Have you ever flown with any RP/RQ DEFO who simply has no clue what he's doing? I did, felt like a training SO. Absolutely no local knowledge, no technical knowledge, no SOP knowledge.
I personally would NOT dare to take any controlled rest when I'm sitting with these backdoor sneakers. And kudos to the handful of 4-bars who simply refuse to give these guys a sector.
If you think experience is what the company based on when they hire these guys, you would be surprised. I found out about one who got hired as a DEFO, passed base training and been doing LUFS flying REAL pax.
Apparently he has NEVER EVER flown a jet nor seen a glass cockpit before. Unfortunately for him, he didn't get through his training, another precious training slot well WASTED. Now you're telling me he's more qualified for the position than any SO who has done their time with the company? Especially the ones who wanted that particular base only to be rejected as they have yet to be assessed as eligible for JFO upgrade?
Not only are SO's missing out on their bypass pay but also their slim chance of getting home after doing their time in HK.
What really pisses me off is of all the DEFO's that I've talked to, majority of them are more than willing to relocate to HKG after doing their time on the base, in order to take advantage of the lucrative housing allowance as an expat. I really wonder how many of these guys would actually sign up the first place if they were told that they MUST stay on the base or never get any allowance even if they relocate.