All,
Having resisted entering into this debate, I offer you the following.......
I've just come in from mowing my lawn, a time when I mull over things with few distractions. This got me thinking.
There is an absolute wealth of intelligence and this has come through load and clear. But, your honour, this in fighting and squabbling hides the real problem in my view.
The system we have is rubbish. The JAA implementation has been a cock up. What's wrong with hour builders using instructing to gain hours? The real problem I think is that the real motive behind this is to close the self improver route up. Why? What the hell is wrong with it? Sure, the military screen people, but I for one have no wish to join them.
My case, I chose to stay in a decent job, bring up a family, pay off my debts and use the self improver route as an entry to enable me to have a career change later on. Any one have a problem with that? I'll have no debts when/if I start work, and I would not begrudge anyone who wishes to do the same, however they achieved it.
Professional instructors. Sure, I know plenty, I've been around a while, and most are happy as Larry. They tend to be CFI's, do the tests and have no problem with our builders. I know one who's on Grandfather rights, currently well over 20,000 hours (not out of his 40's either), and washed planes to get a PPL together. Under today's system, he's never (by his admition) be doing it, as he has no desire to do the exams. Before you start firing from the hip, he stands out alone as the best instructor I ever had. He taught me, and I worked for him too, and I say that from both sides of the fence.
If the 'non' professional (hour builder) instructor is seen as not up to doing the job, then the system should not allow him to do so. I know of good and bad in both camps.
Lets face it, rather than squabble over this, lets use the forum to debate a better way of doing this, canvas those with money and clout who could benefit from a decent fair system.
And to those of you sitting behind glass cockpits, or got into it easily, try and see it from the other side too. Take this as constructive note, not as criticism.
Off to put that asbestos jacket on.
PS