Originally Posted by
LeoSV
But isn't that what usually happens when somebody that has never flown 121 before gets a job as a FO? yes, instructing for a long time will get you more experience flying and perhaps expose you to more situations, but it won't teach you a thing about 121. you're right, 121 isn't everything, but it's a goal.
How do you know what it teaches about 121? You haven't done either correct? 121 is a set of regs...anyone can read a book. Experience gained by CFIing, hauling checks single pilot, etc., is what airline flying is about. It's about decision making skills and having a clue bag to draw from when the 'script' isn't followed. A 500 hour guy doesn't have it(or very, very little) because of lack of exposure. So, yes the other flying done prior to the 121 job does make one a better 121 pilot.