I have been observing this thread with interest as someone who may one day consider a "downward move" as some may call it to have a command in the UK at a regional base that I want to be at.
First thing I can say with experience of our 5/4/5/3 roster pattern is that unless Flybe sorts that out they will ALWAYS loose people.
Since introducing the fixed pattern and further improvements to it thanks to BALPA perseverence attrition rates at EZY have never been so low.
Pilots value lifestyle, and its a thin line between living in the regions and getting maybe one "valuable" evening at home a week and commuting from the regions to London but having more valuable time at home. A thin line that I am yet undecided upon which side is better for my future.
As for an airline that pays for your TR etc etc I spoke to a mate yesterday who is an FO at ScotAirways/Suckling and although I think there is a lot of change there at the moment with respect to the City Jet deal, when they recruit you on to the 328 your are paid a salary and are bonded for 15K over three years with no loan agreements. You also get a uniform accomodation whilst training and medicals paid for. It'a always been a gentleman's type agreement and although not the highest paid certainly a great first job, also used to be good for internal command promotion too, but as said above may all be changing.
And yes I did used to work for them.
