Ah birdseed!
I must say, I was quite amused by your post.
For the record, I am an ordinary poster ( and an aspiring pilot <img src="smile.gif" border="0"> ) who has only told everyone what I have experienced whilst dealing with EPST.
I reside and work in England for a well known organisation. (Not aviation related in the slightest..although I wish it was)
If what you say is correct about an EPST course, then the students might be slightly 'off track' in assuming that they will be placed DIRECTLY into BA as you put it. I have seen a copy of a contract and can tell you they will only get into BA if they are recommended by EPST & WMU AND pass the self sponsored pilot selection that BA apparently offer.
On asking the CEO of EPST about BA he said that success with Big A depended on the student pilot, (quite obvious that one) however, EPST guarantee to get the best out of the student to achieve this. Incidently, one of the selectors for EPST is a retired BA captain who was the head of BA cadet pilot recruitment at one time. He certainly was looking for pilots of a similar quality to that of which BA would accept. Anyway, if the EPST cadets believe that they will be placed directly into BA, then they are mistaken and have pretty much inferred the given information incorrectly.(BA verbal reasoning basic). Myself and a few others certainly did not get that impression from EPST.
EPST have produced cadets that have worked just as hard as you to get where they are. The cadets deserve as much respect as any other sponsored pilot. Despite your apparent yet not admitted ill feelings about EPST, I hope the respect between you two (generally speaking), is positively mutual.
So, it appears that some EPST students may have gone overboard as mentioned earlier, but they are entitled to believe that they may be successful with your sponsoring company. Shouldn't we all? Like the saying goes...'Aim high and you'll reach the sky!' (quite relevant that ...don't you think?)
I know the BA course which was cancelled in September was meant to be in the same class with EPST. Sept 12 was the starting date, I think. How much do you you know about this? Is your source reliable?
I would also recommend that you click on the CTC link that is sometimes advertised here on PPRuNe. The ATP scheme of which is on offer by EPST is explained there. There are posts on this also.You could ask EPST for a look at the contract for more accuracy if you like.
My conclusion for all considering EPST: EPST are very professional and their cadets are very switched on. Birdseed and BA at WMU have probably noticed the latter. EPST do encourage their cadets to be the best and to aim high. I see no problem in that and I do wish you all the very best in securing your dreams. It is not easy, I know.
If there are any replies to this, please make sure that they are constructive. There should be no need for anymore childish behaviour. (I sound like my mum)
SP
HO HO HO....Merry Christmas <img src="smile.gif" border="0">
[ 26 December 2001: Message edited by: B747-SP ]</p>