felix

Duncan: You may like to compare my experiences with a remarkably similar [i.e.identical] business that remains nameless: Board index » People » Paramotor Training Blogs>>The Great Train[ing] Robbery I'm saving up for my parajet. Regards Felix

I am most grateful for the supportive messages, thank you all. In response to the matter of what I expected for my money, no I did not expect to be given a "free" paramotor and wing with training included for next to nothing. Simple arithmetic soon excludes that possibility. I only expected what I was promised: the [loan] of the equipment needed to achive the result I had paid for, for the period of training, with the expectation of paying for anything I busted on the way. The charge made seemed concomitant with this. Activity of this type seems to have such currency that the legal eagles have given it a name: "Bait & Snatch". (An attractive item or service [bait] is advertised, but is yanked [snatch] smartly out of the way after payment has been cleared, to be replaced with something inferior or nothing at all for the customer to receive.) How to avoid this trap? No guaranteed method, but personal recommendation obviously has value, and getting it all in writing at least precludes any differences of opinion. I still believe that there is no reason to pay for more than a day in advance, which at least would limit losses. As has rightly been suggested, no PMC people were involved, all I know of Simon W et al indicates them to be of the HIGHEST calibre in honesty and morality as well as ability. I have also had dealings to some extent with Paul Williams at Paraventure in Wales, and Chris Dawes at Airways Airsports, also Clive Bunce and believe them to be similarly trustworthy. I appreciate the concerns on the self training front, I will consider my options as they arise. I have bought a wing and harness with which I am becoming quite proficient at kiting - when I have that cracked I might seek help to proceed, but I currently feel I would prefer to only have myself to blame for the results. Now, I can only afford a motor OR training, not both. I do not want to start a witch hunt, another reason for not naming and shaming the people involved. I hope that frauds like this are ultimately self limiting as word gets around: the perpetrators have to either change their ways voluntarily, get forced to do so by their customers or are shunned. But word MUST first get around, a great value of this forum. My only wish is to help others from falling down the same embarassing hole that I did. If I achieve that I would be happy. Felix

I have to start with a warning to others, to avoid the holes I fell down. I refrain from naming the training establishment in question, as I have no wish to create potential legal problems for this site. I paid my £1195 earlier this year on the promise of a full paramotor training course, including the provision of equipment, wing and motor, as would be the least expected at that price. This was arranged by the UK importer of a major paramotor brand who will remain nameless, via his buddy with the school. The derision I was greeted with on enquiring when I could try the paramotor I was to use was extreme. The "instructor" howled with laughter: he felt that to provide a paramotor to a student on a paramotor course was ridiculous, impossible, etc etc. Odd that exactly that package is on offer from others. And training is obviously impossible without. And had been promised from the start. If I wanted to stump up another £5k they could do me one. I said I had been done enough, thanks. Like a kipper. OK, I'll have a refund then, their online details include a money back "guarantee". You can guess the standard response to that question: he'd had it away, furthermore do not try retrieving it from the company it was paid to, that account had been hoovered clean and had at least five routes for spiriting money away in to other accounts. Even taking him to court proved fruitless. It was sounding like he had done this before. The point? Trust no-one. Pay nothing in advance. There is no reason to. At least one school provides training paid for by the day, clear cut and above board, no training no pay. The majority state what equipment is provided up front, but I would recommend asking to actually SEE it before parting with any moolah. With the recession biting, it is unfortunate that what I hope is a minority of our movement has decided that crooked dealing and barefaced theft is more profitable than building a customer base. The power of such people to destroy our sport is clear. It is a pity that such experiences then have the potential to poison our approach to others. Except I won't let it. Personally, I recommend the self training route derided by others. That is the way I am going. Any injuries I receive will be minor compared to my mauling this year. As to my "friends" at the training establishment that used me? "Leave them to heaven" to paraphrase the bard. Karma has, I have noticed, an interesting habit of rearing up and biting people in the arse when they least expect it. And karma has a lot of teeth. And they seem an awful lot sharper at 2000 feet agl.

I would just like to write to offer my compliments on your lovely pictures and delightful description, truly inspiring. A pleasure to read. Regards Felix