Pilot Brits abroad: Why not come back to the UK?
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Oz
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Whilst I'd rather not jump through the JAA hoops, I know that I'll have to if I want to go to the UK to fly - but I know this before I start. Surely this has been the same for years?
Having said that, I hope EASA does scrap it all and make it easier to convert the FAA licenses but if they do, it's a bonus. Not that the UK would be my first choice...
Having said that, I hope EASA does scrap it all and make it easier to convert the FAA licenses but if they do, it's a bonus. Not that the UK would be my first choice...
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Allovertheplace
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by i4iq
Having said that, I hope EASA does scrap it all and make it easier to convert the FAA licenses but if they do, it's a bonus. Not that the UK would be my first choice...
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: West of zero
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Whoooheee!!!
Unbelievable! I just posted what I thought of the JAA and JARs and just look at this catfight! And I wasn't even trying to wind anyone up!
While working as an instructor I have flown with pilots trained under more than a dozen regulatory systems, including several JAA states. The British didn't stand out as either particularly bad or good; the only difference with the others seemed to be that at one point they had swotted up an enormous amount of trivia and retained it long enough to pass a slew of written exams - and paid through the nose for doing it. (In my limited experience the Austrians as a nationality were by far the best helicopter pilots). What did stand out about the British-trained pilots was their inflexibility: for instance they had only one way to fly an approach (60 kts to 40 feet, FLARE, PULL), regardless of wind, turbulence, obstacles, etc. When quizzed about this the answer was "the H-V diagram must be respected". It turned out that how this diagram was determined in flight testing (and thus, the limitations on its validity) were not part of their JAA-approved ground school and thus considered irrelevant.
About JAA's supposed "uniform" standards: two pilots holding JAA licenses from other JAA states - and recently gained too, not converted from earlier national ICAO licenses - displayed an alarming lack of knowledge on the aircraft in which they'd passed their flight test. After some gentle probing it transpired that they'd gained their license without ever having received any ground instruction!
autosync, from your posts I gather that your preference for the JAA system is that it keeps you in a job. Why do you need the JAA's help to hold down a job? Can't you do that by yourself? Now, that is a wind-up.
Unbelievable! I just posted what I thought of the JAA and JARs and just look at this catfight! And I wasn't even trying to wind anyone up!
While working as an instructor I have flown with pilots trained under more than a dozen regulatory systems, including several JAA states. The British didn't stand out as either particularly bad or good; the only difference with the others seemed to be that at one point they had swotted up an enormous amount of trivia and retained it long enough to pass a slew of written exams - and paid through the nose for doing it. (In my limited experience the Austrians as a nationality were by far the best helicopter pilots). What did stand out about the British-trained pilots was their inflexibility: for instance they had only one way to fly an approach (60 kts to 40 feet, FLARE, PULL), regardless of wind, turbulence, obstacles, etc. When quizzed about this the answer was "the H-V diagram must be respected". It turned out that how this diagram was determined in flight testing (and thus, the limitations on its validity) were not part of their JAA-approved ground school and thus considered irrelevant.
About JAA's supposed "uniform" standards: two pilots holding JAA licenses from other JAA states - and recently gained too, not converted from earlier national ICAO licenses - displayed an alarming lack of knowledge on the aircraft in which they'd passed their flight test. After some gentle probing it transpired that they'd gained their license without ever having received any ground instruction!
autosync, from your posts I gather that your preference for the JAA system is that it keeps you in a job. Why do you need the JAA's help to hold down a job? Can't you do that by yourself? Now, that is a wind-up.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: N2832W8100
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thats it Sasless, go for the hole they are all useless rich kids who never worked a hard day in there lives, line while you are the downthrodden underdog and had to fight for every gad dang thing that you got, cause aint nobody never given you a cent!
Its a bit pathetic, but go with it, if it makes you feel better about yourself.
I'll pretend to give a **** and listen to you more carefully now!
Buitenzorg (Is that name German/ Swiss or Austrian perhaps?)
So you are saying that you can train someone from scratch without knowing the person, but you will be able to tell what country that person is from, based on their attitude?
Good for you, cause in that case you are a better man then me, and whatever system you train under is obviously supperior to everyone elses!
And in answer to your question, no I cannot compete with some ******** who is willing to "Fly for food" out of interest how much are you getting paid per hour as a flight instructor?
Its a bit pathetic, but go with it, if it makes you feel better about yourself.
I'll pretend to give a **** and listen to you more carefully now!
Buitenzorg (Is that name German/ Swiss or Austrian perhaps?)
So you are saying that you can train someone from scratch without knowing the person, but you will be able to tell what country that person is from, based on their attitude?
Good for you, cause in that case you are a better man then me, and whatever system you train under is obviously supperior to everyone elses!
And in answer to your question, no I cannot compete with some ******** who is willing to "Fly for food" out of interest how much are you getting paid per hour as a flight instructor?
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Belgium
Age: 60
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Buitenzorg seems like a dutch name. There are a lot of pilots out there and obviously you can't fly with them all. I personally think there are a lot of pilots who should never have become pilots in the first place.
However I do think that the main focus should be flying and not theoretical knowledge you don't need. Knowledge about the aircraft/aerodynamics/weather/ airspace regs. is essential of course.
I see a huge difference between military trained pilots and civilian trained pilots. In the end they're all flying with a JAA license. But is this discussion about good or bad pilots?? In that case this thread will go on forever.
Licensing should not be there to protect the jobmarket, but to make sure there are (high) standards. In this case JAA does that maybe, but I also do think we really don't need that many more pilots. There are plenty of JAA pilots around in the UK. And if they're good and willing to work they find a job. There are to many just thinking I've got a license and everybody is waiting for me. They send in a resume via email and that's it. I get them all the time, but if they can't even write a decent letter and make a phone call what do they expect? (low timers of course)
Coming back to the original question. It's just where you want to live. I lived in the US and several countries in Europe. Flying is flying.
However I do think that the main focus should be flying and not theoretical knowledge you don't need. Knowledge about the aircraft/aerodynamics/weather/ airspace regs. is essential of course.
I see a huge difference between military trained pilots and civilian trained pilots. In the end they're all flying with a JAA license. But is this discussion about good or bad pilots?? In that case this thread will go on forever.
Licensing should not be there to protect the jobmarket, but to make sure there are (high) standards. In this case JAA does that maybe, but I also do think we really don't need that many more pilots. There are plenty of JAA pilots around in the UK. And if they're good and willing to work they find a job. There are to many just thinking I've got a license and everybody is waiting for me. They send in a resume via email and that's it. I get them all the time, but if they can't even write a decent letter and make a phone call what do they expect? (low timers of course)
Coming back to the original question. It's just where you want to live. I lived in the US and several countries in Europe. Flying is flying.
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: West of zero
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
HillerBee,
Correct in all, and I do mean all, aspects.
autosync,
as a flight instructor I was getting paid $hit. Just like all the other flight instructors who went thorugh this particular apprenticeship. It still was more than I would have been paid if I hadn't been instructing but learning how to navigate a Lockheed Constellation across the North Pole by astrolabe - a critical skill for today's helicopter pilot to be sure. These days I make a decent salary and only train other company pilots - and I still don't know how an astrolabe works. No doubt I will soon crash.
If the way you throw your toys out of the pram on this forum is any indication of how you behave at work, then yes, it's a good thing the JAA is keeping your job safe for you.
Correct in all, and I do mean all, aspects.
autosync,
as a flight instructor I was getting paid $hit. Just like all the other flight instructors who went thorugh this particular apprenticeship. It still was more than I would have been paid if I hadn't been instructing but learning how to navigate a Lockheed Constellation across the North Pole by astrolabe - a critical skill for today's helicopter pilot to be sure. These days I make a decent salary and only train other company pilots - and I still don't know how an astrolabe works. No doubt I will soon crash.
If the way you throw your toys out of the pram on this forum is any indication of how you behave at work, then yes, it's a good thing the JAA is keeping your job safe for you.
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: inside
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Food for thought.....Offshore operators doesn't give a crap which system you come from ,as long as you have the certificates and pass their tests. Actually any operator doesn't care which system you've trained under, as long as you have the proper certificates (if that's not the case...your probably better off not working for them).
And for those whinning about the price of an IR ticket......shouldn't that have been a consideration prior to embarking on training...? Proper research prevents p*ss poor economical whinning. (And no, a r22/H300 is not an IFR machine..not even in the US)
IMHO
And for those whinning about the price of an IR ticket......shouldn't that have been a consideration prior to embarking on training...? Proper research prevents p*ss poor economical whinning. (And no, a r22/H300 is not an IFR machine..not even in the US)
IMHO
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Allovertheplace
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by mrwellington
Food for thought.....Offshore operators doesn't give a crap which system you come from ,as long as you have the certificates and pass their tests. Actually any operator doesn't care which system you've trained under, as long as you have the proper certificates (if that's not the case...your probably better off not working for them).
And for those whinning about the price of an IR ticket......shouldn't that have been a consideration prior to embarking on training...? Proper research prevents p*ss poor economical whinning. (And no, a r22/H300 is not an IFR machine..not even in the US)
IMHO
And for those whinning about the price of an IR ticket......shouldn't that have been a consideration prior to embarking on training...? Proper research prevents p*ss poor economical whinning. (And no, a r22/H300 is not an IFR machine..not even in the US)
IMHO
But due to money, I had to choose between getting my pilot education (USA), or continiue what I was doing the rest of my life. (European education)
The funny part is that the guy that took the place in my old job, was a JAA educated CPL-H pilot. With 150 hours, he tryed hard for 6 months to get a job, without luck. This is 1 year ago, and I beleive he's still is paying for he's huge bank loan and will never fly again. I know he wants to go to the US though. But thats not easy either.
Good luck Europe.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: N2832W8100
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Some flight instructors in the UK get paid 70 pounds STG per hour and are able to sustain a living and are treated with a bit of respect, and not just some Donkey doing an "Apprenticeship" until something better comes along.
What’s the going rate in the US for a CFI $20?
So after your training you will have to factor that into the cost of living and that’s were the fun begins, You will have to come up with new and innovative ways to waste your students time on days when there is no flying so that you can put food on your table.
Now who are the real leeches?
And Buitenzorg, I don't know were you are coming up with your
"How to navigate a Lockheed Constellation across the North Pole by astrolabe"
Sounds like a typical campfire scare story of the big bad JAA bogeyman!
But feel free to throw stones; I have no problem firing them back!
What’s the going rate in the US for a CFI $20?
So after your training you will have to factor that into the cost of living and that’s were the fun begins, You will have to come up with new and innovative ways to waste your students time on days when there is no flying so that you can put food on your table.
Now who are the real leeches?
And Buitenzorg, I don't know were you are coming up with your
"How to navigate a Lockheed Constellation across the North Pole by astrolabe"
Sounds like a typical campfire scare story of the big bad JAA bogeyman!
But feel free to throw stones; I have no problem firing them back!
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Allovertheplace
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by autosync
Some flight instructors in the UK get paid 70 pounds STG per hour and are able to sustain a living and are treated with a bit of respect, and not just some Donkey doing an "Apprenticeship" until something better comes along.
What’s the going rate in the US for a CFI $20?
So after your training you will have to factor that into the cost of living and that’s were the fun begins, You will have to come up with new and innovative ways to waste your students time on days when there is no flying so that you can put food on your table.
Now who are the real leeches?
And Buitenzorg, I don't know were you are coming up with your
"How to navigate a Lockheed Constellation across the North Pole by astrolabe"
Sounds like a typical campfire scare story of the big bad JAA bogeyman!
But feel free to throw stones; I have no problem firing them back!
What’s the going rate in the US for a CFI $20?
So after your training you will have to factor that into the cost of living and that’s were the fun begins, You will have to come up with new and innovative ways to waste your students time on days when there is no flying so that you can put food on your table.
Now who are the real leeches?
And Buitenzorg, I don't know were you are coming up with your
"How to navigate a Lockheed Constellation across the North Pole by astrolabe"
Sounds like a typical campfire scare story of the big bad JAA bogeyman!
But feel free to throw stones; I have no problem firing them back!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: N2832W8100
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Apologies MortenB, I was originally referring to Buitzenorg, I can see were the confusion arose 
Typical Lazy FAA whinger, wants to get everything handed to them on a plate, whithout lifting a finger...!!
However.. To do the distance learning course, its around £2000 when bought as a package + £480 in exam fees.
To get an FI add on to an exsisting ICAO Flight instructor rating will cost aprroximately £4500.
And obviously there wont be as many jobs in the UK as ther is in the U.S...
Now if you want I can also sit the exams for you
Typical Lazy FAA whinger, wants to get everything handed to them on a plate, whithout lifting a finger...!!
However.. To do the distance learning course, its around £2000 when bought as a package + £480 in exam fees.
To get an FI add on to an exsisting ICAO Flight instructor rating will cost aprroximately £4500.
And obviously there wont be as many jobs in the UK as ther is in the U.S...
Now if you want I can also sit the exams for you
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Pennsylvania, USA
Age: 57
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Controller- I have gone the way of your last paragraph, GOM, Alaska etc.
I would like to return home to the UK and fly, but to be honest I don't want to undertake the JAA exams,getting to old for all that studying now, I hold an FAA ATP. I will admit I am one of the guys waiting for rule changes and are trying to avoid the hoop jumping. Until then I will stay in the US, somehow I can never see the rules changing, but I still enjoy working here.
Great thread....
I would like to return home to the UK and fly, but to be honest I don't want to undertake the JAA exams,getting to old for all that studying now, I hold an FAA ATP. I will admit I am one of the guys waiting for rule changes and are trying to avoid the hoop jumping. Until then I will stay in the US, somehow I can never see the rules changing, but I still enjoy working here.
Great thread....
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: UK
Posts: 5,197
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
For information:
The extensive (and expensive) process pilots who are already CPLs are required to go through if they wish to obtain a JAA CPL are set out here: Converting to JAA.
autosync
It would help the discussion if you could express your opinions without being so offensive to other contributors, and about those who don't hold JAA qualifications which for some reason you rate so highly. (ie The overwhelming majority of the world's professional pilots.)
Heliport
The extensive (and expensive) process pilots who are already CPLs are required to go through if they wish to obtain a JAA CPL are set out here: Converting to JAA.
autosync
It would help the discussion if you could express your opinions without being so offensive to other contributors, and about those who don't hold JAA qualifications which for some reason you rate so highly. (ie The overwhelming majority of the world's professional pilots.)
Heliport
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: N2832W8100
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Heliport
autosync
It would help the discussion if you could express your opinions without being so offensive to other contributors, and about those who don't hold JAA qualifications which for some reason you rate so highly. (ie The overwhelming majority of the world's professional pilots.)
Heliport
It would help the discussion if you could express your opinions without being so offensive to other contributors, and about those who don't hold JAA qualifications which for some reason you rate so highly. (ie The overwhelming majority of the world's professional pilots.)
Heliport
Heliport that is Piss Poor Moderating....
I was clearly being patronised..
And you seem to be implying that I have a problem with pilots trained under different authorities, I'll tell you right now, I don't.
If i was to fly in their country I would fly under their rules and not go crying because there styles and rules are different to mine!
However Clearly the pilots involved in this discussion have a chip on their shoulder about pilots flying under the JAA system.
If the arguement is upsetting you, you may aswell close the thread and we can start a new one and only talk about all of the cons in the JAR system.
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Belgium
Age: 60
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
So it seems this thread comes to an end.
The conclusion seems to be: because of the need to get a JAA license, Brits fly in other countries outside Europe (JAA).
So if JAA would accept FAA, the Brits come home. I don't think there would be a problem with Americans coming to the UK.
The conclusion seems to be: because of the need to get a JAA license, Brits fly in other countries outside Europe (JAA).
So if JAA would accept FAA, the Brits come home. I don't think there would be a problem with Americans coming to the UK.
UH OH!
Forget the middle of the street at Noon....this is an invite to the Heliport Woodshed me thinks.
Hiller,
Unless the law has changed dramatically....Americans still have to get a work permit along with the licensing hoop jumping. Seems some want double indemnity protection.
Forget the middle of the street at Noon....this is an invite to the Heliport Woodshed me thinks.
Hiller,
Unless the law has changed dramatically....Americans still have to get a work permit along with the licensing hoop jumping. Seems some want double indemnity protection.
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Spain
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Maybe we can continue this just a little longer? and segue to a list of the Pro's about the JAA system....
Anyone want to intelligently defend it?
A kind of A to Z of What's right with the system!
Just a thought!
Anyone want to intelligently defend it?
A kind of A to Z of What's right with the system!
Just a thought!
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Belgium
Age: 60
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes, that's what I mean, there is no threat at all. By the way I don't see it as a threat anyway.
I think there should be no boundaries either way to be honest. Using licensing to protect it is not the way to go, but that's my opinion. I think the way it's run now really limits the growth of the helicopter industry in Europe. So that means in the long run there will be less jobs.
I think there should be no boundaries either way to be honest. Using licensing to protect it is not the way to go, but that's my opinion. I think the way it's run now really limits the growth of the helicopter industry in Europe. So that means in the long run there will be less jobs.
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: West of zero
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
autosync,
SOME intrsutors in the US are paid in excess of $100 per hour; just not the majority however. SOME instructors are instructing as a career and doing very well at it, thank you. And no, their students don't feel they are being gouged, they feel they are paying for quality.
Navigating a Constellation (well, a generic airplane to be exact) by celestial navigation along the old North Pole route was one of the exercises assigned to a colleague of mine who elected to continue his career in the UK. During the year he was studying for the JAA ATPL he had no income and did not fly, while I made a good salary, was qualified in two turbine aircraft and sling work, and flew around 600 hours. He and I started our training at about the same time.
However, as the more level-headed HillerBee pointed out, if one wants to live and ply one's trade as a helicopter pilot in the UK (or elsewhere in the JAA states) one has no choice but to jump through these hoops. I, like many others, don't want to, while others consider the aggravation excessive.
SOME intrsutors in the US are paid in excess of $100 per hour; just not the majority however. SOME instructors are instructing as a career and doing very well at it, thank you. And no, their students don't feel they are being gouged, they feel they are paying for quality.
Navigating a Constellation (well, a generic airplane to be exact) by celestial navigation along the old North Pole route was one of the exercises assigned to a colleague of mine who elected to continue his career in the UK. During the year he was studying for the JAA ATPL he had no income and did not fly, while I made a good salary, was qualified in two turbine aircraft and sling work, and flew around 600 hours. He and I started our training at about the same time.
However, as the more level-headed HillerBee pointed out, if one wants to live and ply one's trade as a helicopter pilot in the UK (or elsewhere in the JAA states) one has no choice but to jump through these hoops. I, like many others, don't want to, while others consider the aggravation excessive.
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: europe
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've refrained from entering the debate so far because it is futile. JAA is a regular punchbag, but almost exclusively by those frustrated that it is preventing them from getting their JAA licences for half the cost. But what would you all do when you get back to Europe with your fresh shiny JAA CPLs? There certainly wouldn't be any work as an instructor, your own defection abroad for training will have made sure of that... So who is going to let you loose on a twin for charter work?
There are two problems with the JAA system, theory and price. The flying aspect is pretty much the same the world over. Price is largely dictated by economies of scale and fuel (which would get worse if you snatched away the training market), and the CAA. The theory is a pain, but it is preferable to not being thorough enough. When did you last have to recall who won the Battle of Agincourt? Or explain what is meant by atomic mass? Or describe the Holy Trinity? So I take it the current schooling curiculum for our children is ridiculous? Or maybe, just maybe, it makes a more rounded adult... I know that is not quite the same, but listen to yourselves - "Noooo! You're training us too thoroughly! I want minimum effort and only things that I think will be relevant!".
Now I have heard that the Japanese licencing authorities require applicants to hover incredibly accurately for a prolonged period of time. A useful way to spend your training time? When was the last time you heard criticism of this system? Reason: there is not a large number of pilots wanting to get into the Japanese market.
I think it is fair to say that the two most regular critics of the JAA system are those trained by CASA and the FAA.
Lets look at the two systems who have a mutual dislike of JAA - under one of the systems you can become an instructor almost straight after CPL. The other you must have (IIRC) 360 hours total time, and then a 40 hour course. So, are all you Australian Instructors superior to the FAA instructors, and therefore producing a better pilot? If yes, I would be interested to hear your justifications. If no, so how do you justify 400 hours for an new instructor? Should a guy with literally half the training that CASA requires be entitled to come to Australia and be granted an instructors ticket? Yes/No?
The market is very healthy in the UK at moment. Qualified instructors are in demand, with a minimum of £40/hour for a fresh, restricted instructor. Charter pilots with experience are needed. And the North Sea Operators are hiring.
I don't think the JAA system is perfect, far from it. But
1. People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones, and
2. I think people should actually have experienced the various systems before passing comment ... rather than using the term JAA as synonimous with British so as to perpetuate their own xenophobic beliefs that the UK is a nation of handlebar-moustached wing commanders and Basil Fawlty's who haven't quite come to terms with the decline of their Empire.
This topic is never discussed objectively, it is too emotive.
There are two problems with the JAA system, theory and price. The flying aspect is pretty much the same the world over. Price is largely dictated by economies of scale and fuel (which would get worse if you snatched away the training market), and the CAA. The theory is a pain, but it is preferable to not being thorough enough. When did you last have to recall who won the Battle of Agincourt? Or explain what is meant by atomic mass? Or describe the Holy Trinity? So I take it the current schooling curiculum for our children is ridiculous? Or maybe, just maybe, it makes a more rounded adult... I know that is not quite the same, but listen to yourselves - "Noooo! You're training us too thoroughly! I want minimum effort and only things that I think will be relevant!".
Now I have heard that the Japanese licencing authorities require applicants to hover incredibly accurately for a prolonged period of time. A useful way to spend your training time? When was the last time you heard criticism of this system? Reason: there is not a large number of pilots wanting to get into the Japanese market.
I think it is fair to say that the two most regular critics of the JAA system are those trained by CASA and the FAA.
Lets look at the two systems who have a mutual dislike of JAA - under one of the systems you can become an instructor almost straight after CPL. The other you must have (IIRC) 360 hours total time, and then a 40 hour course. So, are all you Australian Instructors superior to the FAA instructors, and therefore producing a better pilot? If yes, I would be interested to hear your justifications. If no, so how do you justify 400 hours for an new instructor? Should a guy with literally half the training that CASA requires be entitled to come to Australia and be granted an instructors ticket? Yes/No?
The market is very healthy in the UK at moment. Qualified instructors are in demand, with a minimum of £40/hour for a fresh, restricted instructor. Charter pilots with experience are needed. And the North Sea Operators are hiring.
I don't think the JAA system is perfect, far from it. But
1. People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones, and
2. I think people should actually have experienced the various systems before passing comment ... rather than using the term JAA as synonimous with British so as to perpetuate their own xenophobic beliefs that the UK is a nation of handlebar-moustached wing commanders and Basil Fawlty's who haven't quite come to terms with the decline of their Empire.
This topic is never discussed objectively, it is too emotive.