Originally Posted by
shamrok
Whats the difference between 600 hrs. and 1000hrs.? Nothing, theres no reason why a first officer shouldnt be allowed to learn the ropes just like in every profession. Seriously, if your good enough to make it through all your ratings, maybe instructing, then you have what it takes, I am sick of some of these guys thinking they are KING OF PILOTS. NCD here and I made it to the regionals with low, low time(No College Degree) hence NCD and at age 35 while working full time and raising a baby through my flight training. My point is if your good, you belong and if not then go drive a truck. Flying is not rocket science. Actually its quite easy.
I think most of us agree that flying is easy. Getting in the 'ol 172 is like getting in my car. The part that is not easy to get is the experience...it takes time. And what does experience give you?...safety. You know what to do, when crap hits the fan.
The whole debate about 250-500 hr wonder kids in the cockpit is not a question about whether they can pass training, or even perform their routine job satisfactorily. I'm sure they can. The question is what will happen if an emergency arises, and the captain is extremely overwhelmed.
The good news is that after a bit flying (6months, a year, a year and a half?) on a CRJ, ERJ, or whatever theyre in, hopefully they know the plane well enough to be prepared for that situation.