I hate to say this, but I actually agree with luv2av8 in a way here. I think his (MikeD) generalization that "none" of the people here are deserving of carrying pax is a bit over-dramatic. That "none" would include posters such as UPS and Doug. Well, maybe not UPS since he is cargo, but is still an experienced pilot. Granted, frustration may have set in a bit, as it did with me the other night in a response, but that is no justification for including everyone on this forum, no matter if you fly a stealth fighter or not.
Once again, I will ask about a 3-strike rule if you want to implement more "control". NOt to point fingers or show how a certain self-appointed "cease and desist" order has not been complied with, but again look at the last post prior to shutting down the threads. If you wanna block one pro for every con, then by all means I will volunteer too as a pro as others have. If we can remember that the point here is to help in the education of potential aviators, it should remain somewhat civil. If certain people can't keep that agenda on the forefront, whether pro or con, then block them. Myself, Wannabe, FO Shizzle, Planediveguy, MNixon included so you don't think I am trying to be biased.
Doug, as a supporter I somewhat agree with your comment that you would have been turned away a long time ago, except that it would have just turned me away from reading about DCA here, not researching DCA as a quality provider of flight training. You don't agree with the marketing of DCA (which I am not condemning or praising you for) but in all honesty do you think the company you work for has not approved of the ads since their name is in bold letters on it? I personally don't know the answer, but my guess would be that they have seen them and given the thumbs up. Considering your management was here to help unveil the new paint scheme when the name changed (without local or national media attention), I would guess they are involved. There are enough "ambulance chasers" out there, that I am sure the counsel involved is extremely careful how to word and present information on the school. If I were DCA marketing, you would be right in assuming that I would ask that airline if it is ok to use their name the way I do in the ads. Does this make the way you interpret the marketing wrong?? Not necessarally(sp?). Does this make the way I interpret the marketing right? Not necess.. As one said, it is all about perception. When people start accusing the school of blatant lies and gross misreprensentations of the truth, then yes I am going to come to the school's defense. Are we the only route to a Delta regional carrier, not at all and nor do the ads claim to be. Making all the difference? For some, yeh, others no. If I had stayed at the part 141 FBO I was at, my guess is that it would have taken me over 1500 TT to get to a secondary regional since that is the minimum that their instructors are leaving with now. Add in another 1000 or so to qualify for a primary regional interview (see FO Shizzle's ad about the others he was interviewing with) and I think DCA is making all the difference for me. I know I keep a positive spin on the school and it's marketing, but I am not telling prospects how to interpret the ads. What comes to mind is how Wannabe pointed out awhile ago how several ads in Flying other than DCA were self-promoting and claiming to be "the best" and the topic was dropped until forgotten about. Then our ads were once again blasted for trying to incite interest in the school, which in my mind is what ads are intended for, not to sell the end product. Ok ok.. enough already. Just had to ramble a bit since I couldn't sleep.
Once again, I will ask about a 3-strike rule if you want to implement more "control". NOt to point fingers or show how a certain self-appointed "cease and desist" order has not been complied with, but again look at the last post prior to shutting down the threads. If you wanna block one pro for every con, then by all means I will volunteer too as a pro as others have. If we can remember that the point here is to help in the education of potential aviators, it should remain somewhat civil. If certain people can't keep that agenda on the forefront, whether pro or con, then block them. Myself, Wannabe, FO Shizzle, Planediveguy, MNixon included so you don't think I am trying to be biased.
Doug, as a supporter I somewhat agree with your comment that you would have been turned away a long time ago, except that it would have just turned me away from reading about DCA here, not researching DCA as a quality provider of flight training. You don't agree with the marketing of DCA (which I am not condemning or praising you for) but in all honesty do you think the company you work for has not approved of the ads since their name is in bold letters on it? I personally don't know the answer, but my guess would be that they have seen them and given the thumbs up. Considering your management was here to help unveil the new paint scheme when the name changed (without local or national media attention), I would guess they are involved. There are enough "ambulance chasers" out there, that I am sure the counsel involved is extremely careful how to word and present information on the school. If I were DCA marketing, you would be right in assuming that I would ask that airline if it is ok to use their name the way I do in the ads. Does this make the way you interpret the marketing wrong?? Not necessarally(sp?). Does this make the way I interpret the marketing right? Not necess.. As one said, it is all about perception. When people start accusing the school of blatant lies and gross misreprensentations of the truth, then yes I am going to come to the school's defense. Are we the only route to a Delta regional carrier, not at all and nor do the ads claim to be. Making all the difference? For some, yeh, others no. If I had stayed at the part 141 FBO I was at, my guess is that it would have taken me over 1500 TT to get to a secondary regional since that is the minimum that their instructors are leaving with now. Add in another 1000 or so to qualify for a primary regional interview (see FO Shizzle's ad about the others he was interviewing with) and I think DCA is making all the difference for me. I know I keep a positive spin on the school and it's marketing, but I am not telling prospects how to interpret the ads. What comes to mind is how Wannabe pointed out awhile ago how several ads in Flying other than DCA were self-promoting and claiming to be "the best" and the topic was dropped until forgotten about. Then our ads were once again blasted for trying to incite interest in the school, which in my mind is what ads are intended for, not to sell the end product. Ok ok.. enough already. Just had to ramble a bit since I couldn't sleep.