Originally Posted by
KC10 FATboy
This is impossible, but here’s my two cents.
In order to command top pay/benefits and the respect that we desire, it is important that all of us be professional airline pilots and nothing less. Let’s look at the definition of the word profession.
Profession: A profession is a commitment to a higher level of education where one must attend and acquire skilled training. A profession requires critical thinking skills, the ability to master technique, and a desire expand one's knowledge. Usually a profession has a distinct body of knowledge specific to that profession. A profession should be rewarding to self and those served by the profession. Finally, a profession should provide the professional with adequate means of compensation and should be one that the individual continues to desire to return to day after day without dread.
So how do we do this? Here are some examples ...
1. ATPLs required for both PIC and SIC
2. Board certification.
3. Accredited College Degree required for ATPL with courses or electives in math, physics, commiunication/English, and management.
4. Must complete FAA ground school courses and test out in the following subjects: flight planning, performance and loading, aerodynamics, aircraft systems, navigation, meteorology, human factors, federal air regulations, aviation history/law. No more studying the tests/memorizing questions and answers.
5. Must demonstrate a mastery of the following maneuvers; taxi/airfield operations, radio communications, takeoff, landing, steep-turns, vertical-S, unusual attitude/upset recovery, stalls, high altitude flight, instrument approaches (ILS, LOC, VOR, NDB, RNAV/GPS), visual approaches, SIDs, STARs, holding, missed approach, abort, V1-cut, GPWS, windshear, etc.etc.
6. Full disclosure of who is operating a particular flight/codeshare. Hold the Major or parent airline liable for any flight that is subcontracted in their colors/name/connection/codeshare.
7. Hold the Major or parent airline accountable/liable for overseeing subcontractors safety, training, and maintenance programs.
8. Apply the same operating rules and restrictions to ALL airlines.
In short, make this a true profession. Make majors liable for subcontract flying. Create the same rules for everyone.
Love it like it got to have it! ++10
In reality what you just described was a degree from ERAU in Aeronautical Science. No I am not kidding.
You had the core business, Liberal Arts, Math, Applied Science classes but you also had Aeronautics for Naval Aviators, Long Range Nav, FMS, Turbine Classes, Meteorology, Commuter Aviation based on the business aspects of Aviation, and a slew of other courses.
People hate Riddle grads, but this is exactly what they were brought up in. Add to it they flew from a POH and FOM from day 1. PFT was just one aspect of the degree. It is expensive but it gives a pilot candidate 123 credit hours in aviation. Something along these lines must be done. Of course someone will get rich, but that is always the case.
FWIW, foreign airlines test, pick and then send their pilot candidates to this type of school. Why? It does exactly what you are suggesting. I hate to say it, but what has become the issue is places like ATP that jam ppl from zero time to airline in 12 months. No one can do that.
IMO we need to go to the stringent testing that the JAA does. Then maybe an FAA Cert will finally give you reciprocity.