[Non unionized professional pilots in Québec : from myth to real.]

In this article, the working conditions of 875 non syndicated professional pilots who work on small third class airline companies are analysed. This research was made on behalf of the pilots themselves through the intermediary of the Association of the Air People of Quebec. First, a socio-demographic profile of this masculine man power is outlined, made of young and low income persons. Emphasis is put on the working characteristics that are risk factors for health and security and on sources of stress for the pilots which are: the seasonal peaks, recurrent unemployment, remuneration by the volume of work done, un-sufficient rest, the employer's threats, the deficient state of the airplanes. It is also shown that certain symptoms are present in these workers: a general fatigue, headaches and insomnia. Lastly, their perception of their work and the satisfaction gained from it is presented.