Due to increased use of air transportation, the job of a pilot was always destined to become less respected, glamorous, rewarding and compensating. Anything, whether it be a product/technology or service depreciates. Along with the depreciation occurs a depreciation of the employee group which provide that product/service.
Airlines such as Ryanair with their staggering growth and success have brought this reality forward sooner than most would’ve expected.
However, if what I have stated above is true how come train drivers and bus drivers haven’t been abused yet? The answer is actually quite simple, if a person cannot get a job as a train driver he/she does one of the following: A.) Do another job and sit tight for a few years re-applying if need be. B.) Find a new career.
What does a Wannabe Airline pilot do?
C.) Offer’s their services for free. D.) Offers to pay double the price for a type rating which the Airline would otherwise be forced to pay for itself.
Train companies are not (through Union terms) allowed to take advantage of C and D above and in truth, in this capitalist culture, that’s the only reason preventing them! However Airlines for some short-sighted reasons are allowed to take advantage of C and D and they do! BALPA are the only people who can stop this happening but will they?
Employed pilots are always advising wannabes to stop paying for this and that but in reality ONLY THEY can make it happen through Union action as they are on the inside! WHEN WILL THEY REALISE THIS AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT?