PPrune never ceases to amaze me. A thread is started and opinions expressed without the correct information.
Bond (now known as Alpha) has a contract with AEU to help it market it's type rating courses. The contract, which I believe is now the bane of AEU, allows Alpha to sell line training on AEU aircraft. AEU get nothing from the deal accept the right to then employ the really good ones (if that coincides with a requirement). I understand that this was set up on a goodwill basis, when Bond and AEU were sister companies (now not the case).
I understand the new FTM at AEU is less than happy with the current arrangement he has inherited and only allows these Alpha/Bond cadets to fly with Trainers AND a safety pilot (and then only for 10 sectors - to fulfil contractual obligations). Apparently only 1 such cadet is in the system at present, so hardly cause for Union involvement.
