I didn't realise national joke started it, who in there right mind would pay for an endorsement on a gas chamber? but then if this is true, why have they since stopped it? I had a mate that went there a few years ago no money required for training!!! he was bonded but nothing required up front, and when he left they didnt chase him for it either.
I have no problem with a 2 year bond for recovery of costs, i do have a problem with charging for training, especially when you are then left with a lower than average wage at the end of it (for the era that is, now everyone has followed there example).
Pilots are there own worst enemy.