Originally Posted by flapshalfspeed

I thought I was ready to upgrade when I had about 3-6 months on the line as an FO on my first jet like all these zero-to-hero folks on this thread. Then, after a 4AM showtime, I was shooting an ILS to mins in a -200, in a 27 knot crosswind in blowing snow, broke out, and kicked the crab out too early, right as we got hit with a decent gust/gain of airspeed. We floated upwards 10-20 feet and started moving laterally ever closer to the side of the runway. I made a "uhhhhhh" noise.

Smiling/laughing, my Captain said "my controls" and smoothly regained the centerline and put it down.

THAT is when you're ready to be a Captain--when you're not only "one with the airplane" but when you're also able to take the airplane from some FNG who has screwed it up royally, make a gut call to either fix it or go around, and avoid ending up in a ditch on the evening news--all in a matter of a few seconds (or less).

You're not at that level with only 500-1,000 hours of 121 SIC at Mesa. You probably are if you have previous 121, military, or 135 time--but if you just have 1,500 hours flight instructing in light GA planes--in easy weather--and 1,000 hours sitting shotgun on a 700/900--you have NO business in the left seat at all--you're a liability to me and my job (and yourself) and I don't want you there.