That's a good question. One that most people overlook. Even the airlines themselves. I was quite disappointed when our management sent out a letter stating they were very opposed to the proposal in process on the 1500 hr rule. Yeah, we all know that you really can't put a number on a truly experienced pilot. But the key we are missing here is that you can put a number on how many hours the average person will realize that they don't want to do this job (pro aviation). It's called washing out. No one has a chance to wash out if they can just pay for a seat in a jet having never earned it. The profession has lost it's value for that reason alone.

When I first started flying, my instructors would say they were getting burned out after giving about 2000hrs of instruction (2200tt). Now you hear instructors saying they are already burned out after 500hrs of instruction given (700tt). And yes I have heard this straight from instructors mouths. Several of them. I think this has something to do with the fact that there was a while there when anyone could get financing and going to school to be a pilot was the "cool" thing to do. Kind of lost it's passion.

Lets face it. If you are burned out after 1000tt, well you shouldn't do the 121 thing. It's just not for you.

So I say start with 1500hrs and a good portion of the "mavericks" and "icemans" will start to realize that this job (flying passengers scheduled) is not for them before they get there. And better yet, before they get to the left seat and are presented with a critical decision. Pull up or let it push?