Hi guys,
Rapha_BA, I totally agree, despite people's 'links' aviation is one industry where you won't get the job if you don't have what it takes. The risks are way too high. By the way, I wasn't in any way implying that you have inside connections when I used your application as an example, I was just trying to point out that most people got their invites this week.
However, like CruiseControl says, a yes or no is better than a BLANK. A yes is nice, a no is a bummer, but you get over it. Being left in limbo, well I suppose that has its benefits (its not a 'no'), but it seems like a little bit of false hope. It's even worse when you consider that the entry requirements aren't phenomenal (no bragging intended). That said, I think those with BLANK still have some hope. As those with invites have said, they were asked if they can make the date, and if they can't presumably they might get called again, so maybe BLANKS still have a chance. I still can't help thinking that BLANKS are being treated second-rate though, which is a shame. I'm all for humility, but I'm even more for open honesty.
My thoughts on the bonded 6 year employment: assume they want to recoup 500k over 72 months, that's approx 7k a month. Using the EY website FO pay of approx 25k per month, you could expect 18k per month during bonded pay. Realistically, I agree that one won't be an FO upon graduation, and will probably play SO for a while. Let's also assume that they are prudent and don't want to wait the full 72 months to recoup their outlay. I reckon they will recoup in 3 years, which means 14k per month. So 25k-14k gives 11k. I think that will be the pay for 3 years, as SO. After 3 years you'll be an FO, but perhaps earning the 18k a month as above (they have to get some monetary benefit out of this). After 3 years at 18k, you'll move up to the full FO base pay of 25k per month. This all excludes any consideration of inflation of course.
Q