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
Your right, touch and goes wont make you a better RJ FO, however as a CFI you do more than just touch and goes. I don't know about you, but I learned A LOT from my CFI experience. Also, that is just one way to get your time required for an ATP.
By your defination of a First Officer, they should not be flying. If they are just an apprentice, they should be there to learn and not really fly. Granted I don't fly 121, but it's my understanding that the CA and FO trade off legs (PF, PNF). Yes the CA has all the responsiblity, but the FO flys just as much, so why shouldn't he/she have the same pilot cert?
Also, just to thow this out there, I do not think anyone should upgrade into a different aircraft. If you are an Saab FO go to a Saab CA not Saab FO to Q400 CA. I think the CA should have SOME time in type before he/she upgrades. How much? Who knows, more than 0.