Originally Posted by Joeshmoe
So whats the answer? Keep new hires in a sim until they reach enough hours to be considered "safe" in case the captain becomes incapacitated? I have seen plenty of instructors in numerous venues getting regional jobs with their 2000TT with ZERO knowledge of how to even start the engines on an RJ. Are they really that much safer with their 2000TT in a 172 if they happen to have a captain who has become incapacitated? Don't kid yourself. Would I feel comfortable putting my family on an RJ with a 300TT F/O? No. Would I feel comfortable putting my family on an RJ with 2000TT in 172's F/O? No.
The difference is that the CFI with 2000 hours in the 172 has more than likely been there and seen that enough times to know how to handle himself and
mature. If that instructor was worth anything, he has gone out and scared himself more than a few times and THAT is what makes them a more competent pilot than the 300 hour wonder. In addition, through the course of instructing you learn A LOT! Having to explain things multiple ways or just knowing everything there is to know about a subject so you don't sound like an idiot when a student asks you to explain something makes you a much more knowledgeable pilot. For example: I've never flown an aircraft with a bleed air system but I can explain how bleed air is used for cabin pressurization, engine starting and ice protection.
Bottom line, I would rather fly next to (or as a passenger with) the 2000 hour CFI who knows how to handle himself in a tough spot. That 300 hour guy may know all there is to know about starting the engines on his shiny RJ but I don't want to be around when things are going from bad to worse and hes sitting over there in the right seat wishing he'd worn his brown underwear.
PS Learning how to operate the airplane is why airlines send you to 6-8 weeks of training.