 am #

Full Support!!
Chris Gallagher on 31 Oct 2009 at 11:47 am #

I support the campaign
Stuart Conley on 31 Oct 2009 at 11:49 am #

I fully support this campaign, 100%
Leslie Foot on 31 Oct 2009 at 11:52 am #

Full support!!! 110%!!!!
Peter Chilvers on 31 Oct 2009 at 11:59 am #

support this
Mrs Wendy Gardner on 31 Oct 2009 at 12:22 pm #

I support the campaign.
mark on 31 Oct 2009 at 12:58 pm #

i support this
Graham Spooner on 31 Oct 2009 at 1:01 pm #

100% support for this.
stephen rutterford on 31 Oct 2009 at 1:04 pm #

I surport this
trina cripps on 31 Oct 2009 at 1:10 pm #

i fully support the campaign to help students
Gareth Loughran on 31 Oct 2009 at 1:36 pm #

A great campaign which has been a long time coming, aviation as a career should be given the same consideration as all the others the government support.
ADRIAN BROWN on 31 Oct 2009 at 1:42 pm #

I am in full support of balloting the government to support costs of airline pilot training.
Josh Lane on 31 Oct 2009 at 2:03 pm #

as a young potential pilot i welcome the oppurtunity to recieve some financial aid of any kind. The Commercial pilot career should not be a priveledge for the wealthy and i feel that many people that are commited and have a passion for flying are squandered because of the financial state of this particular career.
scott bourke on 31 Oct 2009 at 2:25 pm #

I support this.
chris m on 31 Oct 2009 at 2:39 pm #

Studying vocational skills should be made available on a level playing field. Trainee pilots are NOT financially strong.
David Walrond on 31 Oct 2009 at 2:53 pm #

My son will not be able to afford to follow his dream without further support form studant grants , etc
Nevelle Marchent on 31 Oct 2009 at 2:58 pm #

I agree and support
Andrew Perkins on 31 Oct 2009 at 3:12 pm #

I agree and support
Matt Watts on 31 Oct 2009 at 3:17 pm #

Surely this government claims that it supports everyone in attaining their goals despite their financial background? The current situation seems to be a bit of a sham.
Thomas Ward on 31 Oct 2009 at 3:21 pm #

Support everyone with an aspiration to fly as any other student would be supported!
Matthew Slator on 31 Oct 2009 at 3:23 pm #

Signing in support of Fairplane
Louise Fountain on 31 Oct 2009 at 3:43 pm #

This should be supported – we need to maintain all our industries – do not unfairly penalise student pilots nor unfairly discriminate against UK students in comparison to other EU students.
Toby Fountain on 31 Oct 2009 at 3:45 pm #

If our government doesn’t support British pilots then pilots of other nationalities will take these jobs. Support our future.
Sebastian Pooley on 31 Oct 2009 at 4:16 pm #

I agree and support.
Mimbar Ali on 31 Oct 2009 at 4:20 pm #

This is a great Idea and it would halve helped me a lot when I went through my training!
marie Barlow on 31 Oct 2009 at 4:41 pm #

I support this campaign
Cesare Ghermandi on 31 Oct 2009 at 5:13 pm #

A pilot students is effectively a student. Why not recognizing them the same priviledges?
Dipeet Mehta on 31 Oct 2009 at 8:06 pm #

Thank God I Know This Website For The Support. I Am Here For Student Pilot Support And I Am A Student Pilot Myself. Not For Me But For Others I Believe The Government Should Recognise That Airline Pilot Is The HARDEST RISK A Student Can Ever Take In His Life.. £100,000 BUT AFTER ALL DO YOU GET THE JOB GIVEN.. NO.. The Training Is The Best With TREES FULL OF MONEY TO PUT IN £80,000 Your Looking At. NOT CALL Can Afford It And Yet There Are So Many People Who Have SUCH AN AMBITION TO Become An Airline Pilot But Without The Access Of Not Having A Student Loan Is Such An Emotion Full Of Feeling That Its Once In Life.. Its ONCES In Life Time Experience That One Has.. Student Pilots Should Be GIVEN THE LOAN.. 80,000 IS NOT In Any’s Pocket There Should Be SOme Sort Of Support We Are All Ordiniray Students We Are In A Different Proffesion At The End Of the Day WE ARE PAYING MORE THEN ANY OTHER FORM OF TRAINING YOU NEED TO BECOME TO BE SOMETHING And Its Hell Lot Of Risk…

I Believe The Government MUST AND SHOULD Approve The Student Pilot For A Student Loan.. And Thats The Reason Why We Call It “STUDENT PILOT” … “STUDENT” Its Going To Make Many Peoples Once In Life Chance Come Ture, Its Going To Save Many PARENTS Who Are Putting A HUGE Amount Of Money It Will Give Them A Better Support Because Afterall When We Get That “FRZ ATPL” We’r Paying The Money Back Anyways.. Not Getting It For Ourselves.. So Student Loan Will SUPPORT Not Only The Pilots BUT Parents And ANYONE And EVERYONE Who Whats That Frz ATPL

I Am Ready To Support This ANY TIME!!!!!!! 100000000000000% I Am With You!
Connor Jackson on 31 Oct 2009 at 10:44 pm #

I support it!!!
Richard Sixone on 31 Oct 2009 at 11:42 pm #

We should have a level playing fields between pilot training and university education.

Therefore:

a) All state supported student finance should be withdrawn immediately for university education. No loans should be available for students. They will have to rely on parents or career development loans available from banks only at a 9.9% interest rate.

b) All university courses should have VAT charged at the current rate.

c) All exam papers should be charge at a cost of £66 per paper, and cost almost £1,000 total (current CAA cost of ATPL ground exams).

d) Finals exams will be charged at £762 per day (current CPL and IR Skills test costs).

e) It must cost £263 to get your degree certificate (current CPL Licence issue cost).

I predict that if the above policies were followed by the Government then aviation training will face a much brighter future !
Bradley Harris on 01 Nov 2009 at 12:57 pm #

I’m 13 years old and yesterday I attended a pilot training exhibition (flyer). Since the age of 7 I’ve wanted to become a pilot but having attended this exhibition due to my religion and my below middle class background, because of the extreme cost of the training I now realize its not going to happen, unless the government decide to recognize this training and help me and others alike with the cost. We are being discriminated against.
Chris Thomson on 01 Nov 2009 at 1:41 pm #

100% behind this , we need equality of oppourtunity for all students!
Phil Matyear on 01 Nov 2009 at 4:51 pm #

I support this campaign
Adam Heakin on 01 Nov 2009 at 5:06 pm #

I support this campaign 100%
Chris Moore on 01 Nov 2009 at 5:10 pm #

This is typical of this Goverment another stealth tax targetting individuals who they assume can afford this additional expense. I wholly support this campaign and wish Jane success at her forthcoming meeting at Downing Street.
George Shelldog on 01 Nov 2009 at 5:28 pm #

I support this campain, everyone at the exhibition was shocked when they herd the government dont support pilot training
Andrew on 01 Nov 2009 at 6:27 pm #

I support this 100% it is totaly unfair that piots do not get the same support as everyother student gets! It needs to change!
Harriet Harris on 01 Nov 2009 at 6:49 pm #

I support this campaign to give everyone a chance. I dont see why people should pay VAT for pilot training when all other training is supported by government. Thankyou!
Paul & Caroline Warneck on 01 Nov 2009 at 10:44 pm #

We attended the Flyer Exhibition at LHR yesterday with our son who wants a career as a pilot. This blatant discrimination against student pilots must stop. The government funds useless degree courses in just about any subject you can think of and yet no help is given to fund our future pilots in this country. Good luck with the campaign.
George on 01 Nov 2009 at 11:30 pm #

I personally share the same feeling,
It is such a huge financial hurdle that could possibly stop somebody from pursuing their dream career. Other occupations and courses recieve help and support from the government for numerous things… being a pilot is one of the most responsible careers out there, why shouldn’t every student pilot recieve support like doctors ect.
I wish you good luck with the campaign!
helen Holden on 02 Nov 2009 at 2:20 pm #

Support this campaign 100% . I work in the area of careers and can think of no other profession where this is support at all. My 16 year old son hopes to become a pilot- if he does a degree first the costs will be unbelievable
Alex Ludlam on 02 Nov 2009 at 9:44 pm #

I am 19 and trying my absolute best to become a pilot, but in this economic climate it is so hard to secure the amount of funds needed from banks to finance my training. And as most banks are still too scared to lend any money, let alone in the region of £100,000 to anyone with no collateral it is like trying to jump a 20 ft hurdle.
Even a small maintenance loan from the government would be so useful, and considering university students get the options of not only maintenance loans but government grants, student bursaries etc some of which dont even need to be paid back.
Thank you whoever set up this site it will hopefully be a big help.
Caroline Newman on 03 Nov 2009 at 10:20 am #

Please provide our ‘pilots in training’ with as much support and assistance as they need. Its a financially crippling profession to enter into – yet a responsibility that people under estimate.

Thousands of peoples lives are entrusted into the hands of our pilots and we want to see you help them reach their goals with some support !

With the current economic climate you are setting yourselves up for a shortfall of exceptional qualified pilots . This will lead to current resources being stretched – the consequences of which could be catastrophic.

Many thanks, Caroline Newman
Doreen & Cyril Clements on 03 Nov 2009 at 2:57 pm #

Having recently learned that there is no Government support for trainee Airline Pilots, this is absolutely ludicrous particularly having recently learned via the Press and TV/Radio News bulletins that a University Degree Course has been introduced for TEXTING!

Also those people who choose to join HM Forces, i.e. Royal Air Force or Fleet Air Arm to become Pilots receive their training FREE whilst drawing a salary at the same time. When their time in these Forces are over they can then taken on by Civil Airlines and go straight into Flying – ALL at the Taxpayers expense!!

There is obviously something sadly amiss with the Government’s strategy.

We support your cause 100%

Regards Doreen & Cyril Clements
Michael Tiernan on 03 Nov 2009 at 4:07 pm #

I support this campaign 100%! It seems ludicrous that trainee pilots cannot get any funding to train. After all this is a degree course and I can think of many “silly” subjects one can get a degree in. This is just another area where the Government needs to rethink.
I wish this campaign every success.
Regards,
Mick Tiernan
Peter Desforges on 03 Nov 2009 at 4:45 pm #

The treatment of trainee pilots from the U.K. is discrimatory compared to help provided to trainee pilots in some of the other European Union Countries , of which we are members, and our government’s treatment is unfair.

Airline Pilots have a huge responsibility for our safety when we travel and they must be given assistance by government whilst they are trained to the high standards required to ensure they fulfill the requirements of their profession.

All they ask for is a fair playingfield not dependant on one’s background to ensure we get the best and dedicated professional people into these highly skilled positions.
Gill Nelson on 03 Nov 2009 at 4:49 pm #

Being of the mother of two youngsters who went to Uni and left with huge debts at the end of their time, I fully support that this training should be subsidised. The majority of people making decisions now in government were fortunate to enjoy the free University/College education that we used to have. Unfortunatley todays young people can’t enjoy that facility and their choice is either to rack up debt which will take them years to pay off or hope that parents will help them out.

Let us hope that pressure is put to bear on this.
John Manley on 03 Nov 2009 at 9:46 pm #

Youg people should be encouraged to follow their dreams, regardless of their financial background. Give them wings to fly so they know that they’re alive.
Beverley Hole on 04 Nov 2009 at 3:57 pm #

There should be the opportunity for everyone from any background and any walk of life to be able to follow their personal ambitions. Having known somone who had to sell their house to fund the cost to train to be a pilot seemed to be very unfair
Lisa on 05 Nov 2009 at 12:25 am #

Totally outrageous that no government funding is available! Good luck with campaign!
Linda Parkes on 05 Nov 2009 at 4:08 pm #

I would like to add my support to this worthy campaign
George Beale on 05 Nov 2009 at 9:51 pm #

MPs get this done ASAP.
Peter Sadler on 06 Nov 2009 at 9:44 am #

Jane is to be congratulated for her determined afforts and I fully support the campaign.
brian derbyshire on 07 Nov 2009 at 12:55 pm #

the should be supported !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Andy Ford on 10 Nov 2009 at 8:42 pm #

with you all the way!!!
walt Koloska on 11 Nov 2009 at 11:38 am #

My Son Kevin is currently going through pilot traing at the moment and yes we are funding ourselves Which is not easy.
We agree 1000% with your campaign, the government must take notice of this and give kids from all back grouinds the chance to acheive their dreams.

I will be taking this up with our local MP and as you rightly say lets hit them from all sides.
Andy Field on 11 Nov 2009 at 12:17 pm #

Backing this campaign 100% all the way….
Siv Chandra on 11 Nov 2009 at 12:24 pm #

Supporting this campaign all the way!
Michael Childs on 12 Nov 2009 at 6:53 pm #

I totally agree with this campaign.

This industry is incredibly difficult to get into due to the amount of money that you need to invest in it. I am currently in the process of borrowing the money to do through Natwest’s Private Banking system. I almost have my Private Pilots Licence and although expensive, I don’t really begrudge paying the VAT on that licence because that is a luxury to most. It does annoy me when I have to pay X amount extra in VAT to the government to get qualified if i want to take this further into a career. The loan repayments I am looking at are going to be very tough to keep up with but just about possible. This is not a good position for anyone to be putting themselves in as the starting salaries as a low-hours pilot are not that high.
Angela on 15 Nov 2009 at 1:41 pm #

I agree wholeheartedly with this campaign.
My son graduated from Pilot Training College in April this year – little did we know how difficult it would be for him. It seems that most airlines require you to pay for a type rating (on top of everything else!) which is another £20,000. Plus you also have to keep your instrument rating current (another £1,500) each year. In the present climate the prospect of him finding a job is pretty bleak. He’s having to start paying off a loan in December so is currently working. I’ve told him that he is ‘at the bottom of the pile’ at the moment and that it’s likely to be some while before the airlines even consider him.
Timothy Harrison on 15 Nov 2009 at 8:43 pm #

I totally agree with this campaign and give it 100% of my backing
Ann Bowden on 15 Nov 2009 at 8:46 pm #

Of course I agree with this campaign who wouldn’t
David Bold on 15 Nov 2009 at 8:48 pm #

I agree with this campaign
Michelle Maskell on 18 Nov 2009 at 11:08 am #

100% behind this petition – students are students no matter what they are learning and support should be there for people who want to learn. Putting this sort of financial restrictiions on student pilots is making this learning very restrcitive.

I hope this brings about a change in attitudes – Good Luck
Gilles Irwin on 24 Nov 2009 at 5:12 pm #

This should definitely be supported. The government needs to take note and offer funding, support and help to ALL OUR STUDENTS and not just the select few. Good luck with the campaign and keep going!!!!!!!!!!!
James Rennie on 25 Nov 2009 at 9:17 pm #

I am training just now, part time as i am still at school, around half way through ppl. I dont know what to do, my family cannot afford training and the only thing i can see myself doing is flying for a career. People ask me what i will do once leaving school, i tell them i will gain my cpl, but realistically it is a lie that i cannot break away from. It really is doom and gloom – the only thing i really love to do and i cannot afford it.
grahame challender on 03 Dec 2009 at 12:44 am #

as the grandfather of oliver, i fully understand the struggle his parents had to give oliver the opportunity to further his chosen career, it is ludicrous that potential talent like oliver possesses is wasted through lack of funding for training. i hope the members will look at this anomaly and be as quick to amend the rules as they were to claim their “expense allowances” it is time to wake up to reality and help those who want to improve themselves.
Deborah Duan on 06 Dec 2009 at 4:19 pm #

All Students should be treated the same, regardless of what pathway they choose to take in their career.
Micheal Duan on 06 Dec 2009 at 4:21 pm #

Equal rights for all, thats what I say.
Georgia Duan on 06 Dec 2009 at 4:24 pm #

I hope this changes before I leave school and decide what I want to do. I may like to become a pilot also, although I will not be able to afford it if nothing changes.
Paige Duan on 06 Dec 2009 at 4:25 pm #

Behind this 100%
Alex McMillan on 08 Dec 2009 at 4:24 pm #

As a parent of a son who want to be a pilot, qualified teacher and someone who has spent over 20 years in the recruitment industry I can think of no other profession that has anything like this burden and prejudice. Chartered Accountants and indeed all the professions were only open for Upper Class families. Pilots is the one remaining example of an old Victorian privileged class system.
We have specific statutes making it illegal to recruit on the basis of race, marital status, religion, gender, sexual preference and even more recently age. I think we should add “how wealthy your family are. Think about it imagine going for a job as a Doctor, Accountant, Social Worker, Soldier and the first thing they did was to check how wealthy you were!

Alex McMillan BA MSc DIC Cert Ed
Nick on 04 Jan 2010 at 9:05 am #

This is plane (sic) daft! There should be funding for ANYBODY with ambition – I support this campaign totally, and with someone as ambitious as Jane behind the controls, it’s going to happen, believe me!
Tim G on 05 Jan 2010 at 9:10 pm #

As a parent of a prospective pilot I, as a teacher, did not have to fork out thousands of pounds for my training, so why should my son do so for his training? Student pilots should have the opportunity to achieve their ambition based on merit, for all our sakes, not the ability to pay. They will have left university already burdened by debt. It seems grossly unfair to have to take on further debt in excess of £60,000 to become a pilot, who, after all are contributing to the airline industry, worth over £18 billion to the UK economy and accounting for 25% by value of the UK’s international trade. Perhaps the government should provide greater incentives for airlines themselves to make a greater contribution to the cost of training especially during the present downturn.
Stephen Marron on 11 Jan 2010 at 6:51 pm #

I fully support this campaign 100%

As an airline pilot myself, I’ve been through the flight training system described. The cost of flight training, like many other professions mentioned above is high, but the level of support provided by our UK government is, UNLIKE other professions, non-existent.

As trainee pilots, we don’t earn money, we’re not able to work. We’re studying. When we qualify we hope to gain employment and pay our taxes like everybody else. Trainee pilots should be treated as students – and qualify for the support afforded by other students in their chosen career routes.
Tony B on 11 Jan 2010 at 8:22 pm #

I fully support this camapign.

Having coming out of the saussage machine that is Commercial flying training (£70,000 ish) and now working as an instructor, it would seem that the only way into any airline is to buy a type rating, again at exhorbitant expense.

Any reduction in initial training cost would be welcome to an aspiring pilot to afford the next step, nominally another £25,000. Total outlay circa £100,000!

There seems to be a very strong feeling that a big change is needed. Lets hope it happens for the sake of all, including the travelling public!

Best of luck.
David Hatchett on 18 Jan 2010 at 1:36 pm #

Just about to finish my integrated training. The job market is currently…disgusting! The lack of jobs is going to make the next stage of my life very tough untill getting that job, and even then, I will be in a very bad situation. Having to fly every hour available to try and recoup some of the exhorbitant outlays that my family have had to make! This assuming I dont have to buy a type rating!!!!!!!
You have my full support.
Markus Adcock on 20 Jan 2010 at 10:23 am #

Fully supported!
Trevor MacDonald Bennett on 21 Jan 2010 at 4:22 pm #

I thoroughly support this excellent initiative. The complete lack of Government suppoert for this important profession is disgraceful, and I really hope that this campaign bears fruit.
Pāvels T on 21 Jan 2010 at 4:27 pm #

Fully support this campaign, everybody should have a chance to fulfil their dreams!!
Phil Thomas on 22 Jan 2010 at 12:04 am #

Fully support this campaign. It’s about time people entering this industry are welcomed and recognised like anyone else entering any other career, instead of the antiquated system already in use.
Dave Duckworth on 26 Jan 2010 at 12:08 pm #

This is a breath of freash air to know we have an organisation willing to provide an avenue for our FRUSTRATIONS.

I support your cause 100%.

Good luck!

College Lecturer of Aviation Operations

Ex CFI Lancashire Aero Club
Reg Kay on 27 Jan 2010 at 3:16 am #

Not only should there be some sort of support for those training, such as is in place in Australia, but there should be some level of protection of students by law from poor service by their FTO.
In view of the level of investment required some sort of independent regulatory body should be in place to ensure students get what they pay for. I’m in the fianl stages of integrated training at what is claimed to be Britain’s and the worlds premier flight training organisation. Some of my experiences and that of my fellow trainees make that difficult to believe.
The training centre for this FTO in the USA is at times poor value for money. There is zero standardisation of training and assessment, and there are a few instructors who are a law onto themselves and whose treatment of students is nothing more than bullying. There have been many instances of students refusing to fly any further with instructors for this reason.
Additional training at additional cost has been given to students by some instructors needlessly on the thinest of reasons resulting from what one can be sure is no more than a personal dislike of the student. Equally flight reports, which I and others have personal experience of, have been severely negative and quite damaging to our records from instructors who have taken a personal dislike to their students.
To add further insult any complaints are completely dismissed with no right to appeal, the FTO covering for instructors no matter what the complaint. They don’t take any interest in your rights after they’ve taken your money.
Protection should be provided from an independent party to ensure the fairness, level of customer service and due care that should be expected after an investment of in excess of seventy thousand pounds.
Mr BS Crawford on 27 Jan 2010 at 10:32 am #

Good luck with your campaign. This has been a long time coming, and you deserve every encouragement, and support to achieve your aim. Please contact me if I can help in anyway. My only disappointment here is that there isn’t more official support from the airlines: it is they who benefit from our individual investment in ourselves.

Come on airlines: man up, put your best foot forward, and help to give student pilots a break. You take enough money off us for type ratings, and training later in the process.
Michael Fopp on 27 Jan 2010 at 11:48 am #

This situation has gone on for far too long. The only government support for flying training has, historically, been when this country has been threatened with war. Our economic and homeland security depends on us having a vibrant general aviation sector feeding our military and air transport fleets. In recent years the defence against terror and recession has involved carte blanche financial largesse by Government to Banks – but investment in aviation training receives nothing. Neither the aspirational pilot nor engineer receives any meaningful support. This not only puts our young people at a disadvantage, it also places our country in danger. Danger from ‘imported’ less skilled pilots trained cheaply elsewhere; danger from maintenance carried out to lower standards abroad; danger from maintenance carried out by unqualified mechanics (earning less than those in a garage) supervised by overworked licenced engineers grappling with an increasing burden of paperwork and form-filling; danger from young pilots qualified on paper, but lacking the real experience to hand-fly an aircraft because of the huge unsubsidised cost of general training and subsequent type ratings. We are storing up problems for the future and the Government is allowing us to walk blindfolded in to a situation where a shortage of properly qualified pilots will impact on our country’s reputation, economy and ability to compete in a global market.
Mark Sivyer on 27 Jan 2010 at 6:17 pm #

When is a student not a student?

Ahhh. When he is a student pilot.

We need more breaks for our student pilots.
Richard Lotinga on 28 Jan 2010 at 1:45 pm #

Good luck. Fully agree with you, a concerted campaign might have an affect, not on Gordon Brown, but maybe on the next PM (ie David Cameron)
Keith Dennison on 28 Jan 2010 at 6:47 pm #

I fully support this campaign. The government should certainly extend the same facilities to trainee commercial pilots as they would to any student. However, I also feel strongly that the airlines need to ‘step up to the plate’ here and accept that training pilots is an overhead of their business; and, yes, I do realise that the cost will eventually be reflected in ticket prices.
Amy Paul on 29 Jan 2010 at 12:25 am #

It seems very foolish that the UK effectively discriminates against students wanting to pursue aviation – leaving the way clear for pilots who have trained in other EU countries. We live on an island, we need aviation and students seeking to enter the profession should have the same entitlements as other students.
Alan Docherty on 31 Jan 2010 at 9:26 pm #

Pilot training should be treated like a university course. You should be able to apply for student loans etc. There should also be grants made available just like there is for Student Doctors and Teachers. Airlines should go back to the days when they paid for the type rating but you were then contracted to them till the cost had been recouped. This is effectively what happens in the RAF. A pilot has to amiltise his training costs before he is allowed to leave.
David Aitken on 31 Jan 2010 at 11:43 pm #

I think pilot training should be treated like any other educational course. You should be able to apply for student loans etc. There should also be grants made available just like there are for Student Doctors and Teachers. Airlines should go back to the days when they paid for the type rating but you were then contracted to them till the cost had been recouped.
The inequality which exist today where Rich Kids are the only ones who can afford to fly needs to be addressed.

I will never have an issue paying back student loans but at present expecting someone to pay a minimum of £60,000 to train for a job where they may actually earn only £20,000 is crazy as well and this brings the airlines into the frame.
L Whittle on 02 Feb 2010 at 1:30 pm #

I totally support this campaign.

Since the half-baked NVQ scheme there has been little government oversight of, or assistance to, the trining of student pilots and it’s time this balance is redressed in my opinion.

I would also like to see protection for students undertaking training against dodgy outfits who serially pop up and go bust owing former students many thousands of pounds.
Mr BS Crawford on 02 Feb 2010 at 10:54 pm #

Currently industry are paying about £45k per man to put people through apprenticeships with about £15k subsidy from government: how come airlines can’t do the same?
nicky hinton on 03 Feb 2010 at 1:31 pm #

As the mother of three children who have benefited from grants/bursaries at university i am appalled that there is no help of this kind for trainee pilots. When you think of the huge responsibility they bear in keeping lives safe it really scares me that no financial help is available to ensure the best potential pilots can train. Well done, oliver, for completing your training, and good luck jane in this very worthwhile campaign!
Aled Matthias on 05 Feb 2010 at 2:09 pm #

Good luck, hopes this goes through before I start, or else it’s likely to be a long and difficult road, made more difficult by the fact untill you get your first pay check alot of things seems to be totally against you.
paul elliott on 05 Feb 2010 at 9:54 pm #

I m fully supportive of this campain, good luck, maybe the money from the MP s expenses could help towards the funding.
Tim Marlow on 09 Feb 2010 at 8:27 pm #

Hopefully this will lead to a change in government thinking!
Phill Small on 15 Feb 2010 at 5:58 pm #

It’s professional training so every help should be afforded to those who undertake it.
TAyyab on 19 Feb 2010 at 7:17 pm #

This is a matter that needs urgent attention we student pilots need to raise our voices otherwise nothing will be done.
Haroon Daud on 19 Feb 2010 at 9:41 pm #

I believe the government should definitely look into pilot training just like any other course and financing the students with any loans which are required for full completion of the course.At present the government airnt doing much,what they need to realise is that they are shattering peoples dreams who actually want to become pilots rather then the rich kids who choose not to but have done due to having money!
malek redouane on 23 Feb 2010 at 10:48 am #

It was my dream to become a pilot since I was very young, but now after knowing the costs and the struggle the pilots have to go through It seems like worst than a nightmere. good like to everyone who wants to become a pilot. I suppor the compaign 100%
Liam Metcalfe on 25 Feb 2010 at 6:41 pm #

Hey i Fully support this. Im only 15 and im already a student pilot myself but i have to work for those lessons but i come from a normal working class family an i could never be able to see myself as an airline pilot due to the funding but hopefully i shall get my dream job.
Shahid on 26 Feb 2010 at 6:44 pm #

As someone who has been to the banks to ask to borrow finance to fund my professional pilot training, and has received strange looks from the bank staff, I fully support this cause. The government needs to wake up and change this unfair situation.

Off course, pilot training is risky, but if the banks can readily pour money into extremely high risk ‘toxic’ investments that have almost resulted in global economic meltdown, and splurge on bonuses, why can they not invest in someone’s future?
K Barnard on 27 Feb 2010 at 9:21 pm #

Of course this is a worthy cause and I totally agree with this campaign.
Students are students, whatever their chosen profession.

They should have equal opportunities and should not miss out or have to give up just because of their or their family’s financial position.
Nick Wood on 01 Mar 2010 at 1:17 pm #

Good luck in your campaign to remove this massive barrier to commercial pilot training.
Having 2 children of university age whose ambitions are to fly for the airlines, I don’t know how they will be able to realise their ambition other than the lengthy & demanding modular route.
Tim Moore on 03 Mar 2010 at 8:09 pm #

You wouldn’t think that a Labour government would allow a persons financial situation to dictate success in a professional or academic field. Doesn’t this go against their core policies, so much for abolishing the class systerm and equal opportunities to all.
I’ve been trying to become a pilot now for 2 years. The main thing holding me back is money. I’ve been working 80-90 hours a week on the roads only going home for a day and a half every 3 to 4 weeks to save the money. The problem is I’m finding it hard to find the time to prepare for the Interviews and assessments. This puts me at another disadvantage. It shouldn’t be this hard. The more noise made about this subject the better you have my full support!!
David Griffiths on 04 Mar 2010 at 1:56 pm #

As with many others, funding has been the major issue. Fortunately I’m starting full time training again in April having found funding (not easy I can tell you). Having the tax back at the very least would be a major saving and not cripple me financially for quite as many years post training!

FULL SUPPORT!
Colin Moss on 08 Mar 2010 at 12:53 am #

Student pilots should have the same benefits, that any other student has.
Femi Sangowawa on 09 Mar 2010 at 1:11 pm #

I’m already halfway through my training so any changes will be too late for me, but I’m still 100% behind this campaign.
It’s a shame that even high-street banks are reluctant to give loans, let alone the Government being willing to give any form of support for training pilots. Personally, I believe that in the UK, anything involving aviation is as for the high-class, so it’s more a case of Daddy’s money as opposed to being a good pilot. Good potential pilots shouldn’t always be restricted from achieving their potential simply because they come from a lower economic background or can’t afford.

I’m completely supportive of this campaign
Mike Finch on 15 Mar 2010 at 2:57 pm #

I agree entirely with this campaign, It is appalling that the situation has been allowed to remain as it is for so long. These steps are required not only for the individual students but for the good of the industry. Well done and good luck
James Watt on 15 Mar 2010 at 4:01 pm #

Tayside Aviation fully supports this campaign.

The industry is swiftly running out of self motivated and self funded individuals to pay for their own training. The UK is losing business because other countries do not charge a VAT on training and they make it easier to use these countries. If VAT was removed from professional pilot training it would not have a huge effect on the treasury but it would give a significant boost to the UK training market and would go a long way to supporting students.
Paul on 21 Mar 2010 at 7:49 pm #

Im 18 and I’ve been accepted into a flying course but still cannot find this funding! if only the bloody government would gave us a bond at least!
Will Swinburn on 26 Mar 2010 at 1:00 pm #

Both personally and on behalf of FL500.com I’d like to pledge my support. I strongly believe our industry is curently restricted to candidates from a very streamlined and fortunate background and discriminates against those who may be good potential pilots and a credit to the safety of our industry, however, have a less financially well off family. As a First Officer in a major UK airline I’d like to suggest that even those who have luck on their side and emerge from flight training straight into a jet job, finances are still a very major issue for the first 5-10 years due to loans that are probably around £100,000 plus interest with no tax alleviation. FL500.com and I fully back the campaign.
Phil Whiteside on 30 Mar 2010 at 2:35 pm #

Yeah I support the campaign, I did a PPL in 1995 and it took me until 2008 to enable me to self fund an integrated course completing my ATPL.

Now I am up against ageism and those with the ability to pay for TR’s and Line Training trying to jump the queue…its hard to compete against those parents with deep pockets of students with lesser grades…and those airlines whom prey on the young or rich.

The Government could be more proactive in helping in the following;

1/ Grants and Loans to enable students to get the best training, although at least 10% of the training must be paid for by the student saving from past employment to prove that they are doing this for the correct reasons. (Not parents paying the 10% the student has to prove he/she stacked shelves for 12 months for example).
2/ A fair assessment of the candidate regardless of any form of favouritism,racism, ageism & any ism… prior to starting any training leading to a Frozen ATPL.
3/ Equality in employment based upon quality of grades in training.
4/ Bonding solutions for advanced TR training that would support seasonal,part time & temporary employment i.e. Pay back the bond when you fly … it may takes a little longer than full time employment but the Govt could quite simply subsidise such a programme. This would assist with creating employment in recessions.
5/ Help with the costs of unemployed Pilots to do refresher training every 15 weeks.
6/ A structured career path for all successful students.
7/ Banning of all self funded Type Rating Schemes.
8/ Heavy fines & severe punishment for those airlines that do not comply!!

Hope you understand what I am trying to say…. if not it’s “Fairness”!!

Phil
Mark Wilson on 01 Apr 2010 at 1:30 pm #

This problem is really getting out of hand with the cost of flying training going up and up. Where will it end?
Stuart Parsons on 01 Apr 2010 at 7:39 pm #

I strongly believe that student pilots should have the same benefits as every other student. It is unbelievable that it has remained this way for so long. You have my full support
Sandeep Patel on 07 Apr 2010 at 10:32 am #

I strongly believe that Student Pilots should have access to the same support and benefits as other students Nationwide enrolled on University/College programmes. I would like to give this campaign my full support!
Will on 07 Apr 2010 at 2:25 pm #

I agree the government needs to assist us students. I’ve been flying for 10yrs and have known since a young age what I wanted as a career. I’ve been through many other careers to get where I am now and I’ve just started my ATPL training and I feel that we are not being treated equally as “students”.

I’ve so far done everything off my own back like many others, without any major loans, no in debt (yet), nor any assistance from family etc, but a student loan would be very useful to complete my training. As this is quite unlikely, it’s going through the high-street banks where you have to pay back a few hundred each month for many years, even if you don’t have a well paid job (unlike students at Uni).

We need a way of “refunding VAT” for student pilots for starters!
Gavin on 09 Apr 2010 at 7:16 pm #

I am 100% behind this campaign.all the routes available to becoming a pilot include big figure fees.it’s time the government take this matter seriously.it’s discriminating against those that do have £60000 to pay, or even risk large bank loans for fear of being seriously deep in debt before even getting their career off the ground. You even have to pay for assessment days at flying schools.the government should provide funding, taking focus not from wheather individuals have access to private funds, but from those who have the drive,personality,ambition,skill and determination to becoming this world future pilots!
Jo Phillips on 14 Apr 2010 at 3:48 pm #

This campaign works because it is using positive energy, it isn’t “a fight against” or a “battle against.”

We are living through times of enormous personal and global change, where every system that we have come to rely on is being dismantled. Healthcare, education, polictics, even the eco system that supports life are all facing enormous upheavals.

We need a new Government that stops throwing money that doesn’t exist at every problem and starts to think and act in new ways – so campaigns like this aren’t needed.

Good luck to everyone who takes a stand on this and other meaningful issues.
Lisa Court on 19 Apr 2010 at 5:35 pm #

I fully support this campaign because the current situation doesn’t offer equal opportunity to students.
Matthew Holden on 20 Apr 2010 at 9:54 pm #

I totally agree with this, pilots risk their lives everyday just to get people from A-B and it wouldn’t be as safe as it is without the training. If medics get their training for free why shouldn’t pilots.

Matt
andrew adedeji on 24 Apr 2010 at 10:06 am #

all other students get loans and bursaries, why shouldnt pilots! their still students so they should be treated the same! i totally support this initiative!
Kevin Sanchez on 24 Apr 2010 at 10:06 am #

I think people that feel to be a pilot and are passionate about flight should be allowed to have a financial help i totally agree with this.

Kevin
uzma mehmood on 24 Apr 2010 at 10:20 am #

fulll support for this scheme
jahan Ahmed on 24 Apr 2010 at 10:21 am #

i am supporting this campaign since i am unable to study for ATPL because of funding
Eliot Mangham on 24 Apr 2010 at 10:24 am #

i believe that it is biased towards student pilots that they receive so little support financially and that this should be changed
tim wilson on 24 Apr 2010 at 10:24 am #

as a student, i think its unfair that we can get funding for university, but as i want to go down the commercial pilot route, we need funding since this too is education. so im joining this campaign
Jagjot on 24 Apr 2010 at 10:26 am #

As a student, I think it is unfair for the government not to help in anyway towards pilot training.
Craig Tilson on 24 Apr 2010 at 10:30 am #

As a wishing to be pilot i think that it is appauling that you do not get funding from the government when people go to university and get funding!!!
Daryll Drain on 24 Apr 2010 at 10:31 am #

As an aspiring airline pilot I am aware of the financial mountain a student is required to climb. I think it is unfair that people with insufficient self-funding should have to put themselves in financial danger.
danny angiolini on 24 Apr 2010 at 10:33 am #

i want to be treated as a student
Jonathan Rowland on 24 Apr 2010 at 10:34 am #

the financial burden acts a deterrent for a lot of aspiring pilots… this should be rectified!
Peter Burrows on 24 Apr 2010 at 10:34 am #

I would like to be recognised as a student
Maciej Rozanski on 24 Apr 2010 at 10:43 am #

flight training should be provided for everyone, not only for people who have funds for that !!!
davi thorpe on 24 Apr 2010 at 10:45 am #

as a 16 year old wanting to go into pilot training, looking at expenses of the training i would happily sign up to this, and I’m sure my parent would agree also!
Michael Callan on 24 Apr 2010 at 10:46 am #

i am a student studying A levels with an interest of an aviation career and have seen some prices of learning to fly. campaigning for lower prices is brilliant and i think it should be lower so that more people can learn to take on this career
Nikita Newton on 24 Apr 2010 at 10:48 am #

I am 22 years of age, studying at university wanting to be a pilot, also looking at the expenses it would be fair to say that anyone can do it but the expenses are too much!
Cecil Newton on 24 Apr 2010 at 10:49 am #

It is a good thing but we do need to get the government to fund our sons an daughters!
Richard Stracey on 24 Apr 2010 at 11:00 am #

I have found it impossible to afford flight training in the UK which is a shame considering the UK offer some of the best flight training in the world. As a result, I have been forced to either give up or move to another country to enable me to complete the training required.
Nigel Huggins on 24 Apr 2010 at 11:02 am #

Student loans for student pilots seems very basic common sense!
Andrew Cooksley on 24 Apr 2010 at 11:10 am #

This really needs to be looked at. The way this country works is wrong, making it as hard as you can for people to better themselves in any walk of life. You complain about people being on benefits but you make it too easy for them to do so and make it virtually impossible for people to follow their dreams. Stop trying to crush the human spirit and give us the ability to be proud of ourselves, our country and our achievements again.
Aneel Khan on 24 Apr 2010 at 11:12 am #

Since I was a kid I wanted to become commercial airline pilot but once I finished my college I have found it impossible to afford flight training in the UK which is made me feel like a taking a dream from a child for becoming true and Its really heart breaking that lots of universities and government authorities are supporting medical fields etc but there is no such organization supporting for the Pilots and its really makes me feel sad because I started doing three jobs to save up money for the training but it made me more stressed and I eventually end up not spending time on myself,my Mrs and my lovely kids and even myself which made me realize that its very difficult for a normal person to dream like that…well I hope the government should considering in deciding any better future for young pilots like me who wants to become something but they can`t as money is more stronger than careers….
Mohammed Hayder Ali on 24 Apr 2010 at 11:13 am #

I believe those from a poorer background should be given an chance to train and not worry about the financial implications of pilot training.
Sue Burnage on 24 Apr 2010 at 11:21 am #

as the parent of a 19 year old who wants to be a commercial pilot I find it ridiculous that funding is not available as per student loans for degree level courses. We are also charged VAT. This training is an alternative to a degree and the only way to fund it is to re-mortgage my house!
Please can you reassess this situation to allow students from middle class/working class to enter the industry. Many have the aptitude but not the finances
Aamir Awan on 24 Apr 2010 at 11:23 am #

I agree with the complaint for flight training fairness as it could help student pilots alot
barnie mandimika on 24 Apr 2010 at 11:26 am #

well i agree, the government should help student pilots so they achieve their aviation goals. thank you
Declan mcAlister on 24 Apr 2010 at 11:28 am #

I agree with the comments of this organisation as i too am a student with the intention of becoming a pilot and yet have to take out a major loan to fund my dream.
barnie mandimika on 24 Apr 2010 at 11:32 am #

well yes i agree the government should step up and help student pilots out there who wish to achieve their aviation goals. if the government dose not do anything it will affect both the current students and future student pilots who will eventually give up because of not enough financial help. grants should be given. thank you
David Hounsome on 24 Apr 2010 at 11:32 am #

i agree with the comments of this organisation as it is not easy to aquire the funds needed to fulfil my career aspirations
Nikita Mikhailov on 24 Apr 2010 at 11:36 am #

more money-less stress- safer airspace
christopher fitzgerald on 24 Apr 2010 at 11:39 am #

more money
Geraldine Gardner on 24 Apr 2010 at 11:43 am #

I fully support this campaign.
Sophie Davis on 24 Apr 2010 at 11:46 am #

Flying Fairness!!!
oliver Barfoot on 24 Apr 2010 at 11:46 am #

cheaper training ! please
Steven Moore on 24 Apr 2010 at 11:47 am #

I agree that Vat should be removed from flight training
nicole lockwood on 24 Apr 2010 at 11:55 am #

As a person self-funding my flight training, I fully support this campaign.
Thomas Bubb on 24 Apr 2010 at 11:55 am #

Students need more support!!
Laurence Fletcher on 24 Apr 2010 at 12:00 pm #

Why treat trainee airline pilots differently to any other student in terms of finance
Samuel Cooper on 24 Apr 2010 at 12:06 pm #

fantastic idea finance is the major barrier for me but I have been lucky enough to fly through th use of scholarships
Isaac Aryee on 24 Apr 2010 at 12:09 pm #

Certainly the way forward!!!!! It has my full support.
Edward Johns on 24 Apr 2010 at 12:20 pm #

A brilliant solution to unfair treatment towards ambitious students
Dustin Paloh on 24 Apr 2010 at 12:25 pm #

my full support is here!
Nicholas Charman on 24 Apr 2010 at 12:29 pm #

I will be paying for this myself, and it is a very large burden for an 18 year old to accumulate the amount of money, or even have help through banks and other means of funding.
Callum Thompson on 24 Apr 2010 at 12:35 pm #

this is a great idea. Good to see something’s getting done about this, especially when folk such as myself don’t have the support of parents for raising the dough!
Joe Fitzgerald on 24 Apr 2010 at 12:37 pm #

student pilots need all the help they can get.
Danny Fitzgerald on 24 Apr 2010 at 12:38 pm #

Student pilots need all the support they can get
Joseph Lomasney on 24 Apr 2010 at 12:41 pm #

Student pilots need all the support they can get
Larissa Henry on 24 Apr 2010 at 12:51 pm #

I fully support the campaign.
aidan mcelvogue on 24 Apr 2010 at 12:55 pm #

Please consider taking VAT costs off training and seek better loan programmes from the Banks.Thank you.
joseph gorton on 24 Apr 2010 at 1:08 pm #

I have an appreciation for why the courses are as expensive as they are, but I feel that its irrational that school leavers and graduates are restricted from doing the course by the fact that perhaps their parents do not have enough equity to allow for their children to go on the course. There are many talented individuals out there who are more than capable of making excellent pilots and more should be done to allow them to achieve their full potential in life
paul davey on 24 Apr 2010 at 1:17 pm #

Pilot training needs to be fair for all and not dependent on your background!
Duncan Beckman on 24 Apr 2010 at 1:20 pm #

I support the campaign, please make this process slightly easier.
nicholas wright on 24 Apr 2010 at 1:31 pm #

I would like to support this campaign as a budding pilot wanting to access the industry. Current ways of access are highly unfair and illogical !!!!
Denise wright on 24 Apr 2010 at 1:33 pm #

More financial support is required to encourage all young people to be able to get into this field without discrimination of finance
Callum Bottreill on 24 Apr 2010 at 1:34 pm #

Steps to becoming an airline pilot are becoming increasingly difficult for those in a less stable financial situation. For someone with the dreams of becoming a pilot, it should not be restricted just to those who are rich.
Ian Wong on 24 Apr 2010 at 1:37 pm #

learning flying is very expensive for student
and i think the goverment should give more financial support to us
Ryan Williams on 24 Apr 2010 at 1:37 pm #

It would nice if the government recognises student pilots the same as any other student going to university, and provide student loan and grants to help with funding this ever advancing field of aviation.
Jody Hoare on 24 Apr 2010 at 1:42 pm #

Anyone should be able to better themselves by committing to learn a trade or be trained in a vocational role. If other traditional subjects can give student grants or loans, why can’t commercial piloting??? I will have spent in the region of £30000 in order to fulfill my dream career and at least £20000 of it will be borrowed at the interest rates that a bank decide, fair???
Lawrence Howard on 24 Apr 2010 at 1:50 pm #

I support the campaign, surely pilot cadets should be given the same recognition as university students?
Alistair Thomson on 24 Apr 2010 at 1:53 pm #

I believe that flying training is the same as any other vocational training, and for that reason, the same financial policies/student statuses should apply
Timothy Goodwill on 24 Apr 2010 at 1:53 pm #

I believe that student pilots should be widely recognised for student loans
Mrs Lisa West on 24 Apr 2010 at 2:18 pm #

I support this campaign
Joe Murray on 24 Apr 2010 at 2:19 pm #

loans for uni students, but not for student pilots? needs to change!
George Rees on 24 Apr 2010 at 2:23 pm #

I think that this campaign is a brilliant way to help would be pilots achieve a dream career
Karen Ballantyne on 24 Apr 2010 at 2:25 pm #

Students need loans as university students get. It should be a fair system for all.
Ellis Stuart on 24 Apr 2010 at 2:33 pm #

As a young man of the age of 17 living with his single mother in a council flat, i cannot fund my dream to be a pilot like anyone else can with the government funding they get and i will not! this is not fair, this is not right.
debbie stuart on 24 Apr 2010 at 2:38 pm #

My son has had a dream since he was ten to become a pilot. I feel that the discrimatory way this government will not allow everyone to be what they want to be ‘why should this be the way, only go to those who are wealthy or who have to save up and fund themselves. outrageous !
amrit kalsi on 24 Apr 2010 at 2:39 pm #

please help these young pilots
David Lamb on 24 Apr 2010 at 2:46 pm #

It has always been my dream to become an airline pilot from an early age but with the way the economy is becoming just now i find it really hard to be able to fund my training! With some government help with regarding to costing of the training i think that would be a big benefit in securing a place on a commercial pilot training course and bringing the cost of the training down to an affordable amount!

Thanks David
Graeme Lamb on 24 Apr 2010 at 2:47 pm #

I have always had a dream of flying as an airline pilot and as i am not in a highly paid job at the moment, i would not be able to fund any of the training that i would need to be an airline pilot. So in turn i will probably never become an airline pilot without any help from funding.
Andy Ives on 24 Apr 2010 at 2:50 pm #

Pilot training is really expensive and any help can only be beneficial!
Guramba Adrian on 24 Apr 2010 at 2:54 pm #

A great idea for students considering a pilot career and I keep my fingers crossed for you to succeed.Good luck and you have all my support!
Samuel Berry on 24 Apr 2010 at 3:15 pm #

I give my support to this campaign – more people should be able to experience the joy of flight.
Ian Seager on 24 Apr 2010 at 3:22 pm #

Excellent campaign
Adam Spooner on 24 Apr 2010 at 3:27 pm #

I support this
Mike McKenzie on 24 Apr 2010 at 3:34 pm #

We need a level playing field in flight training with regards to vat
Andrew Kensit on 24 Apr 2010 at 3:46 pm #

I fully support this. I am a university student and know how important funding is for courses.
Rishi Radia on 24 Apr 2010 at 3:48 pm #

I support this campaign as I want to train to be a pilot at an FTO. However it is very expensive which means that I may have to get financial funding from a bank and this means that I may also have to re mortgage the house.
Harry King on 24 Apr 2010 at 3:48 pm #

I fully support this. It’s about time our government has realised that support from the is needed in order to find the brightest and the best regardless of financial situation.
Jeremy Kay on 24 Apr 2010 at 4:15 pm #

Student pilots should be considered on the same base as any other type op student, hence not having to pay V.A.T.
Mike Aloisio on 24 Apr 2010 at 4:48 pm #

Very supportive, hope you change the way things work!
stephen maina on 24 Apr 2010 at 4:50 pm #

i support the campain.
samuel onen on 24 Apr 2010 at 4:51 pm #

i support the campaign
Arshid on 24 Apr 2010 at 4:55 pm #

txn for such a brave idea, we support you
Sanj Kumar on 25 Apr 2010 at 12:00 am #

I absolutely support this cause.
Lewis Kelly on 25 Apr 2010 at 8:06 am #

I fully support this inititave
Tom Eggleston on 25 Apr 2010 at 12:46 pm #

With this 100%. Why shouldnt pilots get help anyway?
Rory on 25 Apr 2010 at 7:32 pm #

I support this completly 100%
Ian Robertson on 25 Apr 2010 at 9:31 pm #

This initiative has my full support
Anne Mangham on 25 Apr 2010 at 10:12 pm #

This initiative has my full support
Sam GS on 25 Apr 2010 at 10:17 pm #

Absolutely true! Support, support, support!
Andrew Mangham on 25 Apr 2010 at 10:24 pm #

As an ex pilot, i give this scheme my complete and utter support
Darren Ellis on 26 Apr 2010 at 11:27 am #

I fully support this scheme, as a former university student and a potential future pilot!
Neil Byers on 26 Apr 2010 at 3:09 pm #

I support this 100%, and agree with every single comment above, Its wrong how there is no help for student pilots like myself and all the people above, and its wrong to have your dream crushed because of lack of finances, £60k upwards is a steep amount for the average person to pay, its hard enough studying everything that is needed to become a commercial pilot without having to have that extra worry of money.

Its all wrong and something needs to be done and fast, before more dreams are sadly crushed.
Nigel West on 26 Apr 2010 at 5:46 pm #

I fully support this initiative. Our son is committed to following a Commercial Pilot career when he finishes A-Levels in 2 years time. We visited the Pilot Training Exhibition at Heathrow in April and gathered a lot of very useful information. We had an idea of the costs involved, but were not aware of the difficulties in getting the funding. I cannot believe that to follow this profession you are expected to fund the training entirely by your own means (or that of your parents!). Surely it is only fair and right that ‘Student’ status should be recognised and Student Loans made readily available to anyone aspiring to this highly qualified career.
Matthew Tilby on 27 Apr 2010 at 5:24 pm #

I would like to add my support as i agree that it is disgrading for pilots to have to fund their own tranning. The pressure and demands of tranning is hard enough without finacial worries, so it is unfair to treat a student pilot different to any other student in the uk.
Without funnding many student pilots are having their dream taken away before they can even start.
Hassan Khan on 28 Apr 2010 at 8:47 pm #

Every person in any given career start as students, the focus should be on the definition of student. Since, there is no other meanings, then is it not right to say all student are the same and therefore should be treated and respected equally. We study to better our prospects in our chosen profession…student pilots are no different.
Andrew Antwis-Veal on 29 Apr 2010 at 10:36 am #

I would like to add my support as i agree that it is disgrading for pilots to have to fund their own tranning. The pressure and demands of tranning is hard enough without finacial worries, so it is unfair to treat a student pilot different to any other student in the uk.
Without funnding many student pilots are having their dream taken away before they can even start.
Darqam Alkhafaji on 01 May 2010 at 1:26 pm #

The idea of this campaign might not be pleasant news for MR Darling! We will still stand against all the restrictions and difficulties an aspiring pilot like myself or a current trainee pilot would face, and that is in terms of financial help and access to loans and grants. WE WANT TRAINEE PILOTS TO BE REGARDED AS NORMAL STUDENTS and VAT SHOULD NOT BE APPLICABLE ON THEIR COURSE FEES.
michael finnis on 04 May 2010 at 8:49 pm #

Why should some professions remain the preserve of the privilaged, rather than the able?This campaign has my full support.
Tom Hazell on 09 May 2010 at 6:36 pm #

100% my support! Why are airline students any different to Uni students?
George Santos on 09 May 2010 at 6:39 pm #

1,000,000% behind you on this! Something needs to be done otherwise the industry will suffer with a lack of skilled pilots!

So many people have a dream to become a pilot and will not have the required funding. Few people will have the money to become a pilot and will not have the same desire to become a pilot.

It’s sad that the wrong sort of people are becoming pilots. I am behind this campaign fully and hope I can do more than just send a letter to my local MP for the future of aviation!

Best Regards
Thomas Bubb on 09 May 2010 at 7:54 pm #

trainee pilots need support!!!!
Simon Laqueur on 10 May 2010 at 10:25 am #

Although being one of the fortunate ones, I also strongly believe in the unfairness of the present system.
Brian Watt on 29 May 2010 at 11:07 am #

I think the comments above capture the strength of feeling and of support for this very worthwhile campaign.

From the perspective of an employer, it is in the interests of airlines that airline pilot training is available to as many people as possible. The legacy of previous routes to the flight deck of an airliner means that such training, now only available at great personal expense, has effectively been forgotten by successive governments. No longer are airlines able to foot the bill entirely. The commercial and regulatory landscape has changed too much. There must be a reasonable share of the ab-initio training costs and government should take their share in line with the support provided to pretty much all other professions, skills and trades. It is only this way that an industry, upon which the national economy depends, can source sufficient new pilots of the necessary quality.

I fully support this campaign.
Stephanie Constantinou on 19 Jun 2010 at 10:11 am #

As a parent of a student currently training for his APTL, I am well aware of the financial commitment parents have to undertake to support their sons & daughters in their chosen career. My son is lucky that we are able and prepared to support him. At a time of recession, many like us are re mortgaging their homes to provide finance, we should not be put in such a position and neither should our son have to repay such a huge debt at the start of his working life

It’s a cruel and unfair system that denies young people the opportunity to follow their chosen profession. Yes they can join the RAF but this means putting their lives on the line at a time when the country is at war and not an option they should be forced into taking.

With fierce competition in the aviation industry and without government assistance, the reality is that airlines will not resume their responsibility for training. Which other industry can you think of which would charge £30K+ for a type rating which is essential for the job, then only give a 6 month contract!

I’ll be happy to help to push the campaign further.
Adam Truran on 20 Jun 2010 at 7:04 pm #

It’s great to hear of this campaign. Myself, an aspiring pilot, has come through many stressful phases during my training to date. With banks reluctant to give out loans to trainee pilots, and some parents unable to help with securing such loans, I was interested to read of this campaign. Last year I wrote to Gordon Brown telling him of my situation with regards to flight training and the costs involved. I did receive a reply from him, but only telling me that a certain department would be in contact with me. I still as yet await to hear from them.
I give my full support and hope the Government take note. All the best to you and all aspiring pilots out there!
ken & linda fowler on 21 Jun 2010 at 7:33 pm #

This cause should be supported to the hilt,we have just read the article in The Log,and after reading Jane & peters story it was almost as if my wife and i had written it.our son also trained at FTE,we went through the re-mortgage situation etc,to help him realise his dream,he was fortunate to be given employment with BA Cityflyer as soon as he left FTE so he never spent any time unemployed he is still there,and loving his job.We too went through our local MP to see if there was any help available but no joy.When flight training news,came through the post ,when reading Lembit Opik’s Wings Over Westminster did on occasions cause a bit of teeth grinding.These flight training students :are what it says on the tin;STUDENTS and should be given the same benefits as every other student.
WE SUPPORT THE CASE OF FINANCIAL HELP FOR FLIGHT TRAINING STUDENTS.ps after finishing training a few months later our son recieved a letter asking him for NI contributions for the time he was in spain doing his training.GRRRRR.
Ryan McPherson on 28 Jun 2010 at 9:04 pm #

I fully support the cause to making flight training more equal for all. I hope you are campainging for Helicopter pilots too where the costs are well over £100K to become employable.
Luc Raemo on 01 Jul 2010 at 6:39 am #

I fully support this cause as I just finished my pilot training and have gone through the same situation.
Jonny Smith on 05 Jul 2010 at 10:56 pm #

Couldn’t agree more, great work
Joe on 18 Jul 2010 at 11:46 pm #

The doctor analogy is right, there should be no difference if you’re willing to work hard enough.
Benny J on 22 Jul 2010 at 9:27 pm #

Guys, the dream is to be a pilot – and its a great job. I was guilty of this when I sat down infront of my HSBC branch manager in 2002 asking for 60k. As long as we exist airlines will continue to exploit us and pilot terms and conditions will slowly be eroded.
Until the illusion of 100k/year salaries, lavish hotels, cushty rosters and word wide travel is broken I would be suprised if anything changes!
Benny J on 22 Jul 2010 at 9:36 pm #

I do wish you all the best for the campagin and you have my support.
Ted Murphy on 27 Jul 2010 at 1:02 pm #

As an airline pilot who ( many years ago) got into the industry through an airline funded ab-initio cadet scheme, I am very concious of the fact that there is a huge body of talent out there among our young people who will never get the opportunity to become productive and safe airline pilots because they or their parents cannot afford the exhorbitant cost and committments required to get a license. It is not only patently unfair and unjust but is denying the industry the full range of talents that are available to ensure continued growth and safety.

I fully support this campaign.
Stop Pay to Fly on 02 Aug 2010 at 4:40 pm #

I would be interested to see if fair plane, with their connection to BALPA and Govt, will be attempting to seek an end to the Pay to FLy schemes (such as those run by Eaglejet and their ilk).

Given the recent media attention on interns not being paid minimum wage, now would be a good time to seek an end to this despicable practice.
Dale on 15 Sep 2010 at 7:17 pm #

It’s completely true. People who want to become Pilots suffer greatly. Let’s even things out!
John Heath on 24 Sep 2010 at 6:05 pm #

This is a fantastic campaign.

I was pleased to come across this after contacting my local MP saying the same as the campaign. My MP is now aware of this website and should sign up!

All my support with this campaign.
Robert on 06 Oct 2010 at 10:00 pm #

What a brilliant initiative!

I’ve been there myself and I really hope you will be able to make a difference for future students.

Good luck to all of you out there, you have my full support.
Daniel on 08 Oct 2010 at 3:30 pm #

Brillian,

I am still struggling to fund funds to continue with my IR, even thinking of abandoning the idea completely!

You have my full support!
John Nicoll on 15 Oct 2010 at 1:26 pm #

This is a fantastic idea, I myself am struggling to afford my flight training for my CPL and IR etc! Good luck!!

John (Perth, Scotland)
Nathalia Desforges on 06 Nov 2010 at 10:00 am #

Great idea and has my full support.
Oliver Delamont on 06 Nov 2010 at 10:45 am #

Better access to the money required for the training is an absolute necessity for any forward progress with new recruits. Alternatively serious reductions in the gross costs need to be considered.
Calum Leslie on 06 Nov 2010 at 10:55 am #

I support the campaign
haydon on 06 Nov 2010 at 11:01 am #

bring back government funding!
Jean-paul Luttrell on 06 Nov 2010 at 11:02 am #

i give support
Arif Nadeem on 06 Nov 2010 at 11:03 am #

I fully support this movement. Bring Back Funding for uk Flight Training !!
Ben Gundry on 06 Nov 2010 at 11:04 am #

As a young pilot in search of funding for my training I support this campaign.
Clive Haddock on 06 Nov 2010 at 11:14 am #

I support the fact that being a student pilot should be recognised as a student
Liam Gittins on 06 Nov 2010 at 11:19 am #

i support this cause.
Colin Hampson on 06 Nov 2010 at 11:23 am #

I support this issue,
Rgds,
Tim Marlow on 06 Nov 2010 at 11:24 am #

I support a fair deal for student pilots!
charles kumar on 06 Nov 2010 at 11:27 am #

i support this campaign as it provides new oppurtunities.
anthony ormerod on 06 Nov 2010 at 11:31 am #

Fully supportive of campaign
Helen Hims on 06 Nov 2010 at 11:33 am #

I support the idea that anyone should be able to train to be a pilot regardless of income or background
veshka yazdanparast on 06 Nov 2010 at 11:37 am #

i support the issue for the cost of flight training and what debt it could cause to new pilots
Ian Pawlik on 06 Nov 2010 at 11:40 am #

Fully support this initiative
Jon Downing on 06 Nov 2010 at 11:43 am #

Absolutely delighted this is occuring, I’m all for their goals. Thanks!
Matthew Checketts on 06 Nov 2010 at 11:45 am #

I support this campaign.
Daksh Chebar on 06 Nov 2010 at 11:49 am #

I strongly support with campaigning..
stephane titouh on 06 Nov 2010 at 12:00 pm #

i tottally agree that the cost of training a pilot is extremely expensive, for a start the bank does not help with the cost, the parents end up paying thier saving, sell thier homes to fund thier kids dream job, VAT ON THE COURSE SHOULD BE SCRAPPED, and everyone should be encouraged to attend the pilot course from all backgrounds .
Simon Powell on 06 Nov 2010 at 12:09 pm #

I believe that as students VAT should not be applied to thier training.
David on 06 Nov 2010 at 12:17 pm #

I’ll be happy to help with my support to other people.
lembit Opik on 06 Nov 2010 at 12:22 pm #

When the airlines have a pilot shortage, they’ve only got themselves to blame. And when we finally prove the travesty of discrimination against student pilots, the Government can do the same! We’ll win this one, because we’re right.
Jim Cotton on 06 Nov 2010 at 12:24 pm #

x
asif haidery on 06 Nov 2010 at 12:27 pm #

i do support the campaign.
Dmitry Kurlovich on 06 Nov 2010 at 12:29 pm #

I think it is good idea to get oppartunities from govertment for student who do not have finantial resourses to get the pilot licence.
joe on 06 Nov 2010 at 12:30 pm #

VAT should be removed from pilot training courses.
david heard on 06 Nov 2010 at 12:34 pm #

What a wonderfull idea, It seems only fair that the uk should support the industry, otherwise there will be no UK pilots in the future.

ell done.

ave
Michael Rathbone on 06 Nov 2010 at 12:47 pm #

I support the campaign
Joshua Rathbone on 06 Nov 2010 at 12:47 pm #

I support the campaign, people of all backgrounds should have equal oppurtunities in our modern socity.
Hannah Buchanan on 06 Nov 2010 at 12:56 pm #

I support the campaign!
Sue Buchanan on 06 Nov 2010 at 12:57 pm #

I support the campaign
Chris Chandler on 06 Nov 2010 at 12:59 pm #

Supporting this cause to make flight training funding fair and accessable to everyone, not just the wealthy.
I Massias on 06 Nov 2010 at 1:03 pm #

I fully support the efforts of Fair Plane.
Charlie Thompson on 06 Nov 2010 at 1:10 pm #

I fully support this worthwhile campaign to restore opportunities for those who have been striving for a career in aviation since childhood but are held back, not by lack of ability but by financial resources.
Dan Newson on 06 Nov 2010 at 1:12 pm #

I’m currently a student at university studying for a masters in engineering and have wanted to be an airline pilot for most of my life so far. I can’t be thankful enough for my student loan schemes, so it would be a Godsend for the same thing to be applied to pilot training loans. I hope there is something in place within the next 2 years when I graduate uni and hope to start pilot training!
Charlie Thompson on 06 Nov 2010 at 1:12 pm #

I fully support this worthwhile campaign.
yru gobbato on 06 Nov 2010 at 1:13 pm #

i support this
Liam Hyland on 06 Nov 2010 at 1:13 pm #

i support the campaign
Liam Hyland on 06 Nov 2010 at 1:14 pm #

i support the campaign
karen clifford on 06 Nov 2010 at 1:15 pm #

i support the campaign.
des o'connor on 06 Nov 2010 at 1:16 pm #

please align flight training with other student traioning re subsidies and taxes
Elizabeth Beven on 06 Nov 2010 at 1:19 pm #

Fully support that training should be exempt from VAT and students should be recognised as such
Mark Milton on 06 Nov 2010 at 1:20 pm #

I support the campaign.
Nicholas Watkins on 06 Nov 2010 at 1:27 pm #

Training is education!
Jamie Thompson on 06 Nov 2010 at 1:30 pm #

With unsecured loans unobtainable, an unsponsored route to becoming a pilot is out of reach for me and most others who have the ambition of becoming a pilot.
Thomas Turner on 06 Nov 2010 at 1:31 pm #

I believe in equal oppertunity and as a part of this, chances should be fair for all career options available.
Bev on 06 Nov 2010 at 1:33 pm #

With a possible end debt of £85K, my son’s dream of becoming a commerical pilot is fading fast. There should be more help from the government for pilot students.
Dan Brady on 06 Nov 2010 at 1:33 pm #

I strongly support VAT free training costs to student pilots.
callum hughes on 06 Nov 2010 at 1:38 pm #

i support the campaign.
R Lawford on 06 Nov 2010 at 1:38 pm #

Wholy support to support the campaign
Alex Turner on 06 Nov 2010 at 1:38 pm #

I support the campaign.
Josh Lawford on 06 Nov 2010 at 1:39 pm #

Support the campaign completely
Tom Rogerson on 06 Nov 2010 at 1:40 pm #

I fully support the campaign and feel student Pilots should be fully recognised by the Goverment.
clifford lobo on 06 Nov 2010 at 1:41 pm #

i support the campaign completely
Lucinda Lohse on 06 Nov 2010 at 1:44 pm #

Air Transport is a major part of this country’s infrastructure and pilots are an obvious necessity, however the funding for training deters people from following their goals. I strongly believe that help from the government should be involved in helping pilots achieve high quality training.
ian on 06 Nov 2010 at 1:44 pm #

I fully supprt support for student pilots
alex brent on 06 Nov 2010 at 1:51 pm #

I support the campaign!
Pippa pocock on 06 Nov 2010 at 1:51 pm #

I support the campaign!
Simon Coton on 06 Nov 2010 at 2:01 pm #

I completely support this campaign for student rights!
craig ashcroft on 06 Nov 2010 at 2:07 pm #

thinking of becoming a pilot

starting by doing ppl
simon patrick on 06 Nov 2010 at 2:11 pm #

Funding needs to come as there is going to be a pilot shortage (again)
Ali on 06 Nov 2010 at 2:14 pm #

Very Good!
Angela Louka on 06 Nov 2010 at 2:15 pm #

A great Idea.
Alexandra Lane on 06 Nov 2010 at 2:28 pm #

I fully support this campaign
benjamin hughes on 06 Nov 2010 at 2:39 pm #

i fully support this idea.. hope it works
Lynn McGrady on 06 Nov 2010 at 2:49 pm #

The country should have the best pilots and this should not depend on their wealth.
Anna McGrady on 06 Nov 2010 at 2:49 pm #

I support this campaign
Alford Sibanda on 06 Nov 2010 at 2:51 pm #

I strongly support this campaign.
al Boulabel on 06 Nov 2010 at 2:55 pm #

I support the campgne
Josh Gearing on 06 Nov 2010 at 2:57 pm #

I’ve been looking into becoming a pilot for a long time now, currently 22 and trying to build up funds. I learnt from Oxford Aviation Academy that the Finnish fund trainee pilots, I’m sure we could do the same here.
steven farnworth on 06 Nov 2010 at 2:58 pm #

fully support fair play campaign no VAT on training.
alan farnworth on 06 Nov 2010 at 3:00 pm #

fully support fair training. No vat on training wont vote for you if you don’t get rid of this.
Tina Farnworth on 06 Nov 2010 at 3:02 pm #

gov is gay lol
jamie winstanley on 06 Nov 2010 at 3:03 pm #

do not put vat on
Phil Arkwright on 06 Nov 2010 at 3:06 pm #

Completly agree with this and its a absolute sham that the goverment thinks that we are worth less than the average student.
Rebecca Shuker on 06 Nov 2010 at 3:13 pm #

Very much in support!
Matthew on 06 Nov 2010 at 3:13 pm #

I fully support your campaign, keep up the great work.
Richard Killian on 06 Nov 2010 at 3:23 pm #

Fully support
kofil chowdhury on 06 Nov 2010 at 3:25 pm #

students that are choosing to become a pilot are still students so therefore they should recieve the same benefits as others
duncan mcfarlane on 06 Nov 2010 at 3:31 pm #

I strongly support this cause
Andy Barker on 06 Nov 2010 at 3:36 pm #

I am amazed and very dissappointed to discover that my son will not be regarded as a student whilst learning to fly but will if he chooses to be a nurse. What’s the difference. They are both training for their future
Dhiru Gadhvi on 06 Nov 2010 at 3:45 pm #

I fully suport this campaign
Harry Woolcott on 06 Nov 2010 at 3:49 pm #

I support the campaign
Nathalie Mayhew on 06 Nov 2010 at 3:56 pm #

I totally support the campaign.
Heather Cooper on 06 Nov 2010 at 3:59 pm #

As a current flying student it is very unfair and i do not see the reason why as a student simply because i’m not learning in a university i’m not regarded as a student. I will mostly deffinately leave my training with more dept than a normal university student so any help from the government we can receive would be much appreciated.
NO VAT and student consessions please!!!
Nigel Birrell on 06 Nov 2010 at 4:17 pm #

I agree that not enough is done to support the flight training in this country.
Christopher Drury on 06 Nov 2010 at 4:21 pm #

I am seventeen years old and have wanted to be a pilot for msny years. I feel that the financial restraints are the only thing holding me back from my ream career and this should be reviewed by the government to help more in my position
paul drury on 06 Nov 2010 at 4:21 pm #

there shoukld not be such a high cost to follow any career path at such a young age – as a piolot they will be higher rate tax payers and as such the government should support at the very least via waving vat on course charges
kieran hillman on 06 Nov 2010 at 4:26 pm #

agree with everything this company has established
Peter Hillman on 06 Nov 2010 at 4:29 pm #

If Britain is to be able to train enough pilots for the future, student pilots should be offered student status so that they are able to have student bank acconts and student loans. Flying lessons should also be VAT exempt as learning and education are not a luxury, but a human right. This government needs to stop attacking students and start enbabling them to train for the future beenfit of our economy
F Hillin on 06 Nov 2010 at 5:10 pm #

I support this campain
Daniel McCarthy on 06 Nov 2010 at 5:27 pm #

I support the campagin
Aidan McCarthy on 06 Nov 2010 at 5:27 pm #

we support the campaign
Daniel on 06 Nov 2010 at 5:38 pm #

I support this campaign!
Simon Petitt on 06 Nov 2010 at 7:13 pm #

I am currently 17 years old and have always wanted to become a commercial pilot. The only thing I am worried about is the financial aspect of pilot training. I do not understand how the Government is willing to give student loans to people for University courses such as “Fashion Accessories” (This is the title of a course being run at Coventry University), but they will not give student loans to help students through Flight Training Schools…
Matthew Kemp on 06 Nov 2010 at 10:03 pm #

I support this campaign 110%!
Tom Thurlow on 07 Nov 2010 at 9:19 pm #

This is an excellent campaign! I am 21 and I want to be a Pilot but I will be saving for a few more years before I can go to a training school. I met a BA Pilot a few weeks ago who flew his first A320 when he was 21, I have just flown my first Cessna 152. I was jealous.
Ben Killick on 08 Nov 2010 at 1:26 am #

I fully support this as I wish to become a pilot myself.
Shane Jones on 08 Nov 2010 at 5:44 pm #

I surport this capaign because I believe people with the ability to become pilots, should be able to train to be pilots, no matter what background they come from or how much money they have when starting off. The system at the moment is not fair on people with poorer backgrounds!
Nick M on 08 Nov 2010 at 10:05 pm #

Excellent campaign – trainee pilots are no different to any other students and as such should be entitled to the same benefits as the other professions, especially considering the large debt many take on in the first place in order to fulfil their aspirations.
Charles Pringle on 09 Nov 2010 at 1:55 pm #

I fully support this campaign.
scott on 11 Nov 2010 at 3:45 pm #

i wish to train as an airline pilot but due to the cost and NO help i dont think i could ever achieve my goal.
nelson brangman on 12 Nov 2010 at 12:29 am #

i support this always wanted to be a pilot but the money and no help killed it
Thomas on 12 Nov 2010 at 7:43 pm #

Im in full support of your campaign, Good luck!
Kay Coley on 13 Dec 2010 at 3:53 pm #

I fully support the campaign for flight training fairness and equality. A student is a person formally engaged in learning. Why can’t a student pilot be recognised in an identical manner to any other person who is studying for their career? There should be a level playing field and a student pilot shouldn’t be penalised just because they enrol with a professional flight training organisation rather than a ‘recognised’ university.
Andy Ford on 04 Jan 2011 at 4:47 pm #

Good luck with the campaign!!
Neil Richardson on 04 Jan 2011 at 5:01 pm #

Im fully in support of your campaign – Good luck!
David Heath on 17 Jan 2011 at 8:35 pm #

Pilots should be in the driving seat of an aeroplane because of ABILITY not because of family finance.
There is an issue with schools training abroad to avoid VAT. Of course they will also point to the better weather factor abroad. However I wonder if UK could benefit from the cash for accommodation food and living costs being spent here instead of abroad.
That’s in addition to the training school costs and peripheral spending lost to UK. The flying instructors and staff would be here buying fuel to get to work and UK living costs.
Can anybody quantify this loss to UK Exchequer? It might be greater than the VAT they are not getting anyway.
This money is currently not spent in UK so the Exchequer is not getting the VAT either so it does seem pointless barrier to have it when it is not being paid by anyone.
Look at the bigger picture please HMRC!
BALPA recognise the problem with future pilot shortages. Can the CAA and Government examine this shortage plus this awful trick of making new pilots fly without pay just to get hours. Minimum wage – where are you? No VAT on UK based training – next stop
Joe Dickinson on 29 Jan 2011 at 1:55 pm #

There is no defence for this at all, what happened to jobs being available to everyone no matter what your social background is.
Kyri Kyriacou on 18 Feb 2011 at 6:09 pm #

Great campaign, I support it 100%.
Lorraine Doxey on 04 Mar 2011 at 3:00 pm #

I fully support the campaign. My son has passed all his assessments and the JAA medical, we just don’t have the finance in place – yet!!
Joseph Pack on 10 Mar 2011 at 1:31 pm #

I am currently trying to raise the funds to train to become a pilot, i have passed all my assessments and my jaa medical. i fully support this scheme
Adam Lenton on 10 Mar 2011 at 8:12 pm #

Great campaign, I support this 100%.
Stephen christie on 07 Apr 2011 at 10:32 pm #

I am completely behind this. Due to lack of the support that the likes of surgeons get I have had to deal with the struggle and inevitable failure of trying to raise the funds to support my training. You also have more trouble if you are in a situation like myself were both parents are retired and therefore equity release or other second mortgage options are completely unavailable. I happen to be very close to my local MP, MEP and hopeful MSP as well as a current MSP and I have been bombarding them to ask the appellate people questions on my and all others in my positions behalf and I will continue to do so. If you think about it logically surgeons will have maybe a thousand lives in there hands in a year. I’m not undervaluing the work they do it is hugely difficult and needed. However a pilot is likely to have a thousand lives in their hands in the air in a WEEK as well as all on the ground. So why do they not have the same support. The government cannot hide behind the environmental issues as due to advancements in engine, fuel, wing and aerodynamic technology mean emissions and carbon footprint is hugely reduced. Add to this 98% or more of a plane can be recycled upon it being put out of service. There is no excuses and no reason why student pilots shouldn’t be given the help, support and options of other students. Due to this passenger safety as well as those on the ground is reduced and that is simply unacceptable.
Margaret Ball on 15 Apr 2011 at 1:26 pm #

I fully support this campaign, knowing first hand how hard student pilots have to study, let alone worry about the financial side of their career choice. People who make this career choice do so because they are passionate about flying, but unless they have a wealthy background to fund their training, their ultimate dream job is just that – a dream!
S Whiteside on 15 Apr 2011 at 10:17 pm #

Fully in support of this, I’m just in that situation at the moment – dreams of a pilot but funding is certainly more than difficult. I have long wondered why there is no government support for student pilots out there.
Dave Twigg on 16 Apr 2011 at 10:03 am #

I support the campaign.
Chris Buckley on 16 Apr 2011 at 10:05 am #

I fully support the campaign.
steve wheeler on 16 Apr 2011 at 10:05 am #

I support this campaign
Georgio Sfakiotakis on 16 Apr 2011 at 10:06 am #

I support the campaign!
Joss Hamberg on 16 Apr 2011 at 10:08 am #

i support this campaign.
Louisa Hamberg on 16 Apr 2011 at 10:09 am #

i support this campaign
Patricia Foreman on 16 Apr 2011 at 10:26 am #

I support the campaign
Lewis Foreman on 16 Apr 2011 at 10:27 am #

I support the campaign
Neil Foreman on 16 Apr 2011 at 10:27 am #

I support the campaign
Dr John Knapton on 16 Apr 2011 at 10:41 am #

I would like to support this campaign to lobby for govenment support to train our future Pilots.
My son wishes to become a pilot but the finacial burdon of training could be a significant barrier to whether he can achielve his goal.
t wheatley on 16 Apr 2011 at 10:55 am #

I support this campaign
Karen Monk on 16 Apr 2011 at 11:00 am #

I support this campaign
Philip Monk on 16 Apr 2011 at 11:02 am #

I fully support this campaign
Clive Upton on 16 Apr 2011 at 11:18 am #

I support this campaign.
JASON fARRALL on 16 Apr 2011 at 11:22 am #

Definately a good cause, all students should have the right to the same help as any other vocation.
Jordan Farrall on 16 Apr 2011 at 11:24 am #

i want to be a pilot in the future and hopefully this will help others that are in the same situation. definitely a good programme
Gregory Roberts on 16 Apr 2011 at 11:25 am #

I support the campaign
Peter Roberts on 16 Apr 2011 at 11:26 am #

I support the campaign for student status to all trainee pilots
Jake Turner on 16 Apr 2011 at 11:28 am #

Equality!!
I supoort the campaign
Jake
Susan Rivers on 16 Apr 2011 at 12:09 pm #

I support this campaign
Samantha Rivers on 16 Apr 2011 at 12:10 pm #

I support this campaign
Ian Cross on 16 Apr 2011 at 12:11 pm #

I support this campaign
Stephen Robinson on 16 Apr 2011 at 12:11 pm #

I support this campaign
James Hartley on 16 Apr 2011 at 12:12 pm #

I support this campaign
Caroline Rivers on 16 Apr 2011 at 12:12 pm #

I support this campaign
Derek Rivers on 16 Apr 2011 at 12:13 pm #

I support this campaign
Tyler Howe on 16 Apr 2011 at 12:14 pm #

I support this campaign
Anthony Hordley on 16 Apr 2011 at 12:23 pm #

I support this campaign
eleanor brown on 16 Apr 2011 at 12:39 pm #

i think it is very unfair that student pilots are not considered to be doing a recogniseable degree. it is very expensive and we should be given the same support that other students are given.
Bob Williams on 16 Apr 2011 at 12:55 pm #

Remove VAT charges from flight students immediately!
Jamie Hides on 16 Apr 2011 at 12:59 pm #

I fully support this campaign
Nicolette Vulliamy on 16 Apr 2011 at 1:01 pm #

As a single parent with a very talented son who wishes to become a pilot, I fully support this campaign.
Larissa Henry on 16 Apr 2011 at 1:06 pm #

I think it’s great what Fair Plane is doing and I fully support the campaigning.
Hayley Gelder on 16 Apr 2011 at 1:15 pm #

I fully support the flight student campain and I believe we should have the same rights as ‘ordinary’ students.
Justine Jewkes on 16 Apr 2011 at 1:17 pm #

I fully support the motion to equalise rights for aviation students!
Justine Jewkes on 16 Apr 2011 at 1:18 pm #

I support the motion to equalise rights for aviation students!
Phil Croucher on 16 Apr 2011 at 1:49 pm #

There will be a mjor shortage of pilots soon if people aren’t given all the help they need!!!!!
Simon Reeves on 16 Apr 2011 at 2:38 pm #

I support this cause.
Pete Daruvala on 16 Apr 2011 at 2:40 pm #

I support this cause and disagree with the elitist barriers to entry for commercial pilot training.
tayyaba naeem on 16 Apr 2011 at 2:44 pm #

I fully support this as my son wishes to become a pilot for the future and finacally it is difficult to support him.
tayyaba naeem on 16 Apr 2011 at 2:44 pm #

i support this
Alexander Miller on 16 Apr 2011 at 2:46 pm #

I fully support this campaign as a current full time student with flight experience I wish to carry on to a carrier in becoming a pilot. However there is a huge financial struggle I have to face to be able to move forward with this career choice.
Conor Convey on 16 Apr 2011 at 3:35 pm #

Most other professions recieve support in one form or another for their training, it’s long passed time for student pilots to recieve the same support.
Nicoletta Ongley on 16 Apr 2011 at 3:36 pm #

I su[pport the campaign
Thomas Ongley on 16 Apr 2011 at 3:38 pm #

I fully support this campaign.
stephen ongley on 16 Apr 2011 at 3:48 pm #

I feel that the government should provide financial backing to prospective young pilots based on their ability to pursue thier chosen career.
Joseph Gorton on 16 Apr 2011 at 3:54 pm #

It is completely irrational to simply discard someone from the industry based on their financial situation. I believe there are some incredibly affluent families who force their children into the career because its seen as a noble attribute, and they simply are apathetic towards it, whereas others who have dreamed of the career all their lives have sacrificed everything and studied incredibly hard to arrive at the FTO door and find that they, or their families do not have the means to afford the training. These people also may have a better standard of aptitude and ability to perform the task.
Jake Wheeler on 17 Apr 2011 at 11:10 am #

I am 16 years old and aspiring to be a Commercial Pilot. I have gained high A/A* grades in my GCSE exams and taken aptitude assessments achieving top marks. I have been told by flight instructors that I can become a Pilot and that I need to actively pursue my dream.

However, the extortionate costs of training are preventing me and many others like me from fulfilling our ambitions. The Government needs to take action and I support this plan whole heartedly.

We have the potential and the ability just not the funds.
Matthew Snowdon on 18 Apr 2011 at 1:55 pm #

I fully support this.
Adrienne Fitt-Williams on 19 Apr 2011 at 9:54 am #

With 2 of my 4 children wanting a career as a pilot, it is going to be extremely difficult to fund one of them, let alone both of them. It is important that everyone be given the same opportunity to train in the profession they desire. Training to become a pilot is extremely difficult and requires a lot of training and revision. How can trainee pilots do this if they are constantly worrying about funding and having to work every hour possible to pay for their training? The Government should give all students equal oppportunities to achieve their goal. I fully support this campaign. I hope the Government listens.
Nathan Orme on 19 Apr 2011 at 8:31 pm #

I wish to pursue a career as pilot and like many others, I am also trapped by this enormous financial barrier, which puts the very capable and not so wealthy potential students at a great disadvantage.

I feel that the least the governement can do to help people in these situations is to remove the VAT that we all currently have to pay for our training, which seems fair since we are not eligible for government funding.

In order to secure a job by self-sponsoring oneself in order to gain adequate hours and not to mention a type rating (both of which many course providers dont inform you about), this would put an individuals training costs anywhere from £70,000 to over £100,000.

I hope that this matter is not overlooked by the government in any way, and that everyones hardwork campagning for a change will materialise.
matthew fitt on 20 Apr 2011 at 4:17 pm #

pilots should get supported by the government because peoples think there dreams are over beacuse off the money cost so im still young but i wanna be a pilot and it dosent help with money being so high
Aaron Rotheram on 20 Apr 2011 at 10:06 pm #

I can’t wait to be a pilot but can wait for the cost
Rebecca Waterworth on 24 Apr 2011 at 8:58 pm #

I have lived in a Council house all my life and i support this campaign! The government should see student Pilots as students, just as they would Lawyers etc and give us all an equal chance and oppourtunity!
Paul Martin on 17 May 2011 at 4:54 pm #

I have been training for ppl, however I am in a position now where I am required to somehow find a loan or be fortunate enough to land one of the extremely sparse part scholarships that pop up every so often according to demand. My parents are not in the position of being able to support me financially with my career choice. I have got the passion and ability to become an airline pilot as well as any desired academic qualifications but without student status as regard to government funding I have come to a dead end and I fear that by the time I have saved enough money to pay my way I will be ‘past my sell by date’ for any prospective airlines. I am now in the position where I am considering huge financial risks such as developing rundown properties in order to make enough money to pay for my training! Please please please government just recognise our needs!
Nabil on 04 Jun 2011 at 11:40 am #

i have wanted to fly ever since i was a little boy but the huge reality of the price hit me quite hard! despite the price I still want to become an airline pilot and because i’ve had a taste of flying an aircraft (i was an aircadet) it makes me want to become a pilot even more. The harsh reality is that both my parents cannot afford to pay even a third of that sum and by the time i have enough to pay for my training I will be too old….

The government should help us and if you think about it, its a win-win situation…..they help us achieve our dreams and they get a large chunk of our salary due to these never ending taxes!
Danielle Fitt on 07 Jun 2011 at 9:58 pm #

Being the eldest of 4 children in my family, I know how tight money can be when it comes to funding things for trips etc….but funding to go to a flying school is just too much to ask due to these really high expenses and I know, along with many other comments that they feel that the government is being unfair!

I have wanted to be a pilot for so long and yes I know I am still young and things could change but I want it to change in a way that it is possible for people to actually stand a chance at doing something they love, not just for a hobby but for a profession! I want to be one of the reasons this changes!

I fully support this campaign and I wish the government will do something to help us fund for this opportunity!
jacob hollins on 07 Jun 2011 at 10:05 pm #

Its totally unfair how the system works for airline pilots, there is a course i am dying to do at oxford aviation but i cant due to the costs being around £80000! and the only way to get a loan for this is if you have a mortgage! no one i my family has this avaliable which then makes this scheme no use to me! there needs to be some form of educatonal benifits for people in my situation wanting to become a pilot and sees it as his lifes ambition!!
Thomas Sibley on 09 Jun 2011 at 8:18 pm #

Anyone with the required skills should be able to have a career as a pilot, not just those who are lucky enough to afford it.
Tristian James Hill on 25 Jun 2011 at 9:33 pm #

It has been my ambition to become a commercial pilot for as long as I can remember, I am almost 18. I have been given a place at Bucks New University, High Wycombe on a Commercial Pilot Course, I have been allowed funding to cover tuition fees and part funding for cost of living. I am now at a miserable, disappointed standstill because so far after much investigation I find that I cannot find any funding, grants or sponsorships for the flight training part of the course and can see my dreams of becomeing a pilot going down the drain just because I come from a working class family. I have already achieved 33 hours flying over almost 4 years paid for by my grandparents who are not well off financially and I am now at the stage of solo cross country flying. I just finishing college and looking forward to taking up further flight training everything has come to a standstill. When one is so dispappointed with society and the elitist class where a working class family is penalised from an ambition a little bit out of the ordinary because they cannot find the funding that they would be happy to pay back, it is not surprising why so many of us end up out of work and in the gutter.
Brad Hinchliffe on 27 Jun 2011 at 9:20 pm #

Having already spent in excess of £20k with CPL and IR remaining, 20% relief would be amazing!
I am training with a highly recognised and reputable training school in the North, yet there is no recognition that you are a student spending far more than any uni student.
Jason Rowe on 28 Jun 2011 at 8:40 pm #

Im 27 and currently doing my PPL, iv always dreamed of being a pilot since i was 7 and played on flights sims all my life. I have managed to get a small loan out to pay for my ppl. Im coming up to 35 hours and just done my XCQ and now looking to take it further but cant.
Yes i could do the home study course for the ATPL but thats about it, the extra 150 hours flying time needed to then go CPL and IR with the extra £40,000 by doing it modulor still is so much.Also most airlines are now asking for you to pay for TYPE Rating wich is £20,000 more. Their is no help from anyone on this, Yes i could ask to remorgage the house but with no 100% chance of getting a job after training the presure is just too much and too risky.
OK airlines go and grab people from uni who can read a book, But how can they afford to pay uni fees then 80k on top, What about us non Uni section of poeple who are just trying to live the dream and have already proven we have the skill and mindset to become a pilot rather then putting all the apple in 1 bag with someone thats got 20 degrees but never even got in the left seat of a cessna.
Amin Rashid on 01 Jul 2011 at 2:39 pm #

110% support this campaign.
Amin Rashid on 02 Jul 2011 at 5:21 pm #

i just hope this all works out within the next 5 years.
Dr DRC BELL on 16 Jul 2011 at 11:42 am #

Join the RAF as I Had to 56 yrs ago for National Service & am still flying @76 yrs old.

I sponsored my Son 30 yrs ago @ a huge cost in those days £60,000.00, he is now a Senior Captain with Cathay.

It is totally wrong that most professions can get a grant but Pilots can not!!
Steven Wythe on 25 Jul 2011 at 7:43 pm #

I fully support student pilots being treated as students.
Gino Sabatino on 27 Jul 2011 at 6:48 pm #

Totally back this. The fees I already pay to the CAA (government) and to pay vat on top is awful. It is putting so much pressure on people financially, imagine the pressure pilots are on to repay loans, flight risk.
Michael D on 29 Jul 2011 at 10:49 am #

I completely agree with the campaign to recognise Student Pilots as Students. I am 27 and currently studying for my ATPL Groundschool, training following the modular route, having been to Uni when I was 18 and in full time employment.
I think one of the factors to consider is that whilst the student loans etc are provided to help with the education and long term future of the student (the same reason people are trying to form a career in aviation) in reality at Uni the money is spent on Beer and Parties, whereas the money for Pilots would be spent on the actual training.

I also have to add that I think it would be sufficient if we were able to get VAT waived on training and student status (ie. without the loans/grants). The money saved on VAT would make a big difference, and the student status would help people save money in every day life which could be used to then ease the burden of flight training.

Unfortunately any changes that may happen will be too late for myself, but I will still support the cause.
Al Boulahbel on 14 Aug 2011 at 2:13 am #

Hi.

I do support this campaign 100%, should the government do something about it
peter on 15 Aug 2011 at 7:00 pm #

I agree
Mark Rutter on 18 Sep 2011 at 3:03 pm #

I fully support this campaign. As someone who has trained as both a pilot and a chartered accountant, the gulf in how students are treat by the two professions is enormous. The current set-up both discriminates against less-wealthy individuals and harms the industry by preventing many very capable pilots from entering the profession.

The Government should address some of these issues by offering prospective pilots the same help given to individuals in other careers and encouraging fairness for all who wish to enter the profession, as they have done in other sectors.
Matthew Taylor on 20 Sep 2011 at 3:14 pm #

I fully support the principles of social mobility and widening participation which this campaign addresses.

Professionals should be recruited to and retained by employers on the basis of their ability to perform the job, and not their financial circumstances.

I believe the proposals set out are an important step towards achieving these goals in the airline industry.
Paul on 28 Sep 2011 at 4:04 am #

Hi,

I thought you guys might like to know that in the past tax releif on flying training was available. I used it to gain my PPL. Unfortuantely the scheme was discontinued in July 1998.
The scheme allowed you to pay for your training less the basic rate of tax.
I beleive it came under non vocational training.
I think it was one of the first thing the labour government axed when they came to power.
Jonathan Stephens on 15 Oct 2011 at 4:28 pm #

I fully support this case too.

Eliminating tax-relief was and still is discriminatory, given the tax relief available to comparable vocational education courses.
Antony on 28 Oct 2011 at 12:21 pm #

I really support the campaign.
Simon on 28 Oct 2011 at 3:18 pm #

I strongly support this fight to bring Pilot’s financial equality; the less wealthy are restricted from Pilot training completely and with a little government support it could completely change.
Bob Speller on 29 Oct 2011 at 8:52 am #

We support all incentives to help trainee pilots to neter into PPL courses.
shaun thornton on 29 Oct 2011 at 9:07 am #

So many brilliant pilots to be are priced out of training about time thier status was recognised and help given
Aaran Henwood on 29 Oct 2011 at 9:09 am #

I think the governments attitude towards student pilots should change to come in line with other type of students.
Michael Osborne on 29 Oct 2011 at 9:10 am #

Please
Michael Hadley on 29 Oct 2011 at 9:10 am #

Please!
Conor Savage on 29 Oct 2011 at 9:15 am #

I support what you are doing as i am interested in becoming a pilot and i don’t agree with the current situation towards student pilots.
Jonathon Luter on 29 Oct 2011 at 9:19 am #

I very strongly support this campaign!
Alison White on 29 Oct 2011 at 9:21 am #

I support this campaign. There should be equal opportunities for students from all backgrounds and all walks of life. A flying career should not just be for the elite.
Felix Hall on 29 Oct 2011 at 9:32 am #

I will find it very hard to pay for my pilot training, if the government will support the pilot training it would be so beneficial, i certainly support this campaign.
Jennifer Gayle on 29 Oct 2011 at 10:27 am #

I think student pilots should have the same rights as students in general, i.e access to student finance and loans.
sue owens on 29 Oct 2011 at 10:34 am #

I fully support this campaign
Graham Cownie on 29 Oct 2011 at 10:45 am #

Time to wake up and smell the coffee. We need an aviation industry and it need pilots. You sponsor every other professions so why not pilots?
Ed Dablin on 29 Oct 2011 at 11:13 am #

Student pilots should get fair treatment from the government, and the same advantages as students in other vocations
max mcqueen on 29 Oct 2011 at 11:21 am #

I wholeheartedly support this campaign
Fraser McQueen on 29 Oct 2011 at 11:22 am #

Its time for change
Sheila Hamilton on 29 Oct 2011 at 11:24 am #

I support the campaign
Dane Ramsden on 29 Oct 2011 at 12:04 pm #

I feel that pilot’s should be able to receive governmental support when it comes to training.
Sean Donnachie on 29 Oct 2011 at 12:34 pm #

I support your campaign towards getting student title for tranning pilots
Nick Hallwood on 29 Oct 2011 at 12:44 pm #

I think there should not be any VAT charged on flight training courses
Bruno Hallwood on 29 Oct 2011 at 12:46 pm #

I fully support the cause and agree that this is the right action to take
David Rawlins on 29 Oct 2011 at 12:59 pm #

I fully support this cause i believe that people who are looking at funding should get the same discount as stundents! The amount of students who go to uni just for the parties and the drinking is a joke! Training as a pilot is hard work, with long working hours and own night time studying. People training to be pilot should be given the student rates as they are still learning!
Andy Caughey on 29 Oct 2011 at 1:40 pm #

I support this campaign
Hamilton on 29 Oct 2011 at 2:56 pm #

I totally agree with the above statement and the government should let young students get the benefits of other students KEEP ON TRYING!!!!!!
David on 29 Oct 2011 at 3:28 pm #

I fully support the cause and agree that this is the right action to take
David on 29 Oct 2011 at 5:00 pm #

There should be no differance between being eligable for a grant towards training to gain a career in aviation, and any other professional business that requires a certain amount of further study and ability. This is typical of the UK in general, with a short sighted approach to a career that can generate and grow more business for the country. Come on government, play fair and make it a level playing field for more low income families to be able tp compete and enter into this industry……..
Alex Bonas on 29 Oct 2011 at 6:10 pm #

I fully support this cause, student pilots should get some kind of financial support, just like other students, understandable becoming a pilot is no cheap career ambition, but why leave it so that only the rich people can afford to reach their goals, leaving the poorer, less privileged students scrambling for money. In the end, how often do members of parliament use planes to travel? does it not make sense therefore to give a little back? I doubt, sadly, MP’s fully understand, or even care how hard it is for normal people to become pilots…
Kati Tyler on 29 Oct 2011 at 6:10 pm #

I fully support this campaign – please ask your friends to sign up too!
James on 29 Oct 2011 at 8:14 pm #

I fully support this campaign!!
Nicholas Bliss on 30 Oct 2011 at 9:39 am #

It may not be a great time economically to raise this argument, but it is manifestly unfair and precludes many able people from pursuing their career in aviation. Good luck with you campaign!
Mark Eaton on 30 Oct 2011 at 12:15 pm #

Agree wholeheartedly!
Daniel on 30 Oct 2011 at 1:50 pm #

I fully back this cause as many people who want a great career in aviation will benefit through having a student label on their head.
Daryl M. Heath on 30 Oct 2011 at 8:52 pm #

I am a student (19) right now who has a dream of becoming a pilot, coming from a low income family I know it is going to be very hard to find the financing options to become a pilot and think it is unfair that there is no support from the government and that they don’t even recognise people training to be commercial pilots as students.

Universities are now putting pilot training along side certain degrees which helps and some Universities even help somewhat in reducing costs for pilot training by having their own simulators and equipment that you can use freely, this is a step forward in help towards pilot training but now that the tuition fees are up Universities are going to be hard pressed now to offer any support.

This campaign has my full support and I totally agree with the motion.
Penny Ward on 31 Oct 2011 at 1:08 pm #

I fully support this campaign
James Ward on 31 Oct 2011 at 1:09 pm #

I support this campaign
Thomas Bungard on 31 Oct 2011 at 1:10 pm #

I support this campaign
Paul Banyard on 31 Oct 2011 at 1:11 pm #

I fully support this campaign
Alex Banyard on 31 Oct 2011 at 1:11 pm #

You have my support
Therese Banyard on 31 Oct 2011 at 1:16 pm #

I support Fairplane
Keron Puttock on 31 Oct 2011 at 1:17 pm #

I support Fairplane
Julie Tynan on 31 Oct 2011 at 1:17 pm #

Fairplane gets my support
John Tynan on 31 Oct 2011 at 1:19 pm #

I support this campaign.
Mike Allman on 31 Oct 2011 at 1:20 pm #

Fairplane gets my support.
Robert Hanson on 31 Oct 2011 at 1:20 pm #

Fully support Fairplane
Joshua Hanson on 31 Oct 2011 at 1:21 pm #

I agree with this campaign
Terry Windsor on 31 Oct 2011 at 1:21 pm #

I give my support to this campaign
Max Ansell on 31 Oct 2011 at 1:22 pm #

I give my support to Fairplane.
Paul Tyler on 31 Oct 2011 at 1:22 pm #

I offer my support to Fairplane
Kathy Lennon on 31 Oct 2011 at 1:23 pm #

Fairplane, you get my support
Sean Lennon on 31 Oct 2011 at 1:24 pm #

I agree with this campaign.
Sadie Boardman on 31 Oct 2011 at 1:25 pm #

I agree with the Fairplane campaign
Chris Boardman on 31 Oct 2011 at 1:25 pm #

I agree with the efforts of this campaign
Kieran Boardman on 31 Oct 2011 at 1:28 pm #

I agree with what Fairplane are trying to do
Hamish Caughey on 31 Oct 2011 at 1:29 pm #

I agree with Fairplane
Deborah Pettitt on 31 Oct 2011 at 1:30 pm #

I fully support this campaign.
Jo Rosetti on 31 Oct 2011 at 1:30 pm #

I agree with this campaign
Gary Andrews on 31 Oct 2011 at 2:51 pm #

I fully support this campaign.
bobbie on 31 Oct 2011 at 4:15 pm #

100% agree!
Jo Shields on 31 Oct 2011 at 6:36 pm #

I fully support the aims of Fairplane. It is unfair that foreign trainee pilots can come over here and train to our standards and claim 20% of the cost back while British trainee pilots have to find the whole fee, with no help or support from the government.
John Shields on 31 Oct 2011 at 6:45 pm #

I give Fairplane my full support – it is unfair that the Government support other professions but don’t give any help or support to the pilots of the future.
John Shields on 31 Oct 2011 at 6:46 pm #

I give my full support to Fairplane. It is unfair that the Government supports other professions but gives no help or support to pilots of the future.
Jo Shields on 31 Oct 2011 at 6:49 pm #

I fully support Fairplane. It is unfair that foreign students can come to the UK and train to our standards and claim back 20% of the cost, while UK students get no help or support with the cost of training.
Jo Shields on 31 Oct 2011 at 6:52 pm #

I fully support Fairplane. It is unfair that foreign trainee pilots can come to the UK and train to our standards and claim 20% of the cost back, while UK trainee pilots have to find the costs with no help or support from the Government.
John Shields on 31 Oct 2011 at 7:17 pm #

I give Fairplane my full support. It is unfair that the Government support students training for other professions but gives no help or support to the pilots of the future.
Lesley on 01 Nov 2011 at 3:40 pm #

I fully support this campaign
Jane Bowland on 12 Nov 2011 at 4:24 pm #

I don’t think you should have to pay vat on education – Tuition fees are bad enough but this is just plain silly (forgive the pun).
Chris Wynne on 24 Nov 2011 at 2:28 pm #

Full suport for Fairplane. Currently working on my PPL and I can forsee the costs holding me back considerably. It’s not fair that the government will fund crime rehabilitation and not Pilots. Hopefully they’ll see how bad the pilot shortage will hit the UK, but then it will be too late to really affect it.
JJDAVIES on 19 Jan 2012 at 1:05 am #

Fully support fairplane. Common sense and fair.

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