I did not follow the original story to which this thread refers, but it touches a chord which I'm sure many instructors would feel. The point is that the flying industry, and instructing in particular, has been taking people for a ride for years. Just because someone has ambitions to fly for an airline doesn't give you the right to treat him like a slave while he builds hours. He (and she, of course) is an asset to your business without which that business would not operate, and there should be more recognition of the mutual benefits to both parties. Irrespective of NMW considerations (which, by the way, some people think don't apply to flying as it is in the transport industry), it is inexcusable to expect people to attend work for upwards of 8 hours per day on a small retainer (or not) and the possibility of, say, £10 per flying hour, nothing of course if they don't fly. The parallel is a factory production line where you don't get paid if the conveyor stops. Can't see that lasting very long in the real world.
In addition, many instructors have paid large sums to obtain their CPL/FI and need some way of living to support themselves and maybe help pay off loans. It is no good saying that they will recoup it all when they join airlines, why should they take all the burdens? The flying school sells a service for which it is not rewarding the main tools which permit it to do that. I refuse to believe that a flying school which hires old C152s (aren't they all?!) for £135 an hour dual can't afford to pay its instructors more than £10 per hour. The customers would be / are horrified to learn how little of their dosh goes to the guy who is helping them realise their interest.
In terms of loyalty, also, I feel sure that flying clubs would get a lot more out of their instructors if they were happy and rewarded in their jobs, rather than sitting out the time until they get the I/R an 1000 hours they need.
The problem, of course, is inertia, and until clubs sort their attitude out and instructors collectively stand up for their rights they will continue to be taken for a ride.
I do not know anything about Tayside Aviation, but it would be heartening if it was to be seen to be leading they way in ensuring that its instructors are rewarded in the way they deserve. It should not take an investigation into NMW compliance at this or any other club to achieve this.
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"Take-off is optional, Landing is mandatory"