This thread has drifted a bit from QX hiring, eh?

I don't see any qualitative difference in the knowledge or skills required to fly a C172 vs. an airliner and I believe we can safely characterize both as "flying". There is overlap in the body of knowledge required for each type of operation and there is some specific knowledge required in each operation. I think we're all aware that the same physical principles apply to flying any aircraft. The better our understanding of (and feel for) those physical principles, the better we will perform with our particular aircraft. Individual experience and ability will vary, but I submit that the skills required are the same.

I'm not saying that any airliner pilot can safely jump into a C172 or vice-versa. It depends on the individual's training, background and recency. I think my own personal journey of the last 4 years offers some insights: thanks to furlough I've recently flown B767 (both seats), Tri-Pacer (VFR) , Bonanza, Navajo, King Air (single-pilot IFR) and B737 (both seats)... in that order. My experience is that the decision making process is the same, but there's a difference in degree and the tools at your disposal. Some flights involve more decisions than others at both ends of the spectrum. IE: A B737 flight SEA-BOI may involve fewer decisions than a C172 flight SAN-SFO... and a B737 flight HKG-DLC typically involves quite a few more than a C172 flight between uncontrolled airports on a nice day.

Not to blow my horn but just to establish some credibility, I spent my first 3500 hours flying many Cessna, Piper & de Havilland types in bush Alaska. I've always believed that the experience developed my hand flying skills a bit. I'm very glad that I don't have to use those hand flying skills for 80 hours every month in the B737--I'm getting too old for that much work. But I recently flew three NDB approaches to a certain Pacific island runway (7000 x 100') in the rain with no VASI, crosswind gusting to 25 knots and wind at 200 feet showing 45 knots. It struck me that I used a little bit of that old hand-flying skill. I'm not sure I would describe it as "fun", but it was satisfying as always to get folks safely to their destination.

Bottom line, I believe it's a bit silly (and pointless) to say that operating light aircraft is "flying" and operating an airliner is not. Likewise, I would say that it is a bit ridiculous to quibble over which is "harder". Operating any aircraft requires conscientious effort and attention to detail. An individual who does not recognize that should not be at the controls of either.