Originally Posted by
iPilot
First off I'm not going to cry foul on the Riddle loophole until we find out just how much credit they're willing to give.
Secondly, it might not be all bad. Even if these students can get hired at a lower time they will have to finish a 4 year degree. Also, Riddle, like the other universities, is no cake walk. Granted we're not getting PhDs in Philosophy here but the drop out rate for university pilots is very high.
Also, keep in mind these pilots have to get through said degree. The big problem today is you can go to All ATP or Gulfstream and be in the saddle in 6 months. Even the fastest trip through Riddle is 4 years. This will help regulate the pilot supply and not create a huge influx of fresh faces the moment airlines start interviewing again.
So even if its as bad as we all thing, the loophole will still do us some good. The percentage of pilots willing to go through the university system and are able to complete it is rather small and even still, they will not be able to rush in the moment times are good. This will be a good thing for us in the long term, I believe.
I graduated from Riddle a while ago. Have now been working as a pilot for 8 years with 6,000 flight hours. So, my gripe comes from experiencing both sides. The loophole is crap. Riddle does a descent job educating, not providing experience. This will subvert the safety intent of the bill.
I learned more in my first month working as a pilot than I did in four years at Riddle. Because of the highly-structured, hold my hand please sir environment, Riddle releases some of the worst prepared pilots to the work force.
Book knowledge will help with the training part of airline flying. The actual flying, decision making and good judgment are far more important. And knowing how to work through odd situations as they come your way.
By the way, wrote both my Senators on this one. Though I don't think it likely they will notice. I live on the non-favored side of the state. The side where the votes don't matter.