so how strict are the guys at Ryanair about the 800 requirement?
They would rather that newbies are not rated. This is because
new pilots are a profit centre, not a cost. The whole idea is to make them pay extortionate amounts to do the TR, fail a number so more can be brought in to the system, then spit them out on the line on an appalling low basic salary. As this exercise is so profitable, far more FOs than needed are taken, thus they do little flying, hence slower to upgrade to ATPL and command. This keeps em cheap and the training revenue flowing in.
By then treating them as badly as they do, many many will leave
before their earnings from fr have ever covered their TR costs. Thus each one is not just cost neutral, but a positive profit for fr and they get them to operate flighst into the bargain, thus they undercut the market for FO's that would rather make a profit from working, as opposed to paying for a job.
Its a slippery slope that shows little sign of ending.
I call upon all wannabes to insert the following into their questions about the recruitment process, to show they understand what they are undertaking:
" I am willing to pay ryan for a job, never make money from it, get shafted from day 1, undercut those who wish to get paid to work and contribute not insignificantly to the continuing deterioration of industry T&C's."