Eagle Jet International / Pay to Fly

[Stephen Szikora]

There are an estimated 3 million unpaid "interns" in various industries throughout North America. Given the supply/demand curve and the perceived desirability of the job, why would it be any different for pilots? As for actually paying for the seat ... that's not unique to flying either. Almost half of the "pilots" on the Formula One circuit, supposedly the best of the sport, are in fact paying to be there.

As an aside, there are actually labour laws in some jurisdictions that are designed to prevent employer abuses. In Ontario, for example, an unpaid internship must include a program of training and cannot result in the displacement of a paid worker. The problem is that the law is not enforced.

[homesick]

I fly with a bunch of F/Os who went through the program. I posed the same issues raised by all here. In Europe it is unfortunately the predominant way to get a job on a jet.
They enjoyed the experience as a whole. Yes, Lion Air has some serious issues but they were thankful for the opportunity and experience it afforded them.
Using that as a stepping stone, they are now flying in a flag carrier on a pretty decent pay packet. Can't really fault them for their decisions.
Let's face it, it is an extremely emotional topic with valid arguments from both sides. In the end every individual decides for himself what the best course of action is for him. We can judge and debate all we want.

[CockpitSeeker]

They enjoyed the experience as a whole. Yes, Lion Air has some serious issues but they were thankful for the opportunity and experience it afforded them.

You meant:
"Lionair enjoyed the experience as a whole. Yes, pilots resorting to p2f have some serious issues but Lionair was thankful for the opportunity and experience to cash on them"
Here, fixed it for you.
Your reverse thinking is what's gotten us into this mess.

Using that as a stepping stone, they are now flying in a flag carrier on a pretty decent pay packet. Can't really fault them for their decisions.

Meaning the interests of the few are an ok excuse to destroy the interests of a profession?
That's BS. Plus already mentionned anyway.

Let's face it, it is an extremely emotional topic with valid arguments from both sides. In the end every individual decides for himself what the best course of action is for him. We can judge and debate all we want.

Valid arguments from both sides?
Blatant disregard for all that has been said above (if you even have read it all).
No need to "judge and debate", p2f is plain WRONG no matter how you flip it.

Worth mentionning, a European petition is asking for legislation on this:
https://secure.avaaz.org/fr/petition/p2f_must_stop/

Worth seing, French national TV (eng subs included):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsQIqv1PfTM
and Swiss TV:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tAFHdM6W2E
were all over it.

The ECA (European Cockpit Association) is set to discuss its support to the petition along with the destruction of the practice in its 21-22 Oct. meeting...
I'll be telling more if that's of interest to anyone here