Ok, since you guys are discussing the finer points of AQP (what's that Eicas message mean) verses the Traditional (how many coils on a PMA) styles of learning at FedEx what do you really think is the best method for us young whipper snappers to learn the things we need to know to manage the aircraft in a professional way?

Last year my airline trained us all the traditional way, very intensive systems training and very extensive oral on every nut and bolt. This year we have converted to the AQP way of training. I'm very interested in your opinions on the quality of pilots you have observed coming from each type of training system and what's the best/safest.

I've had the honor to observe not only FedExs new hire training systems on the 777 & the MD-11, but also Delta, American, United's and JetBlues new hire programs and all are getting quite heavy on the AQP side (ie managing the aircraft & computers). AA actually began using AQP back in 1992. JetBlue is AQP all the way a gentleman's course. At United it is pretty well balanced between managing the aircraft and systems knowledge, while Delta seems to be much heavier on the traditional side, albeit calling it AQP...Delta even goes so far as to provide their new hires with a booklet on exactly what systems knowledge they will be held accountable for to eliminate any 3rd party gouge or non standard expectations from different instructors, lol...I'm sure we have all had the 1000 year old instructor asking us the finer points of coils on the permanant magnetic alternator on the generator....

What I'm really looking for is what training system makes a better pilot?

Is a system that we learn to manage the computers/lights & know exactly what we need to fly a safe trip with perhaps our own personal pride on the line to learn systems well on our own time the best????
OR
Is the traditional learn the gnats ass of every moving part in the airplane in class with less time spent on procedures/Eicas messages better for us as pilots????

Teach me oh wise grasshoppers