26 Nov How to choose a flight school? The cautionary tale of Belgian Flight School
Imagine putting all your hard-earned money and valuable time to pursuing a dream career, only to see it crumble. For some aspiring pilots, this nightmare became a reality with the Belgian Flight School (BFS). The school’s abrupt closure and subsequent bankruptcy left students not only without a pilot license but also facing significant financial burden for years to come.
The Belgian Flight School, formerly operating under the name of Bluetail Flight School was declared bankrupt on August 29, 2023, after months in Judicial Reorganization Procedure (JRP) and a failed buyback attempt by its founder. Financial reports submitted to the National Bank (NBB) reveal BFS had nearly 2.3 million euros in losses, with over 890,000 euros from 2022 alone. This financial collapse left many students and their families struggling, still repaying loans taken for pilot training. The total financial damage is estimated at over one million euros.
“Martin”* is one of these cadets, who signed up for flight training at BFS in 2020. He paid upfront, as required by most flight schools. A year later, after already taking some classes, the school suddenly interrupted the courses.
“Initially, it was presented as a minor administrative mishap, an interruption of 2-3 weeks at most, so we didn’t worry… But as everyone now knows, the suspension of the ATPL accreditation (Pilot certification for airline transport) by the Direction Générale des Transports Aériens (DGTA) was “indefinite” from the very start.”
Despite several months in limbo and assurances from the school’s owner that courses would resume shortly, the students requested a refund for unused fees. The Belgian Flight School promised payment upon signature, but it never materialized, says Martin.
In early 2022, the Belgian Flight School deputy director vouched in an online discussion for the school’s financial health, assuring students of an imminent return to normalcy.
“We are firmly convinced, in light of all current information, that we are nearing the end of this administrative procedure and that a return to normal is very close! (…) I can only strongly and emphatically confirm that the school’s financial situation is no longer related to that of the former structure, and the school’s financial health has been growing year after year.“
However, contrary to the school’s deputy director assertions, BFS eventually filed for a Judicial Reorganization Procedure, marking the beginning of the end and revealing severe financial trouble.
Legal Proceedings and Consequences
The students bore the brunt of this chaos as legal proceedings dragged on. With operations still suspended and no viable solution in sight, the court repeatedly extended the reorganization period. This not only delayed any chance of recovery for students seeking refunds but also led to BFS’s eventual bankruptcy filing in August 2023. The court’s approach, perceived as negligent by many students, displayed a commitment to a flawed rescue plan that wasted resources and prolonged the ordeal.
Additionally, many students criticized the DGTA for its poor communication and timing in addressing the issue, which may have negatively influenced the situation.
“The DGTA was completely opaque towards the students, contrary to the spirit of European Union standards, and significantly contributed to the extensive harm experienced by the students. The suspension would have made sense for training purposes only if it were compatible with the normal progression of the courses. Alternatively, it would have been more appropriate to proceed with an immediate revocation and inform everyone that the school would be closing,” says Martin.
Without an immediate revocation of the school’s certification, students had limited options for action. If BFS’s assets had been preserved, processing refunds might have been more manageable.
While a criminal investigation looms over the school’s owner, the damage had been done for the former students. This situation teaches important lessons for prospective students: be cautious when choosing a flight school. Don’t just rely on Instagram pages or glossy brochures.
Lessons Learned
Before applying to any flight school, ensure you’re well-informed about the institution. The key takeaway is to take your time selecting the right school. With such high stakes, being thorough is crucial. This checklist can help you with your choice and research. Important considerations include:
- Conduct thorough research on the school’s history, financial stability, and industry reputation. Ask key questions: What is the success rate for first-time flight tests? Why did failures occur? Which licenses (CPL, ATPL, MPL) can be acquired? Is the license EASA approved and valid in which countries? Verify a school’s accreditation and financial policies to ensure credibility and security. Does the school have a refund guarantee if training is discontinued? If so, under what conditions?
- Look for flight schools with open communication channels; consistent, timely responses usually indicate reliability and commitment.
- Contact one of the many pilot unions in Europe for information. Start with a union in your country, as they are a valuable resource. You can also visit your national union’s stand at pilot career expos.
Share Your Experience
If you are a prospective or current pilot with experiences to share, please send your testimony to communications@eurocockpit.eu.
For more information on becoming a pilot, visit our website at https://becomingapilot.eu/.
By learning from the past, aspiring pilots can make informed decisions to secure their futures in aviation!
* former BFS student, name concealed for protection
Other sources:
Aeronet Forum discussion on Belgian Flight School suspension, 14 January 2022. Available at: https://forum.aeronet-fr.org/viewtopic.php?t=44668
“L’école de pilotage Belgian Flight School déclarée en faillite, la Wallonie interpelle le fédéral,” L-Post, September 3, 2023. Available at: https://lpost.be/2023/09/03/lecole-de-pilotage-belgian-flight-school-declaree-en-faillite-la-wallonie-interpelle-le-federal/
Testimony: Anonymous former Belgian Flight School student, March 2024.