Hi. Just thought i would share some experiences from the diploma course...
the course is 4 months less 3 weeks holidays plus 3 months working for free at a dz (accommodation not included), the brochure they send says 1 year full time course.
When students applied for a student allowance it was refused as the school didnt know their own correct course details and reference numbers.
ALOT of time is spent on the ground due to weather and the fact that the only two people qualified to teach AFF are also 2 of the 3 tandem masters. on a day that is good for jumping they will book tandems over students.Steve and Kirsty do have their own airfield but going there involves taking the plane, pilot and instructors away from Wigram which means nobody is there to do tandems. When you do get to jump you then expect to be on the ground for the next few days until they get back round to you again. There is way to much time inbetween jumps.
Assignments and lectures are done when there is nothing else do to. You will get to do the dishes, wash vans etc. it is free labour basically.
You can learn all the same things by hanging out at a friendly dropzone. If you decide the course is not for you you will not get a refund at all. You are also hassled into buying rigs etc from sources that Steve finds. You are not encouraged to find your own gear.
They will take jumps away from you. If you fail a level, which nearly everybody does, you will be charged resits. You must use your remaining jumps, that you dont use on the course, at Wigram.
think very carefully about attending this course. Once you've paid they dont care anymore and you feel like they dont want you there.
just thought i would share..... thanks
