Comments on: Support Us

By: Ted Murphy

Ted Murphy — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:02:02 +0000

As an airline pilot who ( many years ago) got into the industry through an airline funded ab-initio cadet scheme, I am very concious of the fact that there is a huge body of talent out there among our young people who will never get the opportunity to become productive and safe airline pilots because they or their parents cannot afford the exhorbitant cost and committments required to get a license. It is not only patently unfair and unjust but is denying the industry the full range of talents that are available to ensure continued growth and safety.

I fully support this campaign.

By: Benny J

Benny J — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 20:36:09 +0000

I do wish you all the best for the campagin and you have my support.

By: Benny J

Benny J — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 20:27:40 +0000

Guys, the dream is to be a pilot – and its a great job. I was guilty of this when I sat down infront of my HSBC branch manager in 2002 asking for 60k. As long as we exist airlines will continue to exploit us and pilot terms and conditions will slowly be eroded.
Until the illusion of 100k/year salaries, lavish hotels, cushty rosters and word wide travel is broken I would be suprised if anything changes!

By: Joe

Joe — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 22:46:08 +0000

The doctor analogy is right, there should be no difference if you’re willing to work hard enough.

By: Jonny Smith

Jonny Smith — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 21:56:06 +0000

Couldn’t agree more, great work

By: Luc Raemo

Luc Raemo — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 05:39:19 +0000

I fully support this cause as I just finished my pilot training and have gone through the same situation.

By: Ryan McPherson

Ryan McPherson — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 20:04:45 +0000

I fully support the cause to making flight training more equal for all. I hope you are campainging for Helicopter pilots too where the costs are well over £100K to become employable.

By: ken & linda fowler

ken & linda fowler — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 18:33:49 +0000

This cause should be supported to the hilt,we have just read the article in The Log,and after reading Jane & peters story it was almost as if my wife and i had written it.our son also trained at FTE,we went through the re-mortgage situation etc,to help him realise his dream,he was fortunate to be given employment with BA Cityflyer as soon as he left FTE so he never spent any time unemployed he is still there,and loving his job.We too went through our local MP to see if there was any help available but no joy.When flight training news,came through the post ,when reading Lembit Opik’s Wings Over Westminster did on occasions cause a bit of teeth grinding.These flight training students :are what it says on the tin;STUDENTS and should be given the same benefits as every other student.
WE SUPPORT THE CASE OF FINANCIAL HELP FOR FLIGHT TRAINING STUDENTS.ps after finishing training a few months later our son recieved a letter asking him for NI contributions for the time he was in spain doing his training.GRRRRR.

By: Adam Truran

Adam Truran — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 18:04:05 +0000

It’s great to hear of this campaign. Myself, an aspiring pilot, has come through many stressful phases during my training to date. With banks reluctant to give out loans to trainee pilots, and some parents unable to help with securing such loans, I was interested to read of this campaign. Last year I wrote to Gordon Brown telling him of my situation with regards to flight training and the costs involved. I did receive a reply from him, but only telling me that a certain department would be in contact with me. I still as yet await to hear from them.
I give my full support and hope the Government take note. All the best to you and all aspiring pilots out there!

By: Stephanie Constantinou

Stephanie Constantinou — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 09:11:36 +0000

As a parent of a student currently training for his APTL, I am well aware of the financial commitment parents have to undertake to support their sons & daughters in their chosen career. My son is lucky that we are able and prepared to support him. At a time of recession, many like us are re mortgaging their homes to provide finance, we should not be put in such a position and neither should our son have to repay such a huge debt at the start of his working life

It’s a cruel and unfair system that denies young people the opportunity to follow their chosen profession. Yes they can join the RAF but this means putting their lives on the line at a time when the country is at war and not an option they should be forced into taking.

With fierce competition in the aviation industry and without government assistance, the reality is that airlines will not resume their responsibility for training. Which other industry can you think of which would charge £30K+ for a type rating which is essential for the job, then only give a 6 month contract!

I’ll be happy to help to push the campaign further.