New Zealand flying school on verge of closure

The future of a Palmerston North flying school is in doubt after a damning report from an education tribunal found student accommodation was not up to standard, nor were foreign students looked after when they arrived in New Zealand.
In light of those findings, the International Education Appeal Authority is recommending the Wings Flight Training Academy be suspended as an accredited education provider for at least six months.
The authority is an independent body that deals with complaints from foreign students about the care, advice or services they receive when studying in New Zealand, or from recruitment agents.
Its reports are normally confidential, but the Manawatu Standard has obtained a copy of its latest report on Wings.
Wings, which operates out of the old Manawatu Aero Club building at Palmerston North Airport, is run by former Massey University flight instructor, Captain Ravindra Pal Singh.
Of the 26 Indian students enrolled, 16 complained to the authority.
Capt Singh is also facing five assault charges relating to three students who have studied at Wings. In the Palmerston North District Court he has pleaded not guilty and will appear again next year.
Wings’ students are recruited by agents in India to sit their pilot’s licences in New Zealand.
One student, who wouldn’t be named, said he was promised five-star student accommodation, with Indian food provided. Instead, he was sent to a house owned by Capt Singh and left to fend for himself.
Capt Singh rejects the authority’s findings and says he’s a victim of students employing gang tactics.
The Standard understands most students enrolled at Wings will complete their flight training elsewhere.
Capt Singh couldn’t be contacted yesterday, but last week said failing students were blaming their poor results on him. “There are some people who are not progressing well.”
19/12/2011 Jimmy Ellingham/Manawatu Standard,  New Zealand