Originally Posted by
jimistrat
I think the 250hr up to 1500hr time building bridge DOES show what kind of pilot you have been. For example, as a CFI you must show responsibility, good judgment, follow FAR's, be on top of WX&MX, even show up to work on time... etc. Next logical step possibly, maybe to sit SIC in a Chieftain, sitting next to an EXPERIENCED guy who teaches and monitors your progress "in the system" dealing with WX, ATC etc. Once some experience is gained, move to PIC maybe and so on. That brings even more responsibility, judgment yada yada...
THIS is be a beautiful ideal for the profession. Getting a year or so of operational experience in smaller planes sitting next to someone who had been there and done that. Moving over to the right seat and getting some PIC experience before flying planeloads of unsuspecting passengers (while helping bring up a new co-pilot). Perhaps even getting paid more than poverty wages in the process.
The only other thing I would wish is if instructing wasn't an entry level job, but was done with people who had some real flying experience.