The Guvnor
I don't agree that this is a precursor to pilot employment becoming a true profession - it already is! I worked for many years as an aerospace technical professional and not once did I ever hear of job applicants have to pay fee towards a prospective employer. These professional companies are more interested in getting the right calibre of individual than making a fast buck at the expense of those unfortunate enough to need a job. I doubt very much that BA would consider such a system for its Direct Entry programme althogh for the cadets perhaps?
I know that Ryanair are perfectly within their rights to use whatever sytem of recruitment they wish, however, in the eyes of the pilot community I think this will just take them even further down in peoples' estimation.
BBK