Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Flying Schools — [Sir Robert Syms in the Chair]

12 September 2023 · 5 other contributors · 12,786 words

Opened by Tim Loughton Con East Worthing and Shoreham

Responding minister: Jesse Norman

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Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Tim Loughton raised concerns about flying schools — [sir robert syms in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • MP is concerned about the closure of three major flying schools, impacting over 12 instructors and around 160 students.
  • Flying Time Aviation Ltd ceased trading in May, leaving students with financial losses ranging from 45,000 to 90,000.
  • MP requests government intervention to protect students, review VAT treatment for pilot training, and support the commercial pilot pipeline.

Key requests to Government

The MP requests that the Government address immediate student protection needs and implement financial oversight measures for flight training organisations. He asks for a review of VAT treatment for pilot training and seeks government support to secure the pipeline of commercial pilots through initiatives like apprentice funding options.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Tim Loughton Con East Worthing and Shoreham

The MP is concerned about the closure of three major flying schools in the past year, resulting in a significant decrease in pilot training capacity. He highlighted that Flying Time Aviation Ltd at Shoreham airport ceased trading in May, affecting over 12 instructors and around 160 students, many of whom have lost substantial amounts ranging from £45,000 to £90,000. The closures also raise concerns about financial protections for students and the long-term sustainability of flight training schools due to factors such as the pandemic impact, fuel price increases, and VAT on pilot training courses in the UK.

Other contributors (5)
  • Chris Law SNP Dundee Central

    The MP discussed Dundee's aviation history, noting that Tayside Aviation ceased trading recently. He emphasized the importance of protecting students financially and ensuring stable training for future pilots. Described the closure of Tayside Aviation, a flight school in Dundee that left around 60 trainee pilots with significant financial losses. Highlighted issues such as VAT on pilot training, lack of student loan support, and inadequate financial regulation in the industry. Suggested reforms to protect aspiring pilots and proposed measures for consumer protection through the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Emphasised the importance of Dundee airport's public service obligation (PSO) route between Dundee and London for economic benefits. Reflecting on the Minister's comments about VAT, we are at a competitive disadvantage in Europe as other countries do not charge. The additional 20% fee could deter young pilots from studying in the UK and encourage them to go to Europe instead.

  • Henry Smith Con Epsom and Ewell

    One of my constituents paid significant fees for flight training, which have seemingly been lost. The aviation industry is central to the country's trade and connectivity, and needs proper addressing by the Department for Transport.

  • Ian Paisley Jnr Cons North Antrim

    Expressed concern for trainee pilots and their families affected by flying school closures, highlighting personal experience with his son's training. Noted the economic importance of a well-trained pilot workforce and called for protections against financial losses from non-refundable deposits. The student loans scheme is an investment in society as it recognises the value of education for higher earning individuals like pilots, doctors, or lawyers. Providing soft loans under this scheme would benefit society by recouping funds more quickly.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Jim Shannon praised the hon. Member for East Worthing and Shoreham, thanked his hon. Friend the Member for North Antrim, and highlighted the importance of supporting flying schools in Northern Ireland. He mentioned that one constituent completed 10 flying lessons at age 13 through a provisional pilot's licence. Shannon emphasized the need for financial protection for trainee pilots after three UK flying schools have collapsed, with some paying up to £90,000 in advance fees and facing significant losses.

  • Mike Kane Lab Wythenshawe and Sale East

    Discussed the impact of flight school closures, highlighting the high cost of pilot training, lack of diversity in the industry, and issues related to funding and apprenticeships. He cited figures such as £150,000 for training costs and an average individual loss per student of around £90,000.

Government Response

Jesse Norman

Acknowledged the difficulties faced by students due to the liquidation of three aviation training operators but emphasised that these were local issues affecting a small number in a wider context. Provided statistics showing 11,675 applications for training across all licences in 2023 and highlighted the support given during the pandemic amounting to around £8 billion. Discussed challenges with VAT cuts and the limitations of government intervention in private sector financial management. Mentioned the CAA's role in supporting student transfers between ATOs and extending training periods when necessary. Noted that treating ATOs as higher education providers could impose additional regulatory burdens but suggested these might be seen as trading advantages by some. Highlighted ongoing work with industry on first officer apprenticeships.

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