Day_Dreamer
There will always be people out there willing to pay for a type rating...
Boycotting SSTR's will not happen, its human nature to get that step ahead by whatever means.
I agree, there will always be people that will do what they need to "get ahead" - in this case, offering themselves up as a cheaper option and effectively eliminate some of the competition.
A couple of points I was trying to make: i) that if people boycotted these airlines then the airlines would have to type rate its new entrant pilots; ii) you're far more likely to get the best guy/girl in the seat if you have an application process that is a true meritocracy, one that doesn't exclude those who cannot afford (or not prepared) to pay for their own type rating - that said, the best candidate may also be willing to SSTR.
Just because you felt the need to pay for your own type rating then you should be comfortable with your own decision. I am not questioning your abilities as a pilot, rather I question the effect of someone willing to pay for their own training and the downward pressure this has on the profession which has been suffering erosion of Ts and Cs for years.
Don't misunderstand me, I really like my job and I took a pay cut from my previous profession to do it - but there is a line in the sand, I have my price.
Also what makes you think that you are any better or worse than a cadet pilot who has passed SSTR selection.
I didn't say that.
Recently I have seen many young men and women (With The Funds) who have gone for the SSTR selection and failed, the standard being higher than they expected.
You said that.
What I'm about to say is going to get me shot down but here goes anyway... There are some pilots out there who shouldn't be entertaining any thoughts about flying commercially. I've met scores of people who were scratching about in GA asking me how to get their breakthrough, as they'd been really "unlucky". Having spoken to them and seen some of their flying - they should find a different career. Yet with enough money and tenacity they may end up flying a turbo prop - great until one day they're flying a plane full of passengers in testing conditions and everyone pays the price for the cheap pilot up the front.
My bottom line is that when a seat becomes available the pilot chosen should be the most able person to do the job; in order to achieve this, the application net should be cast as wide as possible. Skills alone should be the sole factor in deciding who flies my sorry arse about!