Originally Posted by
RamenNoodles
I think he is correct in saying majors are safer than regionals. It may not be a huge margin, but consider that regionals operate up to 7 legs a day, and statistically, the most dangerous part of any given flight is the approach and landing. By operating more take-offs and landings per day, your safety margin is decreased by a given percentage.
Also consider the flight crews of regionals. We have extremely low-time pilots operating jets in a fast paced, multiple leg, quick turn environment. This type of environment, along with low pay, can also degrade crew morale and easily lead to fatigue and complacency issues.
Its also been my experience that regional crews are slightly less professional than crews at majors. While this is largely based on the individual crew, I've seen more questionable practices on regionals' jumpseats than on majors'.
I'm not trying to degrade the regionals. There are many regional pilots that are tremendously competent and professional, but from a pure statistics standpoint, Sully is correct.
I work for a regional, and I can agree. Our duty times are longer, overnights shorter, and days off less. This leads to increased fatigue.
Second, flight experience is lower at a regional. If you get hired at a major, then you probably have several thousand hours experience in a jet flying in all conditions. Even with the 1500 hour rule, at a regional you will get new hires that have all their time in a 172 making trips around the pattern. Majors will always have pilots with more experience.
Last, the regionals are all about cost, so all you get is the minimum amount of training and sim sessions required by the FAA. Nothing extra whatsoever.
Despite being employed by a regional, I can agree that the majors are safer.