Originally Posted by
wrxpilot
This is such a strange argument, with people picking extremes to rationalize an argument. It's like saying I know a guy that didn't even graduate high school, and is extremely rich. But I also know a guy with a graduate degree, and is waiting tables and Denny's. Therefore, going to college is a waste of time. In other words, the exception does not make the rule.
Sure, there are high time guys that suck. There are also low time guys that are awesome. But for the most part, pilots with more experience (especially if it is varied), are going to be significantly more prepared for airline training and flying the line.
Don't misunderstand me. I'm not against raising the bar of entry to the airlines. I'm just saying that a metric of just hours does not necessarily equate to quality. When I flew in Europe I was hired with far fewer hours than is normal in the US and this is probably why I say it's OK. But there is no question at all that I look back with horror at how great I thought I was and how sucky I really was.
I guess I don't know what to say. The ATP requirement, if/when it ever happens, is not a bad thing. But it may also have unintended consequences. There WILL be a need for pilots in this country in great numbers over the next 10 years and the traditional path of instructing, flying Barons at night, etc. will not produce the thousands of pilots needed. I fear what the airlines will try to do if there is a shortage of qualified pilots to fill seats - contract pilots from outside the US? Don't say it can't happen. Other parts of the world do it all the time.