Originally Posted by
winglet
Good Post,
I hear you 5 by 5! It's a sign of the times. Ab-Initio training, TCAS, GPWS, moving map GPS, (almost idiot-proof) automated aircraft, multiple-choice exams with answers provided, zero FAA oversight. I'm frustrated as well being forced continuously into playing "unpaid flight instructor". Pilot standards have definitely dropped to an all time low.
Where are the pilots that I used to look up to? The ones that grew up knowing they wanted to fly since their earliest memories? You know, the ones I don't have to explain the differences between a Boeing and an Airbus to? The ones that built their time with experience in a multitude of different aircraft and flying environments? The ones that became airline pilots AFTER building their confidence and competence at night in inadequate little airplanes in questionable weather?
We are living in the post 9/11 airline era where you can go from a over priviledged burned out 25 year old (insert your former dead-end job here) to "airline pilot" in 18 months. Skipping the experience and knowledge that is required for the position. I really shouldn't have to babysit these guys. I'm tiring of teaching aerodynamics, meteorolgy, high altitude aerodynamics, aircraft performance, etc. to these neophytes with the over inflated sense of entitlement. I miss flying with the guys and gals who have previousely explored the full envelope of their aircraft and flying abilities and posess the instincts and thought processes required for the job before they strap on a Part 121 aircraft with passengers in the back.
I'll continue on though because that is what I do. I'll show up to work and once again spend my time aloft explaining complex airspace, correct WX Radar usage, takeoff/landing performance, etc, to another clueless 21 year old 250 hour "ace of the base". I'll once again waste my breath explaining what I thought was common aviation knowledge contained in such obscure publications as the AIM and CFR 14, Part 91, 121 etc. That's my career choice, I guess.
Oh, and for those of you I offended. Good! It means I described what you know is true. Put down the magazine, unplug the I-Pod, skip a drink, and crack a book occasionally. Go read an airplane book (start with an Aircraft Recognition Handbook), build an aviation library, hand fly more often, make a small effort to increase your aviation knowledge, observe the good pilots you fly with, ask yourself what makes them good. Take note of the bad habits of the crappy pilots you fly with and vow not to become like them. Oh and since I'm at it, go and get some quality cross-wind landing instruction and then read "Aerodynamics for Naval Aviators" or "Fly the Wing" or "Fate is the Hunter", etc.
You'll find that with a continued desire to gain knowledge and experience, and the attempt to be your best, you'll develop the real confidence along with the real competence you've been faking thus far. You're an AIRLINE PILOT, act like one.
Thanks for letting me get that off my chest. Now let's all get out there and reclaim the profession.
Winglet Out!
Ok here is my 2 cents on this issue. Winglet you have some good points, here is my opinion as a lowley FO. The Captain's job is to be in charge of the aircraft/crew and all responsibilities that go on with is aircraft, part of that responsibility is that of MENTOR to new aircrew. People talk about this generation being messed up, well they said that about ours and theirs prior. The Captain's job is not a popularity contest. It is your (Captains) duty to take that Ipod listening backpack wearing pilot and train and mentor him. I will say it is your job to instruct as a captain, just like someone did with you. Instead of reading the paper, break out the CFM/FOM ask questions during cruise flight. Debrief the the flight, you just did and be honest, you need to have thick skin in this industry, if you don't you should probably find work in another industry. How many times have you just not said anything about something that was messed up? Call the crew member's attention to mistakes and give pointers it will make them better! If they work for your company and are not in the proper Uniforms call them on it. From what i've seen in my short civilian aviation career, a few guys want to be the cool guys to fly with and they do not mentor as they should. I have found I am harder on myself than the captains are on me. What makes military avaition so good is the way we brief and debrief flight and attrition (those that don't hack it don't fly any more) 5-10 minutes goes a long way.
I'll give you a little background about me...I am a Marine Naval Flight Officer, so my 2000 hours military time to include combat flight time don't mean squat to an airline so I am doing my time getting my "pilot" hours. I will tell you the same thing goes on in the military that you all are seeing in the civilian world with today's generation....the difference is Leadership! I actually taught Aerodynamics for Naval Aviators to Naval Aviators. This is the very first class in their long journey and they are most moldable here. You can put the 250 hour "ace of the base" in their place pretty quickly and not be condescending by pointing to your experience vs. theirs, if they don't get after that then be blunt or gruff as some would say. People who think they are the "god's gift to aviation" are the dangerous ones because the are too inexperienced or stupid to realize their mistakes. When I was the experienced aviator in the squadron I flew with the new pilots to train and mentor them...because they made mistakes. The average Naval Aviator has less than 350 hours when the show up to their operational squadron and they still need training from the senior aviators in the squadron. It is the senior's responsibility to train the new guy.
There is a reason both the civilian and military world work in the building block approach and 121 operators don't just put a 500 hour guy in the Left seat..the same goes in the military even in single seat fighters, you start as a wing man and work up from there.
I guess I am just reiterating some of your point and that I do not agree with your attitude that is is not your job as the Captain and Mentor to flight instruct in the cockpit. When guys don't know the answers tell them to get in the books, because they need to as a PROFESSIONAL Pilot. If they don't feel they should get in the books then tell them point blank to find a new line of work. You would be supised, you may not see it, but your peers might the next time they fly with the guy. I can tell you they will appreciate it. Remember we all once had 250 hours!
Semper Fly,
Donk