The fact is that many of the new joiners to the industry in the UK, at some of the leading players are not even getting paid. Some are even paying circa 30,000 pounds upfront for a few hundred hours on a shiny jet (not including the cost of getting their licence). Others are 90,000 in debt, get 1000 pounds a month "allowance" - which is actually their own money that they're getting back (otherwise they'd be paying tax and national insurance on it), to be unceremoniously shown the door after six months to be replaced by the next starry eyed wannabe. But we all know this, and nobody seems to give much of a sh*t. Safety best practice, hmmm????
Unfortunately, this is now becoming the norm worldwide. When it ends in tears with a smoking hole it'll already be too late. First officers have become a revenue stream when in fact they should be there as capable 2 second in commands.
