Why stay?

[Scorpy]

So if one were in the Air Corps and considering all current circumstances, why would one stay if contract was no longer an issue?

Some considerations might be...

Overseas deployment

Salary with levy and projected increases in tax rate

Class A pensions

Promotional prospects

Equipment considerations

Stability of state job

Loyalty and patriotism

Workload

Flexibility

Current national financial situation

Current government situation

I would be curious to plumb the opinions of the board to see what other members think of the possibility of having a mass exodus, a mass blockage of positions and promotions or a happy medium.

[Tadpole]

I think only members still serving will be able to voice opinion on why to stay, or not, in the current DF so Ill stay out of that one but I could give you a few reasons to leave from an outside perspective:

1. Better Pay
2. Shorter working hours (Dependent on where you go)
3. World class equipment (That gets used)
4. Proper regulation which doesnt change to suit the situation
5. Having a role in life rather then meandering haplessly along
6. Having a life outside work. i.e if your off your off!
7. Appreciation when you do a good job
8. No ground appointments!
9. Better pay!

Yes it does have its down side such a job security but then again I wouldnt bet on the public service not being cut just yet.

[DeV]

The long and the short of it is there will be always those that leave, it is a requirement (to allow for promotions and not having 60 year old Captains).

At the end of the day, I'd say in the present climate not many are looking to change their jobs to get more pay (possibly have a business fold within 2 years = no redundancy) and give up job security.

[FMolloy]

What's the employment situation like for pilots on civvie street?

[Tadpole]

Employment in the Builder / Charter market has fallen through the floor. Higher end jobs flooded by highly experienced people sick of flying 'hot and high'.

If things were to go bang on you they probably would have by now. If in a somewhat secure position its still good but I wouldnt be going job hunting just yet.

[GoneToTheCanner]

The employment situation also depends on how far you are wiling to travel for work. The Irish heli work market is quite small and not very varied, whereas the USA, Canada, Britain and Oz have much bigger markets and opportunities.
regards
GttC

[Tadpole]

Doesnt really matter how far you travel. Global down turn has hit corporate and charter work very hard while the low price of oil is driving a downturn in oil based flying.
However be ready with your licence for the upturn when oil goes mad again in about 2010

[Scorpy]

You would be surprised at the amount of work out there with the right qualifications. 139 skippers in Libya, Agusta contract instructors in North Africa, SAR instructors in Valley, simulator instructors in the UK, SAR instructors in Cornwall, all with comparable rates to current Air Corps pay. The smart man would make his contacts now and wait for the offers once things pick up.

[DeV]

It isn't just the AC!

[Scorpy]

Aha! Who else?

[DeV]

Just subsitute AC for army & NS

Depending on rank many soldiers, sailors & airmen would be paying 6+ % of their wages on the public service pension levy.

There could also be redeployment due to barrack closures.

If you purchased a house to be near your home station and then the home station closed?? Eg Letterkenny to Finner is a long communte

So if one were in the Air Corps and considering all current circumstances, why would one stay if contract was no longer an issue?

Some considerations might be...

Overseas deployment

Salary with levy and projected increases in tax rate

Class A pensions

Promotional prospects

Equipment considerations

Stability of state job

Loyalty and patriotism

Workload

Flexibility

Current national financial situation

Current government situation

I would be curious to plumb the opinions of the board to see what other members think of the possibility of having a mass exodus, a mass blockage of positions and promotions or a happy medium.

[Tadpole]

Correct there is work out there, if you want to live in a s***hole. Thats not quality of life.

The UK jobs are advertised but if I were a betting man they are either long gone or flooded with CVs from people with too much sand in their hair for their liking!