Originally Posted by
NWA320pilot
That is because you have never sat in the left seat and flown with a no/low experienced pilot. I can assure you that hours make a huge difference in ability and competence. The hours gained being a CFI are excellent because you are able to see others mistakes and learn from them. If flying freight or teaching others the only/best way to garner experience? No there are lots of ways as other have pointed out. But sitting in the right seat for a 121 pax operation with less than an ATP isn't asking too much. Using your philosophy there wouldn't be a minimum number of hours for a commercial or ATP certificate either. Heck even my some has minimum driving experience required prior to being able to operate a car.
Of course there should be a minimum number of hours for an ATP, in fact I think they should be higher then they are right now (2000, 3000 hours minimum). Doesn't it make more sense to have someone build experience in the right seat of an airplane not having final authority over it, than build it with the final authority over it. Am I crazy here? Maybe I'm just crazy. Yea I'm probably just crazy.