Journalists spreading disinformation
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Journalists spreading disinformation
Noticed a linked article via theage.com.au online newspaper today which is headed Shocking things your pilot isn't telling you which contains a paragraph:
Is there any shred of truth to this statement?
Which airlines use subcontractor pilots?
Big airline doesn’t mean experienced staff
You’ve bought a ticket on a large airline and you’re feeling pretty pleased that you’re guaranteed a highly experienced pilot on your long haul flight. Right? Wrong. A large number of major airlines hire in subcontractors to fly their planes, meaning that they have a fraction of the experience of a long-term employed pilot and are likely to have only a fraction of the training. What’s more, many of these pilots are paid by the hour, so they’re far more inclined to fly at a slower pace, whether you miss a connection or not.
You’ve bought a ticket on a large airline and you’re feeling pretty pleased that you’re guaranteed a highly experienced pilot on your long haul flight. Right? Wrong. A large number of major airlines hire in subcontractors to fly their planes, meaning that they have a fraction of the experience of a long-term employed pilot and are likely to have only a fraction of the training. What’s more, many of these pilots are paid by the hour, so they’re far more inclined to fly at a slower pace, whether you miss a connection or not.
Which airlines use subcontractor pilots?
That's called a listicle, a very lazy form of journalism, all too common these days. These "shocking secrets" are generally rehashed and copied from other similar articles:
19 Secrets From Flight Staff That Reveal Shocking Truths About Flying. #2 Is HORRIFYING - Dose - Your Daily Dose of Amazing
Shocking facts airlines don?t want you to know
50 Secrets Your Pilot Won't Tell You
I think this particular statement originates from the US where regional carriers carry the branding of the major airlines, but use their own lesser paid staff.
19 Secrets From Flight Staff That Reveal Shocking Truths About Flying. #2 Is HORRIFYING - Dose - Your Daily Dose of Amazing
Shocking facts airlines don?t want you to know
50 Secrets Your Pilot Won't Tell You
I think this particular statement originates from the US where regional carriers carry the branding of the major airlines, but use their own lesser paid staff.
"Is there any shred of truth to this statement?"
"so they’re far more inclined to fly at a slower pace"
Flying slowly for more coin, yep, seen that in nearly every airline I have worked for, contract pilots and full timers alike.
"hire in subcontractors to fly their planes, meaning that they have a fraction of the experience of a long-term employed pilot and are likely to have only a fraction of the training."
Actually, in many cases the reverse is true. Korean/Singapore/Vietnam etc.
"so they’re far more inclined to fly at a slower pace"
Flying slowly for more coin, yep, seen that in nearly every airline I have worked for, contract pilots and full timers alike.
"hire in subcontractors to fly their planes, meaning that they have a fraction of the experience of a long-term employed pilot and are likely to have only a fraction of the training."
Actually, in many cases the reverse is true. Korean/Singapore/Vietnam etc.
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I think the thing that surprises me most is that a supposedly reputable business like The Age will host or link to this this kind of link-bait rubbish...
I'm astonished a pilot would fly slower to get paid for more hours. Flying slower to get greater fuel economy I understand, but getting paid for more hours, I dunno, seems counterintuitive. I'd prefer to offer to fly point to point for a fixed price, i.e. piece work.
I'm astonished a pilot would fly slower to get paid for more hours. Flying slower to get greater fuel economy I understand, but getting paid for more hours, I dunno, seems counterintuitive. I'd prefer to offer to fly point to point for a fixed price, i.e. piece work.
