Originally Posted by
DashTrash
That's not what I'm saying at all. I'm simply stating that flight instructing does not really prepare you for flying in the 121 or 135 world. The simple fact is that when you're instructing, you are really not "flying" the airplane. As for exceeding the limitations on the airplane, absolutely not!! I do think that pilots looking to fly commercially should have exposure to icing and the cosiderations that brings to the table. As for the speed, you WILL be doing appraoches at well above 200 KIAS. When I first started, it was expected by ATC, and the CA that you were doing 248 to the marker. Granted that was a turboprop and you could get slowed and remain on profile and be configured by 1000' and on speed by 500'.
I disagree. Instructing has definitely prepared me for 135/121 by developing my decision making and CRM perspective as well as adding diversity of flying in my background. No to mention, being and instructor really does develop basic stick and rudder skills through not only having to teach, but to let the student take their mistakes as far as possible to maximize learning without endangering the aircraft. Besides, the actual flying in the 135/121 world is the easy part. Almost anyone can be taught to fly a turboprop at 250 to the marker or fly approaches in a jet....it's just not that hard of a transition. The real challenges are ultimately in decision making.
I believe that someone with a CFI background has more to add to 135/121 flying than someone without.
Too many people dismiss instructing as flying umpteen hundred hours in the practice area or the pattern. There is much more to it.
BTW; My background includes instructing as well as flying checks