Originally Posted by
Mesabah
My first captain position was the CRJ 900. I had 1589 TT(495 of that 121 FO time) when I finished OE. My first trip off OE was with a new hire FO that had 300 TT and it was his first trip off IOE as well. I had just turned 24 and my FO was 20 years of age.
Holly sh*t, that's insane......................No wonder aviation will no longer be the safest form of travel.
Don't take it personally.........
You could be the best "stick" within a 500 mile radius, but with 1600 hours that is plain scarey. I will take experience over skill any day. Pilots skills are set early on. That said.....if you suck at 300 hrs you will most likely suck at 10,300 hours. At least the higher time guy will have enough experience to know his/her limitations.
I think it is safe to say we all have flown with lousy regional pilots and lousy Mainline guys. The only difference is the chances of two Lousy Mainline guys paired together is very slim. More hoops to jump through.The chances of two lousy Regional guys paired together is alot higher.
Yes, I have flown at the regional level. The minimum qualifications at that time were much higher. Heck I couldn't get an interview at 1589 TT. I guess things have changed............for the better?? I doubt it. I agree with many that the regional's are a place to gain experience. They are not a place to "learn to fly".
In response to the 60's the majors hired many with low time. It showed look at the past accident rates in the 70's-80's. The saving grace at the major's is most likely you will sit 5+ years in the right seat prior to upgrading.
We don't always have that luxury at the regional level.
My statements should fire up a few of you........Sorry!