Sir - I was shocked to read the letter from Mr Lunan (Flight International, 24-30 September, P61), which was full of confusing "buzz words".
I do not agree with the contentious premise that an agency, outside the airline industry, can diagnose that industry's employment problems - or define an overall solution. This is tantamount to advocating that a plumber is able to diagnose a medical complaint and prescribe a cure.
The description of an airline's capital base is irrelevant - the machines are needed and the cost must be met. The type of employee has no bearing on this.
I am not sure what an "overall skill sense" is. Skills can be taught more cheaply to those with aptitude.
The description of a pilot's education is over-simplistic. I would argue, however, that, in operating an aircraft, the pilot is intimately involved in a prime aspect of an airline's commercial activity.
I agree wholeheartedly that a precise job-description is needed and that a chosen candidate must be capable of carrying out the defined duties.
I am not sure what a "person profile" is (big chins?). A personal profile may help find the correct skills and experience and a personality profile may help with social integration. I venture that the candidates' future supervisors and colleagues are best suited to judge the latter.
Mr Lunan has not made a convincing case for an external recruiting consultancy. Moreover, should his advocated type of agency be used, employers will be left to pick up the detritus after any disaster.
John Middleton
Stockport, UK
Source: Flight International
