Pringle 1
Perhaps the standards were dropped when the requirement for 700 hours to gain a CPL were dropped? How many hours did you need for your CPL?
But I suppose
that's different?
I have the greatest respect for those who "jump through the hoops" to get their CPL/fATPL + FIR, but just because they had to, doesn't mean it's the "right" way! We had PPL instructors years ago, and there were still career instructors. The standards of instruction were certainly not lower, and many would argue the standard was much higher! I'd love to see PPL FIR's back. I think we lost a great deal of our "soul" when the rules were changed. Flying clubs became flying schools, and the fun just seemed to drain away. Why do you think Microlight clubs have enjoyed such success over the past decade?
PPL FIR's should not be seen as a threat. They should be the backbone of our clubs and the familiar faces that don't up and leave when the first airline post beckons! Multi, IR, CPL instruction is all there for the devoted CPL FIR who wants to make a career of instructing. FI pay has always been crap! It was when there were PPL instructors, and it has been since there haven't (well not many). You could increase the cost of basic PPL instruction, but if you did, you'd just loose customers to Microlights and Gliding (or to aviation all together). Instead of moaning about the crappy wages, you'd be better off just biting the bullet, accepting it like most do and dream of the day you can get an airline pilots wage. Unfortunately what people are payed in various walks of life often doesn't reflect what they're worth!
SS