Originally Posted by
Clue32
Nitro, from what I've read it has to do with the difference between a 1000 hour guy jumping into an RJ versus a 300 hour guy. The CFI has had responsibility, has had students put them in challenging and / or dangerous situations that they've had to maneuver their way out of, has had to make go / no-go calls. While taking turns in pattern in a 172 may not equate directly to airline flying, it provides aviating experience, leadership experience, and builds confidence and maturity. Your way does as well. The debate centers around folks taking the reigns of a jet hauling 50-76 unwitting souls without gaining any experience beyond gaining their ratings.
Would certainly agree with the statements above. But would throw in that the 1000 hour CFI needs to have some quality time as well. Not sure were or how somebody with 300 hours is going to get or can get, the necessary exposer to flight conditions your going to see on the line. How are they to experience severe weather, multiple frontal zones, mountains, ice, equipment failure (at the most in opportune time) with out really flying. To me, that means real long distance flying. Multi day trips across the country to new airports in high density traffic areas IFR at night. (Many a pucker factor 10 flight in winter gaining this exposer) Conditions you would encounter as FO on the line. Some of the guys I talked to that have gone through the flight schools (Jet U or whatever) get most of their training in the sim. And sims are good, I have 400 hours in an AST300 which was great for practicing CRM and procedure. However, it was woefully inadequate for preparing me on how to pick my way through a midwest stationary front. That I had to learn on my own...and lessons learned on your own are the ones you carry with you the rest of your life.
So what I think you fellows are saying, is that you want these young upstart's to get some "real" flying in first, before jumping into a CRJ?
577nitro-