There IS a safety issue here, and a serious problem in the way the worth of these pilots is measured. They are being classified the same as the newly qualified GA pilots who are in their first year.
This is a serious mis representation of the facts. The RFDS pilots in central section are highly respected, experienced people, who have achieved an enviable safety record over a period of decades. They have much more experience(a decade or two) than the average GA pilot, and are mature, reliable, capable professionals. The runs are on the board.
GA is flooded with inexperienced pilots who only intend to stay for a short time and are not really interested in the organistion they work for or the future of the industry. Most see it as some horrible thing they have to do in order to get a job with an airline. Many use derogeratory terms for anything to do with GA and are not really suitable for much of the work, because of their attitude. Many are prepared to work for half the award rates, for a short time, and many do.
There is a world of difference between the two groups.
There is a serious flaw in the award, if it allows these two groups to be assessed as the same.
Last edited by bushy; 10th Nov 2005 at 12:22.