Originally Posted by
Hilltopper89
After doing both, and 121 for the past 2 years, I couldn't agree more. While looking back I think that flying single seat fighters was immensely difficult and taxing vs 121, they are 2 different things. 121 was humbling the first 6 months. It was more difficult than I thought it would be.
This said I think I've adapted quite well. My single seat FAC-A experience helped a lot with giving me high situational awareness and quick decision making, but keeping up in ORD just on the taxi during IOE was a challenge.
To put a number on it, 15 years and 2500 hrs of single seat experience would be on par with 10,000 hrs of regional 121 in either seat, but the 10,000 hr 121 guy will be right at home at a major. The mil single seat guy will have a much bigger hill to climb. I can say cuz I climbed it.
I saw the same with a 180 of that situation. Regional 121 guys learning to fly fighters had a challenge. Neither is better. Just different.
Cheers,
HT
The fighter guy has proved himself to be a fast learner and a master of dynamic situations. Not a lot of guess work involved in his or her ability to quickly catch on and excel in the 121 environment.