Re: Some words of advice (hopefully) to wannabes at all levels...
Many moons ago I ,at great expense and hardship, I managed to get a Canadian ATR and with 120 hrs on DC3s up in the Artic,contacted British Airways(then known as BEA and BOAC) as I had heard they were hiring. No we don't hire from abroad I was told, -so with just enough dosh in the kitty for 1 one way ticket for my new wife and a return for me I set off. On arrival I contacted both airlines again by phone ,only to be told that all interview slots were already full etc. and there was no chance. The next day on returning from a successful interview to fly Aztec air taxis for 30 p a year (well it was ajob!) I was greeted by one telegram(remember them!) and a phone message inviting me to interviews on the same day at LHR, one AM, t'other PM. Both companies offered me jobs and I was able to negotiate the base and type I wanted and the rest is history. Yes, the 19 years to command was a bad joke but we did have Chernobyl and the Gulf war,BUT on the up side we were never laid off or had our pay reduced and the company was a good employer. There is ALWAYS a way if you are determined enough, prepared to go anywhere to get a job and stick at it once you've got it.Plus ca change as the French say, the survivors out amongst you will always make it but the world is full of nay sayers and hopeless optimists. I wish all of you who read this good luck and don't ever give up. And if any of you are interested in joining me as a flying partner in my banner towing business in Surrey get in touch!