It's interesting that the Services and BA have always looked for candidates who show a history of having an interest in aviation - aeromodelling, Air Cadets and the like. Self-improvers have always shown commitment by self-funding their licences and ratings.
I seem to remember BA went through a stage years ago where they employed pilots who decided 'on a whim' to become airline pilots, but found that a higher proportion than expected didn't stay the course.
I wonder if, in the long-term, the majority of these able young people will become jaded and seek employment in other fields?
During the past few years I have come across very qualified people (Oxbridge graduates for example) pursuing a career in aviation. I have also spoken with ex-Service pilots who wished they had a second career and could get out.
I wonder if all the bright young things will be quite so bright and committed fifteen or twenty years down the line?
I have never found airline flying boring, but it is routine and I wonder if it will prove to be the Utopia they all dreamed of in the fullness of time?
Flying offers good wages at a young age, particularly for a twenty-something employed flying jets. But for the next 40 years, all other things being equal, they'll still be flying jets. An instant fix - but will these pilots be mentally and physically able to cope with the stresses of airline flying, particularly in the low-cost environment where the long-term effects of continually flying four and six sector days have not yet been assessed?
Will the '9 to 5' lifestyles of their peers, particularly in later life, seem a better option?
How will their family life be affected? I know a lot of pilots who pursued a career in aviation - but their lives are nothing else with no partner, no family or a family broken up by the pursuit of their flying dream.
Terms and condition of employment are being eroded, but equally importantly so is quality of life.
KR
FOK