Originally Posted by
CALTEX
What is the difference between becoming PIC on a CRJ, E-190 or an MD80? Yes, an MD80 has more people on board, but what decisions are different? A PIC on anything has to make the same decisions about fuel, wx, mtx, crew, pax, etc. Just because your PIC on a MD80 makes these decisions any harder? Who has the most experience - A 9 year Eagle FO or a two year GOJet PIC? Yes, the GoJet PIC has more experience in the left seat, but who has seen more? Emergencies, wx, unrulely pax, etc. After a few years PIC is just a seniority bonus. Besides, the large regional jets are doing THE EXACT SAME FLYING as the mainline MD80, 737 guys. The only difference is pay, benefits. SO what is the difference if you upgrade into a E-175/190 or a 737?
Or a Caravan, or King Air. Oh yeah, those folks DO the calculations and FILE the flight plan.
And some of us did the hiring. The reason for published minimums is to cut down on the number of resumes. We only hired folks who were most qualified, so why weed through 80 gazillion "I got a pulse and a ticket" applications.
But what do I know, I have zero shiny jet time.