Originally Posted by
SLpilot
The airlines are not going to make the mins 500/50 if they think they are going to risk safety. They might need pilots, but just because somebody is at the mins doesn't mean they are unqualified as a pilot. People learn and absorb information differently. I don't think saying that someone with 500 hours is completly unqualified. They might not have the hours of people that got jobs a few years ago, but times change, and they will keep changing, so just stop complaining until something happens. I expect to be flamed or somewhat bashed on for this.
I agree. I would think it would depend on the type of flying one did, not necessarily the amount of time. I have 1200 tt, 100 multi. Most of my time is in my A36 bonanza, cross country time, almost always file IFR. I have a lot of single pilot actual IFR experience, flying arrival and departure procedures in an out of Bravo and Charlie airspace. I have learned a lot by flying in the "system". I think I am probably more prepared than someone towing banners, or doing touch and goes with students in the left seat. Though I understand pilots have to do what every it takes to build time, and I am sure CFI's gain experience and knowledge that is priceless by instructing.