Originally Posted by
Nevets
Requiring an ATP and a four year college degree will add to your life experience in obtaining them. And those life experiences in work ethic, maturity, professionalism, etc, (the intangible things) are what will make you a better pilot in judgment, interpersonal relations, etc, (all the intangible things) that is required of a captain other than aeronautical knowledge and stick and rudder skills.
Don't get me wrong, I fully agree with your statement about obtaining an ATP and a four year degree as adding to your life experience. The point I was trying to make was that just because I don't have one, I shouldn't be classified the same as someone fresh out of high school who feels they "deserve" a part 121 job, but have never had any life or work experiences. I know that I don't deserve anything in this life, and everything I have ever had or done in my life has been with sacrifices and commitments. I made a mistake when I was in college by not finishing. It was a mistake (life lesson) that I learned from, and one that at some point in my life, I fully intend to fix. I also understand what you are saying about the things that make a person a captain, and I fully agree. It is about stick and rudder skills, but it also is much more than that. You take on many roles as captain and all your life experiences are what make a good captain better.