Originally Posted by
PA Slammer
Seriously? A regional vs military thing now?
Originally Posted by
okieskies99
100% is a strong assurance. So, pilots that you'd characterize as significantly more qualified for the majors are... the regional guys.
You're saying that something about the regionals (the rigorous standards,the highly selective hiring process, the high quality of training, the unique experience of the job) of the regional airlines develop a better filter for the odd 5% of the community than other backgrounds. So much that, in your opinion, the regional pilot is significantly qualified over the average military/corporate/etc. hire? And that this unique experience of having gone through a regional airline 100% filters out the odd ducks (or at least the ones who would have made those quotes) from United.
No, I do not intend make this a mil vs. regional thing: it does not have to be an either/or. And no, I do not think there is anything about regional hiring practices that weeds out the sociopaths. What I was attempting to convey is that if you want someone who will hit the ground running the day he gets his full set of wings and needs no explanation that when it comes to critical issues that affect us not just as individuals, but as an industry and a profession, you'd do well if you chose to hire pilots who have been beaten over the head with that reality for the greatest number of years, whether they come from the regionals, from LCCs, an airline family, wherever.
There is a reason HR departments value interns, low-time FOs with no command experience, Part 91 guys who clean potties and throw bags, and it doesn't have anything to do with flying ability. The guys who have a decade or more industry might just be a little bit more contentious when it comes to a confrontation, and they don't have to learn the hard way that in many cases management and labor don't just hold hands and sing and we are most definitely NOT on the same team.
And you are right, of course: "100%" is an untenable hyperbole. I think it reflects the strength of my conviction rather than reality. I should have chosen my words more carefully.