JimBall
24th Feb 2009, 16:45
In the light of Uncle Ian's struggle to stay working after the age of 60, it's worth reading the following from "The Hudson" pilot, Sully - giving evidence to the US Congress today. This man would be too old to be a solo CPL next year if he ever had the misfortune to work in the UK and seek a license. He has 42 years flying experience.
The bold underline is mine - it's like a neon sign.
Any sign of BALPA stepping up, Ian ????
The pilot of a plane that ditched into the Hudson River in New York has called on US airlines to invest more in recruiting and training pilots.
Capt Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger told Congress his pay had been cut by 40% in recent years, and the industry might not attract the "best and brightest".
"The single most important piece of safety equipment is an experienced, well-trained pilot," he said.
He was hailed as a hero after January's landing, which all on board survived.
At the hearing, an air traffic controller recalled the captain telling him he would land in the river, and thinking this was a "death sentence".
Controller Patrick Harten said it felt like hours before he heard of the plane's "heroic landing".
Earlier, Capt Sullenberger told the House committee he and other pilots had seen their wages cut, and that this was deterring potential recruits.
He said it was necessary for companies to refocus on the recruitment and training of pilots, and that this should be "at least as important as their bottom lines".
"We've been hit by an economic tsunami: September 11th, bankruptcies, fluctuating fuel prices, mergers, loss of pensions and revolving door management teams," he said.
Capt Sullenberger said his decision to stay in the airline industry had come at "a great financial cost to me and my family", with his pay cut and pension downgraded.
"It is an incredible testament to the collective character, professionalism and dedication of my colleagues in the industry that they are still able to function at such a high level."
The bold underline is mine - it's like a neon sign.
Any sign of BALPA stepping up, Ian ????
The pilot of a plane that ditched into the Hudson River in New York has called on US airlines to invest more in recruiting and training pilots.
Capt Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger told Congress his pay had been cut by 40% in recent years, and the industry might not attract the "best and brightest".
"The single most important piece of safety equipment is an experienced, well-trained pilot," he said.
He was hailed as a hero after January's landing, which all on board survived.
At the hearing, an air traffic controller recalled the captain telling him he would land in the river, and thinking this was a "death sentence".
Controller Patrick Harten said it felt like hours before he heard of the plane's "heroic landing".
Earlier, Capt Sullenberger told the House committee he and other pilots had seen their wages cut, and that this was deterring potential recruits.
He said it was necessary for companies to refocus on the recruitment and training of pilots, and that this should be "at least as important as their bottom lines".
"We've been hit by an economic tsunami: September 11th, bankruptcies, fluctuating fuel prices, mergers, loss of pensions and revolving door management teams," he said.
Capt Sullenberger said his decision to stay in the airline industry had come at "a great financial cost to me and my family", with his pay cut and pension downgraded.
"It is an incredible testament to the collective character, professionalism and dedication of my colleagues in the industry that they are still able to function at such a high level."