Originally Posted by
SkyHigh
What is a better airline experience building situation than flying 121? How is another 1000 hours of touch and goes in a 172 supposed to make flying an approach in an RJ any better?
My understanding is that the position of First officer was created as an apprentice position and not to serve as a double PIC. However if the position of FO is intended to have the same skills, certifications and abilities as the PIC then they should make the same wages and trade the left seat every other leg.
In my estimation our problems with seniority, experience and wages lies with the current captain/co-pilot system that we currently have. If all pilots were hired as captains and were all paid the same then you could hire pilots with more experience.
Skyhigh
If all you're going to do is 1000 hrs. of T & G's then it won't help you that much. If, however, there was a guidline of what was acceptable hours before an ATP could be earned, it would be much better. I would love to see a plan of options for the hours. It could have instructing, working 135 or taking 121 clases / simulator training.
I agree that the extra hours should be meaningul but simply requiring more hours will help eliminate a portion of those that aren't all that interested but would love to wear a uniform and spend only 6 months in training.