Assimilation - no chance

[Skytrucker]

Seems that the assimilation board can't see any reason to sit on time any more. The inference is that signing on anybody after whatever you've got for an IRD just isn't going to happen. SSC to PC, haven't heard of one of those for a while either. Looks like shafting the boys will save on redundancy payments too. Beats me how we were going to pay for it all anyway!! Enough, they win. What colour's the card to get out?

[Biggus]

I heard that the assimilation board will sit from 28th Sept - I don't know what its normal date is, so how 'on time' or not it is.

Desk Officers are saying that assimilation is still an option - although in the current climate I would guess the chances of being signed on at the moment are very very slim!!

[MrBernoulli]

With the RAF (apparently) overborne by 70+ multi-engine pilots there appears to be a case of 'cut the first 70+that reach a departure point' without thought for what will be left behind i.e. experience levels. In other (rotary and FJ) groups I suppose there may be room for assimilating the odd specialist or two but I don't see it happening in the ME world.

I think you will find that any redundancies involving handfuls of dosh will mostly be aimed at the ground trades.

[DuckDodgers]

A number of boards have already sat in August and i believe that only 2 or 3 SSCs have been upgraded to PC status with the 'results' due out at the end of the month. I have already started my escape tunnel, the question is do i wait the final two years or not?

[JessTheDog]

How much would a PC be worth on Ebay?;) Might cut down the PVR wait time...although that may not be an issue anymore, if you believe some of the other threads on this site!

[Skytrucker]

This is a bit of a hot topic in the crewroom at the moment. It seems to have started with two of our guys getting a heads up that they won't be getting signed on. Both are good eggs and both are, quite frankly, shocked. I know assimilation isn't a right but you can usually identify the solid and loyal aviator who gets the job done properly each time and pin them up on the further service board. Both these guys were not planning on leaving, unlike lots of others, and we are going to suffer when we lose them. This is a right royal shafting and there's not one airship in sight arguing the toss on our behalf. And here's me thinking a PC was just that.:(

And now for a rant:

It's not just the job is it. Lots of people have their whole lives orientated around what we do. Friends, friends for the kids, schools, in fact, everything. We don't even get a Union rep to defend us against all this cr*p, suppose in days gone by we had proper senior officers that weren't frightened to speak up. Just can't believe all this. I've already said I'm leaving at my next option but for some inexplicable reason, I'm livid at the mess I'm walking away from.

Rant over. Sorry guys but I needed that.

[Si Clik]

As a mere RN pilot who has struggled along with my brethren to see FTC(A) - the equivalent of PC - introduced, it appears you ME RAF boys have had things far too easy for too long.

An extension of service which gives vastly improved pension and wages is not a right. I started on a SCC (12 years) and have had to grind to the mill to get the FTC I am on now, including 2 ground tours.

Many of my friends are still trying and promotion within the FAA is a complete nightmare at present.

When a selection system becomes almost automatic as it seems the RAF have been living with for a while it is all the more painful when it disappears. These systems are designed to be flexible so that when the manning situation changes then the numbers rise or fall to match.

The equivalent FAA selections may reach 10 per year if we are lucky and they come in the majority to those over 45.

If you don't like the system - leave.

[Big Cat Handler]

The equivalent FAA selections may reach 10 per year if we are lucky and they come in the majority to those over 45.
Unless I'm missing something, what you've mentioned isn't the equivalent to assimilation to the Professional Aviator spine. Assimilation happens at the 38/16 point, so age 38 for most, is a change of terms of service and pay but not a promotion, and is the only way other than promotion to stay in past 38/16. Hence isn't likely to catch many 45 year olds!
If you don't like the system - leave.
If you don't get assimilated at 38, not much choice!

Are RN Terms of Service similar for those passing 38/16, or is there another way of staying in without receiving such exorbitant wages? And, as I'm a reasonable distance from it myself, I'll be happy to be corrected on the RAF position.

BCH

[Min Drag]

Si Clik

Assimilation, Permanent Commission, Short Service Commission and Promotion are all completely different things.

Get your facts straight before you come swanning in here antagonising people with advice like "leave"!!

MD :ok:

[Brain Potter]

Exhorbitant wages - try hiring worldwide experienced 3/4 jet captains on the open market for less. We will lose a whole generation's worth of hard-won operational skills soon.

[jack schidt]

Guys, not trying to throw the spanner in but, having done 10 years in and now out>>>>>OUT IS BETTER. Just as you are saying, you have no control on what is happening to you in the force, get out and sell your arse to the highest bidder. If you don't like it or your get a higher bidder along the way then the choice of your destiny is yours and NOT theirs. I was a 10 tanker and now have had 2 civilian jobs (moving around by choice), having the choice to control my destiny was great. There is more to life than old jets, 2ndary duties, council style housing, poor pay (except pension) etc etc.... Go for it, take control, the forcast for ME pilots outside is getting a lot better over the next 2 years, jobs for you experienced lot a guarantee I'm sure.

Ps med cred = came out on VR, never looked back since.:ok:

[FFP]

Council style housing . . . . .

Which, for the first time, the outside appearance is being taken into consideration for the rent.

Standing by for a payback of some rent . . . . . . .. :ok:

[BEagle]

If, as has been alleged, the RAF has a surplus of ME pilots, why then are there still FTRS ex-Wg Cdrs employed on very lucrative terms but filling JOP slots?

[Regie Mental]

I heard a rumour that FTRS was being phased out across the board. Anyone confirm?

[BEagle]

Oh - and no quibbles with the FTRS guys themselves, all the ones I knew were really good blokes.

It just seemed such a daft system when there was an alleged surplus of ME pilots.

Maybe some of the 'surplus' ME pilots could replace the FTRS pilots at UASs after completing the CFS course?? From the CFS website:

"The typical RAF student at CFS is in his late twenties, has completed a tour on an operational squadron and has at least 1000 flying hours. However, a small number of pilots straight out of training are also nominated for CFS courses. Since the introduction of the Full Time Reserve Scheme (FTRS) the average age of the CFS student has risen considerably. Just to disprove the maxim ' you can't teach old dogs new tricks', having retired, officers up to the age of 55 are joining the FTRS and then completing the full CFS course before teaching students at every level of the aircrew flying training system."

[MrBernoulli]

The FTRS chaps are still employed because of their 5 year contracts. However, I know of no further FTRS who have been employed within the last 3 - 4 years and none of the current bunch that I know (ME pilots, that is) are being offered service beyond those 5 years.

ME pilots can expect no redundancy offers. They can expect unsuitable and unwanted postings ... in the hope that they will jump ship.

[BEagle]

But can't the contract be terminated with 6 months' notice by either employer or employee, Mr B?

"ME pilots can expect no redundancy offers. They can expect unsuitable and unwanted postings ... in the hope that they will jump ship."

How true! But it won't be long before there's yet another experience shortage and yet another mad panic by Personnel Mismanagement to stem the flow to Sir Dickie B's team! And who can blame them for wanting to fly something which isn't nearly twice their own age?

Perhaps the VC10 fleet should receive a National Heritage grant for keeping 1960's museum pieces flying for so long... I hear the dear old things are expected to stagger on for yet another 9 years at least?

[propulike]

This years Air assimilation board sit on Monday, due to finish on Wednesday (27-29 Sep 04).

Can't see them taking that long myself. We'll see next week.

[MrBernoulli]

Yes BEagle, and I believe one of the FTRS chaps at my unit has strongly considered giving such notice should the right job rear its head. Whether the 6 months works the 'other way', I don't know but that does sound feasible.

Anyway, my CV is out and about and I am looking forward to the BALPA conference on 9 Oct for more of a 'look see' at the industry. Of course, I'll be reclaiming the fees, parking and travel as resettlement costs, don't you know!

[BEagle]

MrB - perhaps here: http://www.airzim.co.zw/



:E