Scudrunners

Time to post another question to get some action here.


On the subject of hiring bonds what are your opinions?

I wish training bonds were a standard in my industry

Bonds and usually slanted 100% in favour of the employer and are just plain slave labour in most cases. I understand the history and maybe a group of whores and prostitutes deserve what they get. One does not need to sign in the first place but it's difficult for the industry virgins not to. On the other hand a fair and equal contract would be perfect. Give the pilot some exits for scary operators who are pushing wx and overloading aircraft. I'm sure that such conditions would cancel any bond but the virgins refuse to rock the boat because they are shit scared of a bad recommendation or being torpedoed by a petty asshole.


I don't use bonds and try and adapt through working conditions and planning. The experience levels are dropping but foresight and planning usually will keep things running. The most difficult thing to deal with is the hiring process that Jazz and encore use. Interviews, sim evals which carry on over 2 months is a real pain when you are running close to the bone. The calls from JAZZ HR -- fuck me -- give me a break -- I don't have time to answer stupid questions, just fucking hire the guy so I can move on. I need firm dates not this "in the next 3 months" shit.


I don't think training bonds in the present format help. Operators seem to forget that a pissed off pilot can cost you far more in the long run. You will be getting it up the ass and not even know it for a long time. The only way to fight a pushy operator with a bond is work to rule.

Its tough out there for operators even the good ones, pilots jump ship as soon as they can check a box at some airline. Unfortunately  the way things are going in the industry I think your going to see more. Operators both good and bad want a return on their investment in your training.

Training, particularly good training, is an expensive item for an operator.
The majors have a huge advantage as they have relatively little turnover, and a high pilot utilization.



The 702/703/704/604 folks however typically have higher and higher turnover rates, and lower pilot utilization.
And despite, the pay me more and treat me better crys, pilots will pretty much always chase metal.. 
Couple this with many of the new pilots today , it being their first real job, and , unfortunately bonds have become necessary.


As to bad working conditions.  It is amusing to me that a pilot will work at one of these terrible companies until they get the call to the big show, and quit......and then try to wiggle out of their bond commitment due to dangerous and unsafe practices.
Virtually all companies have SMS available.  Documentation is a key to unsafe conditions......before the call for the next groundschool comes.


It is a bit sad that the majors do not make an effort to support the industry by refusing to hire people who will jump their bond. 


But alas, Chuck...in this day and age bonds are a necessity. 

Yes they are.


In the era we worked in our word was our bond.


And the hiring and training process was way more simple.


Training was determined by the Chief Pilot and so was the hiring of new pilots.

Delayed compensation is used elsewhere quite effectively.

Yes, kinda like this really shitty wage you would get your first few years at Air Canada.
But nobody seems to see that...