Originally Posted by
NWA320pilot
I keep reading about quality time and not quantity..... Where are the low time pilots going to gain this quality time? The idea is for individuals to obtain an ATP license prior to flying for a 121 carrier, what is wrong with this. Setting minimum standards is a big piece of the puzzle. It is not the entire fix but it is a start.
While one can argue that 2000 hours riding along as an instructor doesn't make you a good pilot it does make you more experienced than a 300 hour pilot doing the same thing. I have had the opportunity to fly with, instruct, and check out both low and high time pilots, that being said hours do make a difference.
I agree with you there. The FAA is heavily influenced by the ATA and airline management, so it does not surprise me that Babbitt is taking this position since ATP requirement will cost airlines. However, it does not really matter what Babbitt thinks or wants because the Senate and the House majority will pass this requirement due to overwhelming support for this measure from the public. No politician will risk incurring the wrath of public opinion if they want to stay in office. All the more reason for people to write to their congressmen and senators to pass this requirement.