LoCos and the Reserve Forces
 

Can anyone tell me how carriers such as EZY and RYR view pilots who are also in the Reserve Forces (TA, RNR, RAuxAF, etc)?
Do you know if they have Reserve Forces policies in place?

Cheers

wg100

As an RNR member I know a couple of EZY pilots who are members of the RNR (air branch), no idea about RYR though (doubt it somehow though).

Hope that helps

The IAA do not allow non commercial flying to be kept separate from commercial flying, hence all RYR pilots are limited to 900hrs total of any flying in a year.

Because we work to the 900hr limit this precludes any other flying outside of work.

The CP is trying to get this changed so that we can fly light aircraft in our free time.

What a weird rule , so your not allowed to fly your super-cub around then ?:confused:

Correct. IAA rule tho, not RYR.

Pilot / RAF Regt Auxillary
 

Does anybody have any experience regarding an Airlines general attitude to pilots becoming members of the reserve forces? I have a selection weekend coming up for my old Regiment as a reservist an I would be interested in hearing from any pilots currently serving in the reserve forces particularly as the chances of becoming mobilised for long periods are now greater than ever.

I am in the AF reserves as well but have not broached this subject with my LoCo carrier for fear of the answer. So far my small duty stints have had no impact on my employer. I believe I could take unpaid leave for a short while, let's say up to 60days but anything more than that, I think I would be fired. It is a gamble, I'm just hoping there is no activation in the near future...

Lifter

Have a friend who was an eayJet FO and also a reservist Comando. He did a 6 month stint in Iraq during his time with EZ an I believe they were supportive in giving him the time off.

I thought it was a legal requirement for a UK employer to release reserve force employees and hold the job open until they are returned.

Not 100% sure but my employer for example allows a certain period per year paid leave for reserve comitments and a further unpaid period should you require longer periods. Obviously HM picks up the pay bill if your called.

Whilst UK employers have a legal obligation regarding the releasing of their employees for duties with the armed forces I wonder if this differs for pilots? For instance if you were mobilised for what could now be up to a year, we would be unable to simply return to our duties in the LH/RH seat without additional training, this would be both costly and time consuming from an Airlines point of view, not to mention the disruption caused by our absence. Unlike Doctors, Nurses and other medical staff who when mobilised would most probably be employed in their respective civilian roles it is most unlikely that we as pilots would be employed as such unless of course we were ex military pilots who had left full time service recently.
Like most of us it's taken me a lot of time effort and money to get to where I am today and whilst I'm keen to join the Auxillaries if it could cost me my career I would have to reconsider.

Iwas a reservist for many years before becoming a pilot. Served with Int Corps and 21SAS even did a regular attachment but even with the Ryanair shift pattern 5 on 4 off I couldn’t make the training nights/weekends on a regular enough basis to make it work, especially with other family commitments. I am still a regular army reserve officer (RARO) though. In the unlikely circumstance that I am called up I will address the problem with the company then. If you are young and single you might just make it work if you have an understanding C.O. as well as an understanding employer.

RichT,
Do you mean 21 saturdays and sundays?
I wasnt on the Iranian embassy job but know 2000 men who were.:ok:

Im only havin S.T.A.B.:}

bb I know you are only having a pop but I have served both regular and t.a. and proud to have served with both. Lets not forget that several of those killed this year have been "STABs".

Well taken that man.:ok:

I wasn't on the Iranian embassy job either, but know one who actually WAS :ok:

I'm also a RARO but having left the UK in protest at the whole Iraq saga I'm very pleased not to have to raise the issue with my employer!

Love and peace!

KT

:)

My understanding is that your employer has to release you for service if you are called up as either a TA or reservist. however there is also an obligation on your part to inform your employer.
If you are thinking of joining remember there is a commitment both in terms of initial training and annual comitment (Potentially 2 X 2 week blocks plus all the weekend and weakday eavnings sessions) This may conflict with your roster, life style and significant other.:mad:
Check with your local unit as to what they think is the minimum your employer has to provide and check with them to see what their actual policy is.
Being a non uk company ryanair may fall outwith any statutary requirements.
Going from TA to RARO means you can resign at any time and slope off!:O

...then of course there is nationally recruited TA - a bit more flexible than regionally recruited TA - but they tend to be mostly corps (loggie, Engineers, REME etc).

For these the "minimum" commitment (depending where you are) is 19 days (a 2 week ADE and 2 weekends).

.......And you have the same chance of mobilisation ........

I don't see why you wouldn't be able to fly privately when working for RYR.
Be creative...:}