Whilst not really a comment on MY personal views here, I can't believe noone has used the opportunity to highlight the similarities between the current "frantic discussion, lack of action" and the life of Brian, by Monty Python....
JUDITH: They've dragged him off! They're going to crucify him!
REG: Right! This calls for immediate discussion!
Back on topic. GW, I think you're
partially right...there are undoubtedly some waiting on contracts at easy who did previously do the P2F scheme. However, my take on the current group [of F/Os] under discussion is that these are the latest CTC or Oxford guys, who have been offered a contract to fly, ex-abinitio training, on terrible terms after funding their type rating and a portion of their initial line training.
The deal is terrible, truly awful, but they
are at least being PAID to fly. Just not much. Therein lies the distinction.
However the one thing I have to take umbridge at is this concept that anyone who is unemployed on x thousand hours MUST be employed before any low hour pilot. I don't think there's many of us low hour guys that would think we're anything more than past the point of being a complete beginner, but at the same time there's plenty, PLENTY of experienced guys out there that simply should not be allowed anywhere near a commercial aircraft. Any business needs a constant stream of workers at the differing stages to ensure smooth continuity.
If low hour guys and girls are REALLY a problem in terms of capability, then change the sodding regs. MAKE it 800 hours or whatever before you can fly commercially. Don't whinge that they're not capable...After all every single grizzled old 20000+ hour captain out there once had only 250 hours in their logbook. Perhaps the experience of the subsequent 19750+ hours has shown just how little they knew at 250, but remember that you were once there as well...
Finally...glad to see there's finally some recognition that lack of concern for the 250hrs mob is what allowed p2f to spring up in the first instance...you fail to maintain the foundations of the house (Pyramid!) then and sooner or later the house will come down....