Originally Posted by NoAccoutrements

With all of the fixed-base training in the FTDs, pilots will have accomplished the approaches and MCDU FMS work many times before stepping into the full flight simulator. Pilots are already proficient at every task that is possible to train without the necessity of full motion.

The big ticket items left for full flight simulation are learning how to use a side stick, stalls, and banging out some V1 cuts and no flap landings. You get 16 hours to learn that stuff.

My opinion only: Everybody is entitled to their own opinion of the training, but the curriculum is focused on flying the aircraft from Day 1. The vast majority of pilots have made it through the training here with no problems.

You are expected to come prepared for every lesson by familiarizing yourself with the material (reading and chair flying) ahead of time. You don't need 3000 hours TT to know how to do that.

We have pilots from ERAU who pass the training with absolutely minimal experience. It's the real world challenges that are a very steep learning curve for them.

Everybody has to start somewhere, and Spirit pilots are generally willing to help new people learn the intricacies of red eye Latin America flying and the Expressway Visual to LGA as long as they have the right attitude.

Again, my opinion: Coming prepared is a function of attitude and professionalism, not Total Time.