I would understand the employment of the top 10% of cadets in combination with the employment of suitably experienced Pilots along the lines of what BA have always done.
Yes, that is pretty much where we are. The training doesn't stop at the CPL and IR flight tests. That is only one hurdle. The integrated training allows for the airlines SOP's and other specific points of emphasis to be embedded into the
ab-initio course structure. The monitoring and selection process allows for the selection of the best candidates, and is reflected in the airline advanced portion of the training. BA may have its own title and gloss, but we utilize the same methodology for our cadet input and have done for a considerable period of time, and since the inception of the programme.
That (as I already pointed out) fits into a balanced portfolio of recruitment whereby two thirds (usually) of recruitment is from "experienced" pilot sources. Those sources are a combination of ex-military pilots, and both type and non-type rated pilots from
other airlines. Those airlines being companies with recognised and good training regimes of their own, and the successful candidates having CV's, references and interview results that support the contention that they are also the best candidates available for the positions on offer. As an ATO we are not troubled by a candidates lack of type experience if they otherwise present as an excellent candidate. In those circumstances (as with the cadets) we provide that training at no cost to the candidate (albeit there is a 36 month reducing bond period).
Rather like "experience," so "cadet" is defined by the parameters that we accept. It is the
quality of training, examination, monitoring, mentoring and history, that makes either of the two words meaningful. It is interesting how so many of the
one liners and
hear hears that populate these forums decry cadets for their own awful T&C's, yet some of them thought it was perfectly Ok for them to apply in droves to airlines offering such conditions on the basis that it would be a stepping stone to something better. Some have clearly found that the "quality" that suited their earlier ambition is not the "quality" that the airlines with the better T&C's are either looking for, nor need to accept. All very frustrating I am sure!