Originally Posted by
three1five
Everyone arguing that forced 350 hr UAL-time captains are unsafe (450 hrs if we count OE) need to remember that there are still higher regulatory minimums which apply to operating as a captain in 121 operations.
The regionals have been having forced upgrades fly United passengers (and DHing UAL crewmembers) for some time now—with much less support. Regional captains are often a one man band when it comes to dispatch and mx and pax issues—UAL captains have a much more robust and proactive support network than the average regional CA. I didn’t see this type of uproar about safety when SkyWest forced their FOs to upgrade.
It’s a huge kick to the nether regions for QOL for the unlucky forced upgrades, which is a great reason to dislike the proposed forced upgrade language. It’s also somewhat of a “poop flows downhill” move to force a new hire to upgrade into crap QOL but not a 30yr WB FO (into much better QOL)… those are more plausible reasons to not like contractual forced upgrade language.
The safety argument is valid and really needs to be had with the FAA if the regulatory 121 upgrade minimums are not sufficient, or if the FAA approved AQP upgrade program does not weed out current SICs who could not be competent PICs. Have the QOL argument with the companies.
All that said—I would not want to be forced to upgrade in any circumstance. I bid for it when I felt ready.
You sort of answered your own question. If your current AQP program isn’t tough enough it’s time to start weeding them out. I’m assuming United’s upgrade training is designed for experienced pilots who probably spent a few years in the left seat already.
I think everything you said is accurate but I’d like to add on to your regional example with forced upgrades. Most the FO’s those CA’s are flying with at SkyWest have very little 121 experience that just came from a Cessna 172. So it’s actually worse than you describe.
You know why it hasn’t been an issue at SkyWest? Because that training department will wash you out the second they see a lack in leadership or airmanship skills. They’re not afraid to send you back to the right seat.
This is why most regional FO’s who are afraid to upgrade jump to a ULCC. The crazy part is they’ve been rewarded for that action with job offers from the big 3. A lot of them are on a United seniority list which is what makes this entire scenario so ironic if they’re forced to upgrade at United.