Clipper One. Sorry Mate had to go off and do a bit of Aviating....
As yourself I am employed full time by an Airline but you know what it is like firstly they have too many pilots then not enough. Last year thoughI got Leave of Absence and then two years before that the winter off . I have worked for Two Agencies and as you read PPRUNE and know that there are good and bad out there and new ones and old ones and those that pay and those that lie and those that cheat and those that will fall over backwards to please their client and sod the workers....... However.. PARC were OK. They paid on time, although they were never around when you made a call. If ever you called them for anything "they were travelling". Big Travellers PARC. But I got my dosh and managed to sort out the problems I had.
Then I worked last year in Italy for Contractair and what can I say, there was a fine balance between client and pilot. Always paid on time, immediate response to calls and e. mails, and believe it or not no problems whatsoever. In fact it was a joy to work with these guys. They cared. I believe it must be difficult for these Agents as they have two people to please us and the Airlines. But not saying there were not problems with the roster and such like there was, but it seemed to get sorted with no problems whatsoever. I have had pals in the same situation as myself who have gone further afield to work and they were not happy with their Agencies. Anyway I am not here to do promotion for Parc and Contractair, but I know without a dount if the latter needed me and I could get loa then I would not hesitate. Lets say I TRUST them. A big word in Aviation I think.
See there has been a bit or arguing going on between our remarks....... But this is my opinion anyway..... Like you say though better of course to work directly.
