So is it any surprise that they want to go from zero to hero (C152 to A320) in the shortest possible time and at least say they have worked as a jet airline pilot?
No it isnt. And some of the blame must lie with the FTOs who, as the initial industry interface with wannabees, have helped to shape the perception that getting a job is just a matter of bucks.
The likes of OAA are fanning the flames of this attitude by pitching seriously glossy "Zero to Flight deck - just pay and you're made" products without balancing it with integrity and the grounded reality that some of their students will have to take something a lot lower down the food chain. Shame on them for their arrogance will bite them in the arse.
The rest of the aviation world looks on in disbelief as they see 200 houred students go onto a 80t jet with the shared responsibilty of nearly 200 lives
whilst they have had to earn that right - and rightly so. Its a deadly serious business not a joyride
Recent events have shown low houred, underpaid autopilot jockeys who may be well trained in SOPs are not always the backstop needed when things go seriously wrong.
Yes - PTF is a very fast growing bubble and it could well pop with some very serious consequences.