It's not taboo anymore. It's normal. Many of these 300 hour guys have a great head on their shoulders and worked very hard to get into an airline so quickly. Unfortunately, there are enough that are way too cocky and can't hold their own; those are the guys that make the rest look bad.

I was one of those 300 hour wonders over 2 years ago when I was hired. Training was a breeze because of an "RJ transition course" that I took, or whatever you want to call it, but it wasn't enough for the real world. It took an easy 3 months on the line before I was worth a crap as an FO. This was at a time when most regionals were looking for 1000/100 for new hires, so most were envious of how quickly I scored that "real flying job." Many of those who bash the 300 hour wonders would probably have grabbed the opportunity had it presented itself, although they won't admit it

I tell this story, however, because the 300 hour bashers are 100% correct in their skepticism. I would kill to go back in time and get 1000 hours CFIing, or flying night cargo ops somewhere in a baron. That experience is invaluable and I wish I had not missed out on it. But, like the majority of those in my shoes would have done, I caved into SJS and took that RJ job. Fortunately for my counterparts, they didn't get that opportunity. They were learning and gaining experience by leaps and bounds while I was holding tightly to the tailcone of a jet, acting as deadweight for a few months in the right seat.

While I hate to admit that I was one of those 300 hour no goods, I do so to caution the up and coming guys out there. Don't sell out early if you can help it!