Ahhh the perpetual Ryanair thread!
00Seven, I find your comments to be ill conceived and way past the mark. What qualifications do you have? Your info says nothing? Cadet? ex-mil? self sponsor? nothing?
In the current environment there are very few possibilies for attaining an ATPL without significant financial outlay. The main ones of these being obviously the military and cadet courses. Both of these require extensive interviewing, hard work and commitment. Also both of these tend to have or have had a vast number more applicants than available places. With the death of most cadet schemes post 9/11 this route has become even more difficult.
So where does that leave to rest of the people? Self sponsorship.
Then, looking to the future you have a pilot who has had the courage to put themselves financially on the line, have to conviction to attribute 2 years of their lives to attaining their 'dream' career and the will to see it through to the end despite a difficult job market. Also, with many individuals financing themselves with a second job (e.g. M&S) shows the deep level of commitment and hard work these people put in.
Unfortunately it is the high and mighty who have already made millions on the backs of their employees who have soured the profession we see today NOT the pilots or the cadets. Followed closely by the managers who either just want the cash or who are too scared to point out the companies failings. Who can blame anybody for wanting a job after having to fork out such huge capital sums. It is MOL who is exploiting thsese people by creating such derisiory T&C's. Any job is better than no job at the end of the day.
Instead of backbiting at the employees, it is a co-ordinated effort to cut off the snakes head and replace the senior managment with a more people friendly regieme that is required. Why does Easy do so well with its people? Because they listen and take action when required. Until MOL is removed he will continue to laugh all the way to the bank and his co-horts with him.
I think Ryan Air has a very professional bunch of flight crew who have to work and cope in an aggressive and unfriendly atmosphere. I look forward to the day when the company can be run in a better more open manner.
W2P