Involuntary Servitude

[enigma]

Do we vilify the pilots? Or the management that sets the rules the pilots must follow?

Contrary to the logic of people like Chief "we have the rifle in custody" Moose, it IS appropriate to blame the responsible person. Not one person who bought a job did so because FSI, etc, shanghi-ed them. They all made a unforced, conscious decision to pay for the position. Without the presence of such gullible persons, PFT would have died the same quick death that any other product with no demand dies. It is our fault, not managment. There are plenty of other things to blame management for.

I forgive the PFT'rs, except for the ones who continually attempt to show us all that they were justified, because most of them were fooled/misled. This is a very small community and getting valid information is just about impossible. Especially before the advent of the internet. The slick advertising, and misleading statements of people such as AirInc/FAPA/FSI/etc, fooled people into thinking that buying a job was the same as buying their commercial multi. Without a ready source of truth to refute those people, PFT flourished. I truly believe that most who bought a job did so without realizing that the FAA required the airlines to provide the training whether the newbie paid for it or not.

So, I forgive them.

However, I am willing to invest my valuable time responding to this issue. I do so not to demonize those who made mistakes, but to educate others so that they don't make the same mistake.

regards,
8N

 

[TurboS7]

The company I fly for makes the new hires sign a three year agreement to hang around. If you leave early then the agreement states that you may "buy yourself out". While you are in training you are paid, that is not PFT. PFT is I have 20K put me in a seat and I will pay for all the cost.

 

[bobbysamd]

Originally posted by enigma I forgive the PFT'rs, except for the ones who continually attempt to show us all that they were justified, because most of them were fooled/misled. This is a very small community and getting valid information is just about impossible. Especially before the advent of the internet. The slick advertising, and misleading statements of people such as AirInc/FAPA/FSI/etc, fooled people into thinking that buying a job was the same as buying their commercial multi. Without a ready source of truth to refute those people, PFT flourished. I truly believe that most who bought a job did so without realizing that the FAA required the airlines to provide the training whether the newbie paid for it or not.

(emphasis added)

Very perceptive comments, Mr. 8N.

I wish there would have been internet twelve years ago (I know there was; it just wasn't available to the public at large). So many pilots make important life and career-altering decisions on the basis of rumor, speculation and incomplete and/or inaccurate information. In those days, factual information was virtually impossible to come by. I am sure pilots still make important life and career-altering decisions on the basis of rumor, speculation and incomplete and/or inaccurate information, but with information more readily available and such things as internet aviation message boards to discuss these matters and get opinions, it should be easier to make an informed decision.

Also, what's done is done. You cannot unring the bell. But, we can at least give those who consider P-F-T or pay-for-interview, etc., some food for thought.

 

[Brother Francis]

For the record

I was not PFT, nor am I a defender of same.

The post to which I referred pointed out the individual's reported decision and his reasoning. I was neither judging or defending.

I do not disagree that PFT was a scourge and it had the effect of undermining the hard work and trials we all went through to get where we are.