Originally Posted by
sqwkvfr
As it's written, it helps to stymie the movement to repeal of the 1500 hour rule, which is causing, at the bare minimum, my company to experience serious staffing shortages and finally forced them, after EIGHT YEARS to finally take contract negotiations seriously.
...so I'm all for it.
I couldn't agree more.
I do, however, believe in the power of public perception. It's just that public perception must be played based on powerful emotional responses such as fear and shock. Generally when things are going smoothly (Joe public gets from point A to B reliably and consistently) there is very little concern and public perception is irrelevant. When there's a serious tragedy suddenly everyone jumps in and plays on the powerful emotional response that results when lots of people die suddenly and at once. Everyone is looking to blame someone and that's unfortunately when change can be implemented.
The trick is to create positive change. I believe the increased hiring and rest rules were a positive change for the profession and for safety. The only pilots (excuse me..."real pilots") who may disagree are those who are under 1500 hours and are frustrated building time because they're impatient....the situations created by these rules benefit them as well but they just can't see it yet...they will.
In the past it was unheard of for airlines to hire mass groups of pilots under 1500 hours anyway so build your time and be patient....in the end you will be better off.
BB will have the press believe that all sub 1500 hour pilots are banner towing in Miami Beach losing those finely crafted airline piloting skills they picked up in a PA28. The fact is there are plenty of good jobs for sub 1500 hour pilots if they are committed and competitive.
The RAA is certainly playing to public perception...they have large PR and lobbying firms working on pressuring Congress to roll back the regulations so they can pay pilots less money. They even go so far as to post in these and other online forums to try to direct or divert conversations between real pilots. Their problem is they have a weak hand that even throwing massive amounts of money probably won't fix...but they keep trying waiting for that opportunity. Their fear card is cancelled flights...our fear card is sudden and horrible death.
Public perception reacts to shock and awe...so if anything we need more articles like this...not less. This is why rags such as the NYDN get circulation...it scares people.
There likely will be another tragedy where this issue is played out again. It's unfortunate but true.