Originally Posted by tango fox

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.