European airlines put low-time pilots in large equipment all the time. The difference is in the selection. Select 0-time pilots properly and train them right and it can be done safely.

The problem here in the US is all the corner cutting that takes place at every level.

Bring on the flames. But I've done it in Europe with JAA and here with FAA. The JAA stuff is way more selective.

At the end of the day, experience is the most important. But the fact remains that low-time pilots can be good pilots if they are selected properly and trained properly.

BTW, the washout rate and non-selection rate in Europe is very high. And no, flying an A320 or 737 is not harder than flying an RJ.

Just my $.02.