Originally Posted by
Zapata
I disagree with this part. Among other aspects of the industry, there is some darn good "training" happening when one is flying in the trenches of part 135 single pilot, turboprop, no autopilot, unscheduled etc. flying. With respect to airmanship and stick and rudder skills, I'd put the most proficient pilots in this field against the most proficient military pilots any day.
I'm not saying one is better than the other. I'm just saying don't rule out other forms of training.......especially the real world stuff.
I wouldn't think it's a matter of training. Flying 135 single pilot cargo isn't training, it's a job. As far as training goes, i'd side with military pilots receive the best training. Now, as far as growing pilot skills, i'm sure that a 135 operator flying in hard IFR, single pilots, tuning and identifying radios, while shooting an NDB approach in moderate snow and a 20 knot cross wind will have some "special" experience, however, i don't know if it's the same experience as the guy who's cranking and banking while looking in the rear view trying to get the Mig off his tail.