Hello once again. I want thank everyone that has read my blog and submitted comments. Moreover, I want to take some time out and address some of the frequently asked questions by reposting some of my responses from the comments sections for those of you who may have overlooked them.
Firstly, although I am a graduate from the Airline Academy, I have chosen by my own free will not to pursue a job in the airline industry.
I was mislead by my recruiter to believe that full-time airline attendants work an average of 90 hrs per month. And it was from this false premise that compelled me to consider the option of working as an airline attendant versus my working 40 hrs/week while trying to attend college. The prospect of working as a full-time airline attendant was attractive to me because it would allow me to attend school full time and bring home a full-time paycheck. Thus, in order to attend the Academy I had to quit my job of $40k/year only to learn later
that I would have to take a substantial pay cut and that it would be mandatory
for me to relocate to another city for a job in the airline industry.
My grievances with the Airline Academy are not solely with the dilapidated amenities of the so-called retro/vintage student housing but also includes the misrepresentation of the "institution" by the recruiters, the poor quality of the classroom materials (e.g. worksheets, quizzes/examinations and overhead presentations), or how the school fails to fully disclose that many airline companies have age restrictions and the fact that the training that the Airline Academy provides you with is not even necessary because an airline company is still required to train you per their specifications, thus making the
Airline Academy moot.
Additionally, the Airline Academy promotes it's training as an exclusive experience for those who pursue careers in the airline industry. However, the truth is that the core of the Airline Academy's curriculum primarily consists of taking reservations for airline companies i.e. SABRE. Since resort and travel agent training facilities provide the same experience, it is important to note that the Airline Academy does not have a monopoly on such training. Unfortunately, the only purpose the Airline Academy serves is the guarantee of a job interview and that's it. So, if you can afford to pay an exorbitant amount, i.e. tuition, for a job interview by all means do so. However, you'd be much better off doing what the rich do by hiring yourself a headhunter to find you a job if you have that kind of money to throw away.
After my attendance at the Airline Academy, I reported them to the State of Florida's Department of Education, The
Commission for Independent Education, The National Association of State Boards of
Education, The National Consumer Law Center, and The State Attorney General to voice my grievances regarding their curriculum and business practices.
None of these outlets were of any help because the Airline Academy is a for-profit
school and they don't have any jurisdiction over such institutions.
Lastly, I personally have a theory as for why you do not see very many complaints
regarding the Academy. I was 37 years old when I attended the Academy and there
were only three others in my group that were older than me. Nevertheless, the majority of
students that attend the Academy are between the ages of 18 to 21 years old. Thus, when considering some course of action to respond to certain situations, it is possible that many young adults are excusably still developing higher levels of thinking to account for how their inaction will potentially affect themselves or others.Therefore, I cannot help but to think that the Academy takes dishonest advantage over young adults by capitalizing on their dreams--betting that they will not file formal complaints or rock
the boat so to speak.
Nevertheless, I encourage readers of my blog to continue asking questions as I will continue to answer them honestly and to the best of my ability. Thank you.
