Guys, please, I am not trying to play the devil's advocate here, though I admit having no real need to access either of the schemes (Ryan's or Pprune's). Money is not a problem for me, I could probably buy my own 737 at today's prices. However, I am conscious of the fact that it is a very real issue for others.
To be honest, the real axe I have to grind is that, for too long in this country, a civil piloting career was the domain of the very privileged, other than a relative handful who went via the military to civil route. In my extremely humble opinion, this has often meant that British flightdecks were manned by those whose 'daddies' bought them a place irrespective of their inherent ability (or distinct lack thereof).
You all well know that to maintain an IR in circumstances outside of aviation employment is an expensive exercise, so much so that, for example, it may mean a choice for the young married man between feeding and clothing his family or selfishly diverting available funds to a personal, driving ambition.
The point I have been trying to press here is that I see no equitable reason to bar application to the less than wealthy. Will you not at least consider this as an appeal on their behalf to admit them to the process? Perhaps you might agree to their subsidising the sim assessment should they fail same.
If this scheme is truly intended to give a leg up to the worthy first timers, how about making it a leg up opportunity to all deemed worthy, irrespective of financial circumstances?
End of plea.
[ 29 January 2002: Message edited by: interested ]</p>