An SAA Cadet Story
Gatvol
Join Date: Jun 2000
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ettamakwetta writes: "due to our mathematics supposedly not being up to scratch. This is ironic, seeing that I was top of my engineering class at university"
This is more like the American Military. If there is no war going on, no need for pilots and they flunk most all out. I was lucky as during the big training exercise in Vietnam they needed Pilots. In my class alone there were over 200 and they cranked out a class just like that every two weeks. (nine month training cycle) so a lot of student pilots filling the sky.
Anyway you didnt have to have all that math to fly helicopters. It was like they pay you 100x dollars. Subtract your bills and you have xxx left. How much beer will that buy until next payday.
Contraxdog uses the term:"(Currently Disadvantaged Individual)" I love that. You can get rid of previously disadvantaged and use the term we use now. (Previously Unemployable) Just remember if they cannot do the job properly, they must be management material. Seems to work all over the world and I see it now quite often in SA.
This is more like the American Military. If there is no war going on, no need for pilots and they flunk most all out. I was lucky as during the big training exercise in Vietnam they needed Pilots. In my class alone there were over 200 and they cranked out a class just like that every two weeks. (nine month training cycle) so a lot of student pilots filling the sky.
Anyway you didnt have to have all that math to fly helicopters. It was like they pay you 100x dollars. Subtract your bills and you have xxx left. How much beer will that buy until next payday.
Contraxdog uses the term:"(Currently Disadvantaged Individual)" I love that. You can get rid of previously disadvantaged and use the term we use now. (Previously Unemployable) Just remember if they cannot do the job properly, they must be management material. Seems to work all over the world and I see it now quite often in SA.
Join Date: May 2002
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Previously Disadvantaged???
Its evident that there is lots of bitterness out there with regard to the cadet program. Not surprising though is it? Lets look at a few things. PREVIOUSLY DISADVANTAGED... Those that I met in Adelaide during my short time there did not appear to fit that label, not if for example private school education constitutes previously disadvantaged.
It was bad enough that the cadets flooded the local regional carriers thus depriving struggling pilots of jobs and a means of building experience for the be all and end all of SA aviation, SAA. No, then they had to be placed in the contract company that I was flying for too, to gain experience. Now that pissed me off when I had 6 months earlier been told at my SAA interview that I was, I QUOTE "buggering around in the bush flying contracts." Nope, sorry, but I don't support the cadet scheme.
The other posters have it right. Many of us have spent a personal fortune getting licences and ratings, risked our lives in war zones, slept in miserable places where there has been no electricity, questionable food and water, malaria etc. etc., voluntarily separated from our families for months at a time, all just to get the so called hours and experience in the hopes of cracking a nod for an interview! Okay, off my soapbox, but they (the cadets) don't appreciate what's being handed to them on a plate. I salute those of you who have persevered and pushed through to the end.
Many years back at my SAA interview at the age of 28, I was told that I am too old to ever fly for an airline. I was also asked why it took so long to get a PPL (1 year). "Because I paid for it myself via odd jobs and flew when I had some money." HUH!?" "Well Sir, I did not have a big bag of money under my bed!"
Anyhow, I did not let the "ADVICE" given to me by the distinguished gentlemen at SAA put me off and went on to fly all the aircraft I have wanted to fly in a number of countries. The latter has meant riding a financial nightmare and being on the bones of my butt most of the time, but fortunately it has worked out. Thanks to the door being slammed in my face, I went elsewhere and happen to fly for one of the world's best airlines!
I definitely was not ADVANTAGED, nor were many others who went on to achieve their dreams, so I can relate to where some of the anger and frustration comes from.
What's next, a cadet program to train previously disadvantaged Haitians so that we can further contribute to peace in the Carribean?
It was bad enough that the cadets flooded the local regional carriers thus depriving struggling pilots of jobs and a means of building experience for the be all and end all of SA aviation, SAA. No, then they had to be placed in the contract company that I was flying for too, to gain experience. Now that pissed me off when I had 6 months earlier been told at my SAA interview that I was, I QUOTE "buggering around in the bush flying contracts." Nope, sorry, but I don't support the cadet scheme.
The other posters have it right. Many of us have spent a personal fortune getting licences and ratings, risked our lives in war zones, slept in miserable places where there has been no electricity, questionable food and water, malaria etc. etc., voluntarily separated from our families for months at a time, all just to get the so called hours and experience in the hopes of cracking a nod for an interview! Okay, off my soapbox, but they (the cadets) don't appreciate what's being handed to them on a plate. I salute those of you who have persevered and pushed through to the end.
Many years back at my SAA interview at the age of 28, I was told that I am too old to ever fly for an airline. I was also asked why it took so long to get a PPL (1 year). "Because I paid for it myself via odd jobs and flew when I had some money." HUH!?" "Well Sir, I did not have a big bag of money under my bed!"
Anyhow, I did not let the "ADVICE" given to me by the distinguished gentlemen at SAA put me off and went on to fly all the aircraft I have wanted to fly in a number of countries. The latter has meant riding a financial nightmare and being on the bones of my butt most of the time, but fortunately it has worked out. Thanks to the door being slammed in my face, I went elsewhere and happen to fly for one of the world's best airlines!
I definitely was not ADVANTAGED, nor were many others who went on to achieve their dreams, so I can relate to where some of the anger and frustration comes from.
What's next, a cadet program to train previously disadvantaged Haitians so that we can further contribute to peace in the Carribean?
Join Date: Dec 2003
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I think perhaps togabutton said what I was trying to say a little better. Contraxdog, I wasn't attacking you at all. In fact, agreeing with you, sort of 
.
What sparked this whole debate was this bum-in-the-butter boy who couldn't hack living away from mum. This bloke is clearly not disadvantaged in any way. While I fully support the fast tracking of genuine, needy, flying-mad township dwellers into training programs these things tend to get hijacked by the private school crowd. Means testing is clearly required. It works at Wits, why can't it work at SAA Cadets?
I work in a completely transformed industry and there were plenty of idiot placements in the early days but there is no doubt that after a while, the market evened things out and generally, everything seems to go on merit now, with a bias to PDI if there are two equal candidates.
I would say that it is still easier to operate as a white male in this country than as a member of any other group. For me, english fluencey, networks and an excellent education all stand me in better stead than what is on offer to 99% of the PDI's out there. For that reason, I have to support any program that gives people a helping hand, even if not all of the people deserve to be there.
. What sparked this whole debate was this bum-in-the-butter boy who couldn't hack living away from mum. This bloke is clearly not disadvantaged in any way. While I fully support the fast tracking of genuine, needy, flying-mad township dwellers into training programs these things tend to get hijacked by the private school crowd. Means testing is clearly required. It works at Wits, why can't it work at SAA Cadets?
I work in a completely transformed industry and there were plenty of idiot placements in the early days but there is no doubt that after a while, the market evened things out and generally, everything seems to go on merit now, with a bias to PDI if there are two equal candidates.
I would say that it is still easier to operate as a white male in this country than as a member of any other group. For me, english fluencey, networks and an excellent education all stand me in better stead than what is on offer to 99% of the PDI's out there. For that reason, I have to support any program that gives people a helping hand, even if not all of the people deserve to be there.
Gatvol
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Togabutton writes:"What's next, a cadet program to train previously disadvantaged Haitians so that we can further contribute to peace in the Carribean?"
You may be right. Im sure Aristide is living fairly well in SA now. He can run down everyone who gave him problems as he sits in a nice home once owned by a " Previously Advantaged"
You may be right. Im sure Aristide is living fairly well in SA now. He can run down everyone who gave him problems as he sits in a nice home once owned by a " Previously Advantaged"
Join Date: Sep 2003
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this idiot walked away from a golden opportunity i would have done anything for.i hope this shows SAA and the government what their beloved 'previously disadvantaged' sector of the population truely thinks.
That attitude stinks.for training running to a cost of millions,and an opportunity of truely mythical magnitude,this punk should be grovelling at the feet of those who chose to bestow it on him,not complaining.and using the race card...typical crutch of those who can't cut it....f
a h
That attitude stinks.for training running to a cost of millions,and an opportunity of truely mythical magnitude,this punk should be grovelling at the feet of those who chose to bestow it on him,not complaining.and using the race card...typical crutch of those who can't cut it....f
a h
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Pprune in the papers again
Lawsuit threat after air school cleared
June 20, 2004
By Juggie Naran
South African Airways has cleared the school which trains its cadets of any irregularities. However, a former trainee has threatened to lodge a R100 000 defamation lawsuit against the school's director.
This follows complaints of intolerance and poor facilities at 43 Air School, near Port Alfred in the Eastern Cape, which is contracted to SAA as a pilot training centre.
A former student, Neshav Nirmal of Durban, recently wrote a letter to the Tribune Herald outlining his grievances. He was joined by other former cadets, who complained of poor treatment and racism.
However, other readers and 43 Air School's director, Steve Goodrick, defended the school.
Durban lawyer Himal Tugh, acting on behalf of Nirmal, sent Goodrick correspondence on Friday last week, saying he had seven days to publicly apologise to Nirmal or face a defamation action for R100 000.
He said the action stemmed from a letter sent by Goodrick and published in the Tribune Herald which "humiliated and degraded" his client.
Rumour
A website, www.pprune.org, which has a "professional pilots rumour network", highlights the letters by Nirmal and Goodrick which appeared in the Tribune Herald.
It also features comments from readers of the website, describing Nirmal as a "wimp", "Mr Cry Baby" and a "fool".
SAA issued a statement this week clearing 43 Air School of any irregularities.
Rich Mkondo, Communications Director for SAA, said the airline had investigated the complaints and interviewed students at 43 Air School.
"Most of the issues mentioned had already been addressed and dealt with. There is positive feedback from 98% of the students. The airline is satisfied that the school is functioning well and students are happy with their studies."
Regarding the allegation of racism, Mkondo said: "All these allegations were investigated and Mr Goodrick was cleared of any bias or racism. SAA found no truth to any of the complaints or criticisms levelled against the school.
"As part of the investigation, three senior SAA executives visited the school without notice and unannounced."
For example, he said, the executives found the food to be good and no unhygienic conditions.
Lawsuit threat after air school cleared
June 20, 2004
By Juggie Naran
South African Airways has cleared the school which trains its cadets of any irregularities. However, a former trainee has threatened to lodge a R100 000 defamation lawsuit against the school's director.
This follows complaints of intolerance and poor facilities at 43 Air School, near Port Alfred in the Eastern Cape, which is contracted to SAA as a pilot training centre.
A former student, Neshav Nirmal of Durban, recently wrote a letter to the Tribune Herald outlining his grievances. He was joined by other former cadets, who complained of poor treatment and racism.
However, other readers and 43 Air School's director, Steve Goodrick, defended the school.
Durban lawyer Himal Tugh, acting on behalf of Nirmal, sent Goodrick correspondence on Friday last week, saying he had seven days to publicly apologise to Nirmal or face a defamation action for R100 000.
He said the action stemmed from a letter sent by Goodrick and published in the Tribune Herald which "humiliated and degraded" his client.
Rumour
A website, www.pprune.org, which has a "professional pilots rumour network", highlights the letters by Nirmal and Goodrick which appeared in the Tribune Herald.
It also features comments from readers of the website, describing Nirmal as a "wimp", "Mr Cry Baby" and a "fool".
SAA issued a statement this week clearing 43 Air School of any irregularities.
Rich Mkondo, Communications Director for SAA, said the airline had investigated the complaints and interviewed students at 43 Air School.
"Most of the issues mentioned had already been addressed and dealt with. There is positive feedback from 98% of the students. The airline is satisfied that the school is functioning well and students are happy with their studies."
Regarding the allegation of racism, Mkondo said: "All these allegations were investigated and Mr Goodrick was cleared of any bias or racism. SAA found no truth to any of the complaints or criticisms levelled against the school.
"As part of the investigation, three senior SAA executives visited the school without notice and unannounced."
For example, he said, the executives found the food to be good and no unhygienic conditions.
Join Date: Apr 2002
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Sorry boet, you just cocked an oppertunity of a lifetime,SAA,should give us contract boys another chance and get rid of the bithers and moaners, I would love to have the same accomadation from 43 I had many years ago here on contract, what to mention the way it is now,sounds like 5 star to me,sometimes we had no water or light for days, get over it, you had it to easy so far, if you wanna fly you would not have complainned about these petty things, now, get your own bucks, pay 150 grand plus on a loan and then wait like me and the rest of us before you complain again.
To airways, come and save us from Africa and we will get the job done without complaints."Give us anotha chance"
To airways, come and save us from Africa and we will get the job done without complaints."Give us anotha chance"
