Yes Johns 7022 I am.
The issue of PTF will, in the long term, effect overall standards of safety and quite possibly the quality of future commanders...not good in an increasingly populated aircraft environment.
But who is responsible?
- FTOs are (OAA, CTC etc..): For exploting the zero to flight deck phenomena with gloss and slick marketing encouraging a high % of clients to pay lots of money when they have no knowledge of aviation in terms of flying and industry exposure.
- Students are: For believing career fast tracking is what they are owed (thanks OAA) and not wanting to take a traditional route to the flight deck by learning/experiencing the fundamentals of safe flying.
- TRTO's are: For selling, in some instances, sub-standard training.
- Airlines are: For selling RHS positions without, in some cases, prospects of personal development beyond 200 line hours.
- Pilots themselves: For complacency and not taking action by addressing this issue through their reps/union.