Originally Posted by
bustinmins
Maturity in aircraft has a lot to do with it whether you have 5000TT or 300TT....agreed. The fact remains and it is a constant: "All 300 hour pilots make 300 hour pilot mistakes." You can't get around that issue. You remove the automation and it is amazingly clear just how "at risk" you are. While I support the 300 hour pilots coming up through the ranks, I think many would benefit from a year or two of instructing before moving on up the food chain. The end product of pilot is a much better pilot. I'm not saying that the 300 hour fast trackers don't make good captains. However, the former CFI's make much better captains. Why? They've actually taken an airplane away from someone? They can see an accident chain beginning where as someone who hasn't seen it will be less "in tune" to its development. The CFI's have developed skills that will help them deal with the many personality types they are likely to encounter "on the line". They know how to lead and they know how to teach....both are extremely important skills for a captain to have.
I couldn't agree more. While young(23) and straight out of college, I did come to the airlines with more experience than what has become the norm (2000T,600M,1200DualGiven). I was very thankful for the experience and judgement I gained in my time as an instructor and additionally flying single pilot corporate throughout the Rocky Mountains, Southern US and Mexico in light twins. It paid off in a recent situation which I won't discuss on a public venue. Thats why there are two pilots in airliners, you aren't there to learn the basics. It's checks and balances, you're there to make sure the other pilot doesn't screw up and vice versa and you need the experience to make the tough decisions.