Originally Posted by
bcrosier
Addendum:
I just read another thread that provides a great example of what I am talking about experience wise:
http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/fl...ml#post1232558
You won't have experiences like this in a well run 141 flight school, but you need to face challenges such as this (there are myriad other examples, this is but one) for yourself to really "own" them and make them a part of your experience and character as a pilot.
Also, today is the 23rd anniversary of UAL232. I would submit that pilots such at Capt. Al Haynes, Dennis Fitch, and Chesley Sullenberger didn't cut corners and end up with the experience they had to accomplish what they did. Granted, the zero-to-hero model didn't exist when they were up and coming pilots, but that in no way diminishes the point.
Out of curiosity, can you think of an example of an emergency situation where one or more of the pilots did come from a aviation university background? Unless you have specific evidence, it's probably a bit inaccurate to say that pilots who come from the education background you're mentioning "cut corners," and to imply that they may not be as prepared for an emergency situation as they should be.
Also, by the way, ERAU and places like that have never been considered and aren't "zero to hero" schools. That's what places like "All ATPs" are. ERAU gets you to Commercial w/ multi and instrument, and then it's up to you to build those hours.