Danny and Rob, thanks for that, I was taking my time to compose my thoughts and you have saved me a great deal of explanation.
I often feel I am walking a tightrope on Wannabes. On the one hand I want to say "go on - go for it!" it really is a cracking job, life isn't a dress rehersal and follow your dreams. On the other hand - its going to cost you blood, sweat and tears if everything goes well and more than likely you'll end up penniless at least for a while, unable to sleep at nights and stressed out like you can barely imagine. If a recession comes you'll regret the day you decided to try for commercial aviation as the worst move of your life.
So I try. I try to fairly emphasise the downsides but acknowledge the merits - whether that be a training route, a flying school or a particular flying job. A kind of benevolent scepticism if you will. Now I cannot always get it right and I *have* given out duff gen over the years. But its all honest to goodness well intentioned.
For the specifics of this case I take the view that OATS are not to be derided for their new scheme and that the average Wannabe has little to fear. I could never have afforded to take up the scheme myself but there ARE people out there that can and jealousy of their riches is no excuse. Those in life with the money AND the aptitude will nearly always rise above those that 'just' have the aptitude. Fact.
As for the JAA costs increases. I have made my opinion - with living examples - clear on:
http://www.pprune.org/cgibin/ultimatebb.c gi?ubb=get_topic&f=2&t=010705&p=
Danny - I am touched that you remembered my campaigns against NVQ VTR withdrawl, flagging out and JAA implementation. At the time we did get some questions asked in high places and I - along with Hansard - have the papers to prove it
I agree with Capt PPRuNe's sentiments that too many people focus too keenly on the minutae of FTO comparison and Aptitude Selection. Its a kind of 'concrete' area where one almost feels there might be a 'key', a 'trick' or a 'right answer'. Truth is - there ain't.
There ARE guiding principles, common issues and things to avoid - but by their nature these are all far less attractive to pursue for the Wannabe in a hurry.
I have had dealings with an extraordinary number of young men and women pursuing their aviation dreams over the last 4 years. Some are now flying BA 757/67 out of Heathrow, some are still barely making a living flying, some have yet to complete training, many have crashed and burned with huge debts, an incredible loss of self esteem and a sense of both failure and relief about them...
Which will *you* be tonight?
I don't know, I'm talking to my trusty (rusty) monitor - you are an audience I cannot see, cannot hear. Cut me some slack. And if I can help you, advise you, I will... along with the rest of the PPRuNe Wannabe email waiting for me fresh tonight:
a) Pete_UK Where did you do your instructors rating... Mon Sept 3 2001 3k
b) admin Private Message Notification: : RN Apti... Mon Sept 3 2001 3k
c) admin Private Message Notification: : Practic... Sun Sept 2 2001 3k
d) Chris Tidd Cadet Entry and Aptitudes Sat Sept 1 2001 2k
e) ANIL SHARMA INSPIRATION Sat Sept 1 2001 5k
f) Kathy PPSC v BAe Thu Aug 30 2001 7k
g) "Capt. D.J. Rowe" RE: My posting on pprune. Thu Aug 30 2001 5k
h) "Capt. D.J. Rowe" RE: My posting on pprune. Thu Aug 30 2001 4k
i) admin Private Message Notification: : FTO Rec... Thu Aug 30 2001 3k
Keep smiling out there and good luck, see you all on a flightdeck someday,
Wee Weasley Welshman - PPRuNe's Original Wannabe
[ 03 September 2001: Message edited by: Wee Weasley Welshman ]