Having the candidates with a loan hanging over them is a form of control. It produces a compliant, submissive employe who will keep their head down and tow the company line.
They are compromised professionals, and not people to admire or aspire to be.
Chatting to a Virgin FO up north the other week it doesn't sound like these cadets will be welcomed into the flight deck as peers.
Code93 -
I find this a somewhat strange point of view - you come across as rather bitter and regardless of the way one becomes a pilot these days, everyone has the same (or similar) fees to pay. Whether or not this comes from a loan or personal funds makes little to no difference, especially at a company like Virgin where it really is a career for life. The purpose of this forum is to post constructive advice for individuals wanting to start their career in the industry, not for needless negativity. Having spoke to a range of Virgin employees at the flyer exhibition this weekend, all of them seemed incredibly keen to welcome all of the current cadets, as well as any future cadets, to the flight deck.
Best of luck to anyone applying to the scheme this year.