Originally Posted by
highrpm
What is mind blowing? A technical crew member doesn’t need to be a pilot or have any aviation qualification. In fact most aren’t and don’t. Yet they get paid noticeably more than most of the paramedics. It’s a cushty job for retired bobbies and retired pilots who still enjoy working around helicopters. If he wants hours and money he should get a job as an offshore pilot.
All TCM’s at Childrens, KentSurreySussex, LincsNotts, MAGPAS, EssexHerts and I’m sure others who fly 169 provided by Specialist are pilots and required to have CPL/IR plus therefore ATPL theory plus valid medical. So not a number for retired bobbies or pilots. It’s a full role charged no doubt to the HEMS charities as such given they all tout being 2 crew for NVG night ops. Now tell me anyone with those qualifications should take a pay cut to that level? Although the extant CP at the time of the offer did in his condescending phone call tell my friend to be grateful for even being considered, before quickly vacating the position and returning to HongKong himself. The fact that my friend was a highly experience SF/SAR NVGI CRMI crewman instructor of 20 years should also have adjusted the position but that’s the likes of Specialist for you. Needless to say he now works offshore earning more than a HEMS captain.
Given the exodus from both Specialist and Babcock onshore will either side wake up? Both are currently in pay negotiations but from what I hear it’s still a brick wall despite even Babcock Scandinavian air ambulance paying double U.K. rates with infinitely better rosters. And don’t dare tell me the U.K. HEMS charities can’t afford it!!! I have banged on about it before but Wilts AOC and centre of excellence, London second airframe follies? MAGPAS really needing a 169?
Maybe just maybe there’s a journalist gathering the info as we speak.....