Originally Posted by SkyHigh

The First Officer is a superfluous entity on the flight deck that is there to serve as a redundant system and to build experience. Procedures and busy work are created for the FO to remain invested in the flight but the position is otherwise unnecessary. Just ask any single pilot IFR night Piper Seneca cargo pilot. Two pilots especially in a modern fully automated jet airplane are not needed. One usually spends his time sitting on his hands with a blank stare out the window.

My point is that regional airlines only require a meat sack to fill the right seat that meets the FAA minimums. Until now the only reason for the experience requirement was to cut down the number of applicants.

It is better to have a pilot with only airline experience from day one. Their expecatations will be low and they will not be confused by outside information.

SkyHigh