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CEDAR CITY -- Students of a Utah-based flight school are wondering if they'll ever see their money again, now that the doors are shut, the lights are off and the Iron County Attorney is investigating.
The National Pilot Academy has schools across the country, but is headquartered in Cedar City.
About three weeks ago, students were told in an e-mail announcement the school would be closing temporarily. Since then, all they've had for information is a recorded voice mail message. No one answers the phone. No one answers the door. And they've had no updates on the situation.
KSL tried calling the flight school to see if we could get a response from the owner or administrators. The phone just rings, and there is no way to leave a message.
The Iron County Attorney confirms his office is pursuing a criminal investigation of National Pilot Academy, but could not comment on the record about the details of that investigation. However, KSL has learned the Better Business Bureau has also handled a number of complaints about the school. Two students are suing for reimbursement in Arizona courts.
Students who contacted us wanted to stay anonymous, but say they're out tens of thousands of dollars in tuition, with nothing to show for it.
"It's a lot of money," said one student.
He told us there are concerns about the way National Pilot Academy marketed itself as well. He chose the school because of its advertised affiliation with Utah Valley University.
"Come to find out, they don't really have anything to do with UVSC, even though they have banners and stuff up on their building and stuff like that," he said.
Some students say the cost to begin flight training can be as much as $46,000 or more. The student we spoke with is out $15,000, maybe small in comparison with other students, but still plenty enough to cause a pocket pinch.
E-mail: bbruce@ksl.com
