Throwing in my worthless.02
Whether you are a CFI or an experienced 121 pilot (or other pro type rated pilot) really isn’t what counts imho. It’s attitude. Having been lucky enough to escape the regionals (spent 8 years) I can honestly say attitude is what counts. The CFI who is low experienced (only instructing on patten work but has a great attitude and eager to learn have always been my favorite FOs. The experienced guy who “knows everything” is often a pain to fly with. The guys and gals who are willing to learn but are also a contributor on the flight deck are great.
I look back at what I knew when I entered the regionals and I realize I didn’t know squat!! Thankfully I had great leaders who helped me learn and grow. If you are that low time CFI entering the professional pilot world (121,135, 91k) I suggest you would set yourself up for success by learning everything you can from everyone you can. Even the worst captains have something to offer (even if it’s what to not do). If you are a captain, please read carefully! Teach, train, mentor!! Help those with little experience learn and grow. We do this by respectfully adjusting the deficiencies (aka lack of experience). Don’t write your FOs off as “dumb” or “idiots”. Use this opportunity to mentor and inform. Always back up your teaching with what’s in the manual or FAR or AIM or previous experience.
Yes we were all low time and knew very little! But taking on the mantle (wearing the stripes and bearing the responsibilities) is about attitude. If you adopt a willing to learn grow and go get it attitude that will pay dividends!
I wish every CFI, FO and CA the best of luck in their journey. Even now with several thousand hours and lots of experiences I am humbled by those who are more experienced than I am. Best advice I ever recieved is this: the day you stop learning is the day you should stop flying. In short it means always take a lesson from every flight you do. And I mean EVERY flight. Critique yourself, analyze mistakes, acknowledge wins.
ok I’m off my soapbox, carry on