Cookies on BBB.org

We use cookies to give users the best content and online experience. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to allow us to use all cookies. Visit our Privacy Policy to learn more.

Cookie Preferences

Many websites use cookies or similar tools to store information on your browser or device. We use cookies on BBB websites to remember your preferences, improve website performance and enhance user experience, and to recommend content we believe will be most relevant to you. Most cookies collect anonymous information such as how users arrive at and use the website. Some cookies are necessary to allow the website to function properly, but you may choose to not allow other types of cookies below.

Necessary Cookies

What are necessary cookies?
These cookies are necessary for the site to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you that amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not work. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable information.

Necessary cookies must always be enabled.

Functional Cookies

What are functional cookies?
These cookies enable the site to provide enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies, some or all of these services may not function properly.

Performance Cookies

What are performance cookies?
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance.

Marketing Cookies

What are marketing cookies?
These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant content on other sites. They do not store personal information directly, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser or device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.

Additional Information

Not BBB accredited

Additional Information for American Winds College of Aeronautics

View full profile
Location of This Business
1461 Exeter Rd, Akron, OH 44306-3856
BBB File Opened:
9/27/2004
Years in Business:
22
Business Started:
1/2/2002
Business Incorporated:
2/29/2012
Type of Entity:
Corporation
Alternate Business Name
  • American Winds Aviation, Inc
Business Management
  • Ms. Denise Hobart, President
Contact Information

Principal

  • Ms. Denise Hobart, President

Customer Contact

  • Ms. Denise Hobart, President
Additional Contact Information

Fax Numbers

  • (330) 733-2501
    Other Fax

Email Addresses

Serving Area
  • Medina County, OH
  • Portage County, OH
  • Stark County, OH
  • Summit County, OH
Products and Services
Flight Training , College Education, Charters, Pilot Store, Aircraft Maintenance, FAA testing
Refund and Exchange Policy
  • CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICIES

    AW consults ACCET (Doc. 31) and the SBCCS (Ohio Administrative Code Section 3332-1-10) when developing refund policies. A refund sheet will be calculated using ACCET and SBCCS methods.  Refunds will be issued based on the outcome which is most advantageous to the student. A detailed explanation of both policies is included in this section.

    Tuition
    Fees will be applied uniformly to all students.
    Fees and other charges are determined at the beginning of each program.
    Fees and other charges are subject to change at the school’s discretion.
    Increases will become effective for the academic term as published in this catalog.
    Program (college IHL) - payment is due prior to the start of each program prohibiting a negative balance. The first academic year tuition will be billed in four billings cycles paid 15 days prior to each term. (Page 97). The second year tuition will be divided into two billing cycles paid 15 days prior to each term.
    Course (vocational) – payment is due upon services rendered. Academic courses must be paid in full prior to first day of class. Flight or ground training may be purchased at the time of services rendered.

    Explanation of Costs
    Additional Costs –this includes the DPE fee for practical exams (check rides) and medical exam if required for that certification.
    Aircraft Cost – cost of renting aircraft plus fuel surcharge.
    Aviation Books & Supplies – may include books, FAA NACO charts (VFR & IFR), fuel strainer, plotter (IFR/VFR), aviation calculator, iPad, Foreflight, etc.
    Ground Instruction – in depth aviation instruction in a classroom setting, one-on-one, or small group.
    Flight Instruction – in depth aviation instruction in the airplane.
    Pre/Post Flight Briefing – time before and after flight to discuss lesson with student.
    Fees – registration ($125), late (refer to the cancellation policy), and penalty (NSF $50). For additional penalty fees see the Standard Operational Manual (SOP’s.)
    Fee (program) - lab ($500) for all flight courses (AV100L, 200L, 300L etc.)
    Fee (course) – security deposit ($400) will be assess for flight training.  According to regulatory ACCET & SOBCCS, a security deposit will not be assessed to a student in a program course.

    For an enrolled student, the refund due will be calculated using the documented Last Date of Attendance (LDA). The determination date is the date the student gives written or verbal notice of withdrawal to AW or the date the institution terminates the student by applying the attendance, conduct, or Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.


    Cancellation of a Program
    If AW discontinues or cancels a program after a student’s enrollment, AW will refund all monies (tuition, registration fee, etc.) paid by the student.

    Cancellation of a Students Enrollment
    The enrollment agreement may be canceled within five (5) calendar days after the date of signing the agreement. AW will document the cancellation in the student's file. If such cancellation is made, the school will refund 100% of the tuition, fees and other charges paid pursuant to the enrollment agreement and the refund shall be made no later than thirty (30) calendar days after cancellation. This provision shall not apply if the student has already started academic classes.

    Denying of a Student
    A student may be denied admission to a program or course offered at American Winds at the discretion of the Admissions Staff and/or President’s Office.

    Rejection of a Student
    A rejection of a student for admission differs from denying a student. A student may be accepted to a program or course and then rejected. A rejection may come from failure to meet safety standards, falsification of documents, undisclosed drug use or criminal activity, failing a background check, etc.

    Prior to the start of the program and/or course: If a student was accepted to a program or course and later rejected, tuition monies paid to date will be forfeited.

    Denial or Rejection Appeal by a Student
    The student has the option to make an appointment with the Office of Admissions to appeal the decision prior to the start of the upcoming quarter.

    Expulsion of a Student
    Alleged misconduct of a student which creates an immediate health or safety concern.
    A student violating the Code of Conduct or subject to disciplinary actions will be addressed immediately upon notification. The student will be instantly removed from the facility (campus/ airport environment) and restricted to return pending outcome of the disciplinary process. The facts regarding the disciplinary process will not be discussed with anyone without a signed FERPA Release Form in the students file.

    If student is expelled from the facility all monies paid prior to date of expulsion will be forfeited.

    If student has not yet started classes, they will be banned from campus and from contacting any faculty, staff or students in regards to American Winds good or services.

    Collecting Tuition, Fees and Other Charges
    Payment for services rendered is uniformly applied to all students regardless of their financial payment method (self-pay, student loan, VA benefits, etc.). International students must refer to the international academic catalog for all policies and procedures.

    Tuition for academic courses are required to be paid in full prior to the start date of the first day of class.

    Program – a student will have the option to choose between four associate degree programs or a non-degree one-year program to meet their goals as explained in the academic catalog.

    The student’s financial obligation of fees, tuition, etc. will be charged equally at the beginning of each year at the time of signing the enrollment agreement. This enrollment agreement will obligate the student financially for a 12-calendar month timeframe. Students are required to sign a new enrollment agreement at the start of their second academic year. (See Refund Policy)

    Program students are not charged in the same manner as student attending the flight school for an individual course. A student enrolled in a program will be charge twice dividing the total tuition into two billing cycles. Each billing will coincide with the signing of the enrollment agreement at the beginning of their academic year. A student enrolling in a course is charged for just that “a course” not a program which is a series of courses.

    Course - a course may vary in length according as explained in the Avocational Section in the academic catalog or according to the approved syllabus and/or FAA regulations.

    The student’s financial obligation of fees, tuition, etc. will be paid in full prior to the start date of the first class/lab. FAA Certificate and Ratings Lab courses (flight training) must be paid prior to or immediately after flight training services are rendered. No student may incur a negative balance and continue flight training. Student accounts with a negative balance are subject to a service charge.

    Discounted Tuition, Fees and Other Charges
    Tuition is uniformly charged to all students. AW does not offer reduced tuition or discounts.

    Additional Details
    If a student was present at least one day during the scheduled week, the refund calculation will count the whole week attended.
    Refunds shall be released within thirty (30) calendar days from the withdrawal, termination, or dismissal.
    Refund calculation documentation will be retained in their academic file.
    If a student is not due a refund, the student must be notified of the determination in writing, with a full explanation. All correspondence and communications dealing with refunds shall be retained in the student’s academic file.
    Students may request a Leave of Absence form to be completed in lieu of withdrawal. Leave of absence (LOA) may not exceed 1 year. If a student fails to return, they shall be formally withdrawn; any tuition and fees shall be issued in accordance with the last date of attendance in class or participation in an academic activity.

    Illness, Accident or Death
    A student may be entitled to special consideration for a major illness, accident, death in the family or other circumstance beyond their control.  This consideration is based on an individual basis and is at the full discretion of the President.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    * * ACCET REFUND POLICY * *
    Prior to start of class
    A student who withdraws before the first class and after the five (5) day cancellation period or during the first week of classes shall be obligated for the registration fee with 100% refund of the tuition fee.

    After the first week and through fifty percent (50%) *
    After the first week and through fifty percent (50%) of the period of training and financial obligation, tuition charges retained will not exceed a pro rata portion of the tuition for the training period completed, plus ten percent (10%) not to exceed $1,000 of the unearned tuition for the period of training that was not completed.

    When determining the number of weeks completed by the student, AW will consider a partial week the same as if a whole week were completed, provided the student was present at least one day during the scheduled week.

    After fifty percent (50%) no refund will be issued*
    After fifty percent (50%) of the term, the student’s financial obligation is completed, no refund will be issued. AW will retain the full amount of the tuition.

    *To determine the percentage of program completion, AW divides the number of weeks student attended (a partial week is considered a full week) by the number of weeks financially obligated.  Student cannot be obligated for more than 52 weeks.

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    * * STATE OF OHIO BOARD OF CAREER COLLEGES & SCHOOLS * *

    In accordance to Ohio Administrative Code Section 3332-1-10 governs:
    Refunds for tuition and refundable fees.
    Other Charges – books, equipment rental etc.
    If the student is not accepted into the training program, all monies paid by the student shall be refunded (books, supplies and consumable fees).


    Day 6 to prior of class start
    A student who withdraws before the first class and after the 5-day cancellation period shall be obligated for the enrollment fee and other charges with 100% refund of the tuition fee.

    After the first week of class to 15% completion
    A student who cancels after the first week of class and up to the academic term of 15% complete. The student will be obligated for 25% of the tuition fee, 100% of the enrollment fee and other charges.

    16% to 25% class completion
    A student who starts class and withdraws after the academic term is 15% completed but before the academic term is 25% completed will be obligated for 50% of the tuition fee, 100% of the enrollment fee and other charges.

    26% to 40% class completion
    A student who starts class and withdraws after the academic term is 25% complete but before the academic term is 40% completed will be obligated for 75% of the tuition Fee, 100% of the enrollment fee and other charges.

    Greater than 40% class completion
    A student who starts class and withdraws after the academic term is 40% completed will be obligated for 100% of tuition & enrollment fee and other charges.

    Refund Calculation Worksheet
    Example: Refund Computation Example
    The Student enrolled in a 62-week program, starting on January 4, 2019 and scheduled to complete on March 31, 2020. There are two periods of financial obligation one for 50 weeks and one for 12 weeks. (The portion of the program for which the student is legally obligated to pay, which may be less than the full program and may not, under any circumstances, exceed a period of 12 months).

    The Total Tuition is $ 75,989.00. Tuition for the first period of obligation is $62,664.00 and tuition for the second period of obligation is $13,325.00. 

    The last date of attendance- defined in the above section Cancellation and Refund Policy (LDA) for the student is May 4th 2019. The date of determination defined in the above section Cancellation and Refund Policy - (DOD) May 6th 2019

    Number of weeks student attended                                                         18 Weeks    =36.0%
    Number of weeks financially obligated                                                    50 Weeks    =36.0%

    ACCET Refund Calculation
    Pro rata portion completed based on 18 weeks 36.0% of 62,664.00 tuition =$22,559.00
    **10% of unearned tuition ($62,664.00 - $22,559.00= $40,105.00                =$  1,000.00
    Registration Fee 100% ($125 domestic, $180 international)                           =$     125.00
    Owed to institution                                                                                                  =$23,759.00
    Student Payment                                                                                                   =$62,664.00
    Refunded to the student by June 5, 2019                                                          =$38,905.00
    **Actual 10% calculation is $4,010.50 but the unearned portion is capped at $1000.00

    State of Ohio Refund Calculation
    Pro rata portion completed based on 18 weeks             = 36.0% 
    First week of class up to 15% completion                       = 25%  obligation of tuition
    16%  to 25% completion                                                    = 50%  obligation of tuition
    26%  to 40% completion                                                    = 75%  obligation of tuition
    = $46,998.00
    Greater than 40% completion                                          =100% obligation of tuition
    Registration Fee100%($125 domestic, $180 international)  = $125.00
    Owed to institution                                                               = $47,173.00
    Student Payment                                                                 = $62,664.00
    Refunded to the student by June 5th 2019                      = $15,491.00

    *Both ACCET and the State Board of Career Colleges and Schools refund policies are
    considered when calculating the refund to the student. Refunds are issued based on the
    outcome that is most advantageous to the student.

    Money on Account
    Students who have not enrolled in a college program, course, bought services or products, will receive a full refund of unused money on account upon written request within 30 days.
Business Categories
Flight School

BBB Business Profiles may not be reproduced for sales or promotional purposes.

BBB Business Profiles are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. BBB asks third parties who publish complaints, reviews and/or responses on this website to affirm that the information provided is accurate. However, BBB does not verify the accuracy of information provided by third parties, and does not guarantee the accuracy of any information in Business Profiles.

When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.

BBB Business Profiles generally cover a three-year reporting period. BBB Business Profiles are subject to change at any time. If you choose to do business with this business, please let the business know that you contacted BBB for a BBB Business Profile.

As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business. Businesses are under no obligation to seek BBB accreditation, and some businesses are not accredited because they have not sought BBB accreditation.