Mr. Squak,

YOu may be in the minority, but you are making good decision to finish atleast your CFI. Pilot in command experience is extremely important when you upgrade at the regionals. No offense to the guys that go at 250 hrs but I believe you will be a better Captain with that experience. A 250 hr pilot has only the experience he got competing his initial ratings and will be behind the curve for awhile if they go straight to the regionals. You will have the experience of training someone with no experience to a private pilot or higher. The experience you get with that is invaluable. I did it and most pilots did it but I guess its a new trend not too. We will see how it works out. Someone has to fill the shortage. I have some FO's that are unsure how to do a visual app. Their only experience after the ratings is ground school and sim prior to the airline. You cant teach experience, and good decision making skills. Hopefully these guys/gals will be able to fly with good Captains that will help them with what they lack in real life experience in the airlines.