Non-type rated FO meaning

[A320LGW]

Originally Posted by rudestuff

I think it's pretty well understood that P2F generally means paying for any flying post-CPL. That's certainly my interpretation.

I'm not sure it actually is most people's interpretation to be honest. Pay2Fly was a line training agreement where you paid to fly block hours post type rating. It was done by airlines like small planet and germania. Very few people I know view paying for the rating as pay2fly that's for sure. I do have a type rating and no I didn't pay for it so I'm not forming any opinion influenced by my own situation. I admit I paid to fly at every point until my CPL was issued. Hence why I don't get why suddenly everyone suddenly makes a big deal when it comes to the traiing that actually makes you employable.

I'm not saying anything for or against P2F. However I think almost all pilots have paid to fly at some point unless they had all training fully funded. To interpret anything post CPL issue as pay2fly and anything before it gets a free pass is setting an arbitrary line in the sand. I'd say it's placed there to make people feel good about themselves and that they aren't "P2F".

As an aside, to the OP, the vast majority of people I know paid for their type rating. Whether it was through RYR, EZY or various other operators. Even BA in 2019 asked for £25,000 for the A320 type rating for those without experience. If an airline doesn't ask for money up front, they'll usually sign you up to a bond that reduces the longer you stay.