I'm not saying you're wrong, but a fat stack of applicants and large class sizes helps cover up the problem

 

How many of the loan takers have left so far?

 

That would be my question as well in addition to how many have actually taken it? We could just be seeing the pre bonus new hires leaving still. Only ALPA and Company are privy to that data.

 

If true in my best NEO voice, “Whoa.” Where would you get this info from?

How many applicants are accepted and in the process? What’s the success rate?

 

FYI. Most of these applicants don’t even hold a private pilot certificate.

 

Purely speculating based on heresay, no one with the intention of leaving is taking the offer. The union reps are telling pilots in ground school to put the money in a high yield account ASAP so that they at least break even if they decide to leave before their contract is up. Given that the payback isn’t even prorated — meaning they’re on the hook for the full amount for 3 years — no one I know has taken the money. I was a pre bonus hire and I’m not even mad about it, knowing the stipulations. I don’t currently intend to leave but I’d rather have the freedom to consider other offers if I change my mind in the next three years.

The cadets are the ones with limited options, but if this is your first 121 job you really don’t know much about the industry and 3 years is a short commitment for a college kid born in the 2000s, so it’s not a bad deal for them. Everyone with an unrestricted ATP and some regional experience ought to be savvy enough to stay out of the trap.

 

Wasn't the loan just an attempt by the company to keep pilots coming in and staying until we start negotiating? Since there really isn't any way to increase rates or anything without going through the legal process? Giving out loans is a lot easier.

 

Oh I have no doubt about that considering how many FAs I talk to that are in the application process.

Im so far removed from primary training I barely have a grasp on the “new” ATP rules regarding the sims much less RATP and what is involved with the cadet programs. I guess I could google it. Nah.