Originally Posted by iahflyr

I would like to see the pilot profession do away with the seniority system altogether. Pilots should be hired and promoted based on their ability and not solely on how long they have been with the company. I've flown with some captains who have no business being PIC's and I've flown with some FO's who are better than most the captains I have ever flown with.

Events such as safety violations, hard landings, or other problems should be marks on your record and a reason for the company to put a higher performing pilot ahead of you in terms of responsibility. When you get laid off from an airline, you shouldn't have to start at the bottom making crap despite your vast experience. Captains should be able to be hired off the street if their experience and ability merits it. This would eliminate a lot of the "pay your dues" philosophy. Work harder and be a better pilot and you should be promoted faster.

Almost every other professional industry in the world does it this way. Why do we need to be different?