I think I can answer some of the questions and comments. First of all, it is correct that the part-sponsored scheme is subject to review, and whilst that is happening, no further PASS students will be taken on. The reason for the review is twofold: Firstly, it is true that so far no airlines have yet signed up to take any of the students on completion of their course, but it would be wrong to read too much into this, as this completion is some way off.
Meanwhile Atlantic will carry on training the students, and there is absolutely no question of their not having their courses completed. They will all get their promised jobs, as Atlantic Airlines/Air Atlantique/Highland Airways - all of which are adding turboprops to their fleets - will gladly offer them positions if no other exciting opportunities arise.
The second reason is that AFT are very concerned about the probable approval of schools outside the JAA states getting their own approval to carry out all sections of the JAA course, at considerably lower cost than AFT can manage, even with hours build up taking place in South Africa or Canada. Good luck to those schools, but obviously this development will have ramifications, and AFT feel it would be better not to have too many students going through PASS courses whilst this uncertainty exists. After all, AFT have assured all the PASS students that they will get decent turbo-prop or jet jobs on completion of their courses, and they will, of course, honour that obligation. But AFT would rather it could find jobs in other airlines, and it is important that the course cost is not seen as "expensive".
It could mean, if no other airlines are interested in spending £20,000 or so on a first class young pilot (about 55% of the total course cost), that Atlantic Airlines/Air Atlantique/Highland Airways - all of which are acquiring more turbo props this year - will take them on. This would be very good news for these airlines, because the students are excellent, but there is the Group sponsorship scheme producing first rate pilots at the same time.
It was never the plan to offer PASS students jobs in Atlantic as a matter of course, but always regarded as a possibility if no other airlines were found.
The Air Atlantique 100% sponsorship scheme will continue, as this is a most successful component in Atlantic's operation. It has now been running continuously for 18 years. It costs Atlantic a fortune, but the quality of pilot produced more than makes up for it.
Sorry that is a bit long winded, but I hope it covers the main points.
Rivers