I am a pilot nearing the end of my self-funded Joint Aviation Authorities Frozen air transport pilot's (ATPL F) licence training, having resigned from an established career on 10 September 2001. I hope to enter an industry in the midst of its most uncertain period and agree with Russell Hockley (Flight International, 31 December-6 January)
The reason airlines/candidates undergo such long-winded intensive selection procedures is that the airline has to be sure that its investment is sound. The company has to ensure a candidate can progress through to ATPL (F) level with the minimum of fuss and "graduate" at a target price negotiated with the trainer.
This is a false economy in the form of the costs of the initial selection interviews, exercises, tests etc, followed by the inflated cost of the training and the wasted revenue when a candidate quits or doesn't make the grade. In relation to the inflated training costs incurred by majors, some would have you believe that "you get what you pay for", which does not go down well with the self-funded pilot with a £50,000 ($80,000) hole in his/her pocket, a mortgage and the same exams to complete as the privileged sponsored pilot.
With the current cost-cutting, surely the option of qualified, risk-free, ready-to-go pilots would appeal to most. It would make a change to see airlines taking advantage of a pool of keen, talented people who require only one opportunity to impress.
Matt Thornber Dublin, Ireland
Source: Flight International
