@ Sporran....
Yes, I'm well aware that there are loads of "extras",over and above time in the Command seat . Again, this is not the perogative of just Flight-Deck Crew.
Many of us deride the poor quality of a lot of teachers, nowadays...It's also seen as a cushy number for those that can't "do"....but it cannot be denied there are a lot of hidden hours with the job, over and above the headline"9-3.30, 5 days a week, half term, full term and 6-week summer holidays"
I have often stated (see the Canadian ,"18 and Iwant to be a Pilot" thread)....the cost of training, divided into the short, legally mandated and limited working time of a professional Pilot, is a significant drain on the hourly remuneration of the Profession.
Truth is, most love the job and get paid to "play"....most other workers have to do the "least bad" job to put the bread on the table.
Currently, too many Pilots , too many Airframes, not enough Pax revenue.
simple economics.
show me a "greedy" airline and I'll show you a bank that makes over 15% on lending out someone-else's money(the depositors' , who *might* get 1%)