Many years ago Delta's school house was much better too. We had very experienced former mechanics who were the ground school instructors, they taught you the aircraft systems. Then you took a test/oral, then you got into the CPT's for a week, then you went to the sim for 8 rides, where line Captains were the IP's. A normal training footprint was about 5-6 weeks to go from one aircraft to another.

But over the years, with every 'economic downturn' and financial setback, they cut/cut/cut training, to what we have left today; systems you learn at home on your days off, or on your laptop on your layover, and F/O IP's, or DGS IP's, who are usually retired pilots. What's the footprint today, about 3 weeks?

Their testing philosophy has also changed over the years. Now, instead of expecting us to be able to 'build the airplane', they just want you to know what you need to know to fly the airplane, not to rebuild it in flight.