Originally Posted by
FailOperational
how about you do like we did back in the late 80's and get 3000TT before a $15/hr commuter hires you? that's what's wrong with aviation today, it's kids who think they're entitled to a job with 400 hours in their logbook... This is why we've got jobs that pay nothing today... nobody wants to pay their dues. And what used to be a dues paying job is now called a "regional" airline and even "major" airline..
Pay their dues... This phrase comes up so much. How about using the term gain experience.
I do not agree with a petition, BUT I do not totally agree with the new ATP rule by any means. But it does have its pro's.
You can call me the brat that went to the Academy and didn't pay for my training all you want. Reason being is because you don't know MY story.
The thing is which I think is a hamper on us low-timers is due to the fact of lack of entry level positions in this industry.
There are countless amounts of individuals that went the traditional route of getting their CFI shortly after getting their commercial licenses. Why? To gain experience. But honestly, as a CFI, II, MEI. You're just learning the BASICS to flying in the aviation world. Your repeating the same things OVER and OVER again. Yes, you ARE getting experience, but for crying out loud most aviation schools are in the south in sunny Florida. Try flying into Fargo or the New England states in the dead of winter with winds howling and snow blowing. We learn about icing and the causes and effects of it, but we don't ever fly through it. We get our instrument rating with barely flying a lick of actual instrument. When do we learn this? When we start flying into the real world of aviation.
My question is, how much "real world" experience are you getting with doing these constant flight school maneuvers over and over again? Especially while doing them in the atmosphere these CFI's are training their students. The only time I couldn't fly was because of the winds in Florida. Other than that I think my time at the academy I cancelled a total of 5 times due to WX.
My other gripe is the fact that a good 90-95% of the people in this industry think we must go the CFI route in order to gain those precious hours.
Aside from being a banner tower, pipeline control, and jump pilot (such as myself) there aren't many other options to get those hours. There is a lack of entry level positions to get into this industry and not everybody is meant to be a teacher in life.
I personally think I've gained more experience in my 182 flying jumpers out with 4 people hanging off the wing then If I were instructing somebody on how to accomplish steep turns. I push my aircraft to the limit everyday, and I've learned something new everyday.
People see things so black and white and have no regard for the big picture for us little guys trying to get into the game still. I think they could cut a little slack for the folks trying to get in the regionals. 1500 hours plus an ATP is like expecting me to fly straight like an arrow the first time I fly an RJ. It's not going to happen.
I will put in my time, I have no problem with that. I don't expect to be on top right away . But the road to get to the top is extremely narrow due to lack of options. I think a 500TT Req would suffice, If I didn't have my entry level job, I'd still have to find one, but the process wouldn't be so grueling and I would still have experience under my belt. I hope folks can read understand the argument with valid facts that are being made in this post. G'day