GUV,
Where have YOU been and what have you been smoking?
Atlas has been flying into/out of the UK for years. It was only AFTER the Atlas guys tried to start a union that Chowdry filed for a UK Operating Certificate and began hiring for the Stanstead base. Strictly a "union busting" move. I have several friends working there....all have advised me NOT to accept employment for the Stanstead base (can I even DO that, legally I mean). It really doesn't matter. I'm NEVER going to take a job where I would be considered a SCAB by the other pilots anyway.
As for the so-called "sponsored" pilots. Who was sponsoring them? Certainly not a US FAR 135 air carrier. I KNOW, I WAS THERE. They were sponsored by their home governments in many cases. Several I know of were receiving stipends from their home governments. They told me so. In fact, I saw the US Immigration Service arrest three of them one dark and stormy night in LBB. No "green cards" and no visas. The Immigration Service had come to the airport to meet the sheriff who had several Mexican detainees. By pure accident of timing these French guys came in and, their being FRENCH (sic), the Border Patrol asked to see their work permits and visas. Off to jail they go. Good riddance!
Oh yeah, we've been having ELECTIONS here for a long time. Since you guys had a king. We get the BBC here and we are all very aware of the superior moral/ethical/fair standards of UK government and it's practices and policies. Not to mention the THOUGHTFUL electoral habits of the UK populace. NON SEQUITUR. Question: are there any folks in Britain who make a living by blowing things out of proportion and making scandalous accusations? FLOOD STREET? I will admit that, being fair, we most likely both get a fair laugh out of the machinations of the others press and government (and our own). Fair enough. Assholes are a universal condition. We suffer them. Bummer!
Oh well, enough of this. I'm going to the RIFLE RANGE tomorrow morning to practice my marksmanship. Need to get a good nights sleep. Blurry eyes don't hit the X ring.