PFT - not really the issue!
I think PFT is an issue that each individual has to deal with on their own. I regret that there seems to be great anymosity in the aviation industry right now, because other fields, a great number of other fields require you to have certain qualifications to apply - And if they don't require it, than it seems plainly simple to me that it is in your own best interest to become "best qualified". I am sorry that some people can't afford to "buy" a job. I can't either, and mom and dad are not an option, except for a good meal on the way.
So, in my eyes, dealing with PFT is a "caution" I would have to deal with. I am by no means decided on GIA or FSI/ASA or any other PFT program and I'm actively researching 135 or freight type stuff to build my multi-time. But I surely won't rule out a PFT program primarily due to one's anymosity towards the fact that I can obtain a stuent loan and have the VA pay 60% back. I agree that that may seem harsh - I'm not crossing a picket line. I am not settling for a job and pay that is substandard which in turn undermines the industry. If the GIA or FSI's ASA program, or any other PFT program is unsafe, then the FAA needs to get involved and change the fact that 135 mins are higher than 121 as far as flying experience and investigate these programs. But since the programs are either graduating fair enough pilots or weeding the poorer ones out - they are working as advertised... A cheap way for a company to obtain the skilled labor they require... This sucks, I agree... But I am supposed to start out towing a banner in a 172 for virtually nothing in pay or should I risk pissing off a few people that are neither paying my bills or feeding my family?
I'll continue to network and look for multi jobs that pay me to learn and earn. But I am still way too unclear as to the anymosity towards a PFT'er. I'm not looking for a fight - I just really want to better understand this PFT gripe. Every industry out there deals with this and people either put up the $$$ for what's necessary or settle for less of a job. I might not put up the money in this case because it may be allowing a company to keep students in full time slots - not because it may give me an "unfair" advantage!
Fly safe and keep the dirty side down, mostly!
I think PFT is an issue that each individual has to deal with on their own. I regret that there seems to be great anymosity in the aviation industry right now, because other fields, a great number of other fields require you to have certain qualifications to apply - And if they don't require it, than it seems plainly simple to me that it is in your own best interest to become "best qualified". I am sorry that some people can't afford to "buy" a job. I can't either, and mom and dad are not an option, except for a good meal on the way.
So, in my eyes, dealing with PFT is a "caution" I would have to deal with. I am by no means decided on GIA or FSI/ASA or any other PFT program and I'm actively researching 135 or freight type stuff to build my multi-time. But I surely won't rule out a PFT program primarily due to one's anymosity towards the fact that I can obtain a stuent loan and have the VA pay 60% back. I agree that that may seem harsh - I'm not crossing a picket line. I am not settling for a job and pay that is substandard which in turn undermines the industry. If the GIA or FSI's ASA program, or any other PFT program is unsafe, then the FAA needs to get involved and change the fact that 135 mins are higher than 121 as far as flying experience and investigate these programs. But since the programs are either graduating fair enough pilots or weeding the poorer ones out - they are working as advertised... A cheap way for a company to obtain the skilled labor they require... This sucks, I agree... But I am supposed to start out towing a banner in a 172 for virtually nothing in pay or should I risk pissing off a few people that are neither paying my bills or feeding my family?
I'll continue to network and look for multi jobs that pay me to learn and earn. But I am still way too unclear as to the anymosity towards a PFT'er. I'm not looking for a fight - I just really want to better understand this PFT gripe. Every industry out there deals with this and people either put up the $$$ for what's necessary or settle for less of a job. I might not put up the money in this case because it may be allowing a company to keep students in full time slots - not because it may give me an "unfair" advantage!
Fly safe and keep the dirty side down, mostly!