Originally Posted by
aTomatoFlames
It's not experience operating the aircraft, it's experience with decision making, customer service, bad weather, maintenance, busy airspace, etc. Would you rather serve under a brand new West Point graduate or a graduate who has been out of school for the past 5 years and has experience in the field?
Well do airlines really look to see if the new "West Point" grad is actually better than the guy with 3-5 yrs experience. I've seen new West Point grads outshine their Company Commanders (3-5 yrs experience). Some with 3-5 yrs experience get complacent while the new "West Point Grad" have a new fire in their belly to excel.