Originally Posted by
sailingfun
The system used to produce experienced pilots for the regionals. Most started out as flight instructors and then went on to some type of job flying twins in charter type operations. This was often very demanding flying. Usually at night and often single pilot IFR. In the last few years what management at the regionals has hired has shifted. Many airlines were highering 300 hour wonders who went through training academies. 10 years ago you would not get a look at most regionals without 1500 or more hours. When they speak of experience this is what they are talking about.
Sailing is right.
They pay Captains more than FO's. I think that is a fair situation for both parties. Experience is a very much worth what you pay for it. Also, "experience" comes at unexpected times and usually when you don't anticipate it. You can learn more on a four day in some areas than you can in a decade of flying early morning flights in the Caribbean.
ALPA is not going to say much about inexperience and low pay at regionals because ALPA literally wrote the contracts that facilitate this arrangement. "One Level of Safety" fell by the wayside when they endorsed outsourcing.