Originally Posted by
slimothy
The dynamics and workload associated with the types of flying. The maturity level and cognitive function required to lead multiple aircraft into a combat situation, and deploying ordinance in close proximity to friendly forces demonstrates a higher level of proficiency than does landing a twin Cessna on a 8,000 Ft runway.
Overall, I agree with this. The military folks are a 'known" quantity. Their training from day one is very intense, competitive and inflexible, so anyone who's completed it is generally assumed to be competent and the vast majority are.
GA training varies, so at the 1700 hour mark, a GA pilot's experience and competency level can be all over the map. As the GA's pilots hours increase, typically, they become less of an unknown quantity, particularly if they go the regional route with established training and proficiency standards.
Once you get to the majors, the playing field is much more level. In my 32 year career, I've flown with pilots, in all 3 seats, of every background imaginable.
The best, and worst pilots (from competency and personality standpoints) I've flown with have come from
all of them.
In my top ten list of the most miserable humans that I wouldn't urinate on if they were on fire, that I've had the "pleasure" of flying with, the top five of them are civilian only background. The rest are former or retired USAF and one USN guy.
I just finished a trip with a retired AF Col. (flew heavies). It was a long 4 days, and he was actually a pretty good guy, all things considered. The "I'm right, even when I am wrong" attitude gets old fast though. I did beat him to the EAI switches once.
If I were given the option of choosing a brand new hire to fly with into busy airports and bad weather, and the ONLY info given for me to use in guiding my decision was that one was ex military and one was a regional guy/gal, I would choose the latter
every single time.
Of course, it varies, but IME, there's
much less chance of me being a defacto, unpaid IOE Captain with the regional pilot that's been doing this exact job for years vs. the guy who has never done it before.
FWIW, I've had to take an airplane away from another pilot 3 times in my life, something that I will
only do to prevent my imminent demise or maybe a violation. 2 were ex military. One was a single seat AF guy. Great guy with a great attitude, but I find it hard to believe that he survived flying by himself for the 8 years he was in. The other was an Army RW guy that was a bit on the arrogant side, and later went on to scab at EAL. The other one is pure civilian and a good guy (for a FAT
), that I enjoy flying with, but have to watch like a hawk.
