Originally Posted by
ForeverFO
All I'm saying with the currency thing is that there are a lot of qualified pilots out there, and a pilot who has been out of the game for a long time is going to be less desirable than one who is recent and current. It's an extremely competitive market for the few better positions that are available right now.
That's a fair statement.
Originally Posted by
ForeverFO
That's the kind of story they'd like to hear in an interview.
Don't misunderstand me... fighter guys are desirable because they have shown that they have the leadership skills and decision-making ability to make the transition, and do so with relative ease. But that skill set is a bit different.
A fighter lead is very used to doing everything on his own, while simultaneously leading others, being directive, and making decisions for the group. These are useful and powerful skills. But they bear little resemblance to what is so heavily emphasized in a Bus or 7X7 cockpit, whereby the CA directs, the FO provides useful input, and both divide the tasks to accomplish a goal, like dealing with a complex emergency or coordinating a divert with bad wx and diminishing fuel.
...
I think your statement there is a little bit on the "old school" side. Yes lead does all that but there is a lot more coordination going on with datalink and other other "cooperative" systems. Not saying things have changed completely, but we've come a long way from #2 only saying "toop, bingo, and lead you're on fire".
Your statement about dealing with a complex emergency or coordinating a divert with bad wx and diminishing fuel is exactly what CRM means in a fighter flight too, to a "T"... the only difference in that comm is happening over the radio instead of mouth to ear (and that only makes it more difficult/impressive IMO) and that was my story too.
I guess if I ever find myself in an interview I should have a few of those ready.