I see plenty of cushion throughout. The helmet would be only for looks.

Ofcourse they do. No other professional labor organization would ever allow this to occur. As I said before, I'm 100% certain the American Dental Association would reject any program that would allow dentists to do the vast majority of thier training via simulators and have zero experience. If this isn't dealt with soon, I can see disaster coming. Don't tell me these kids in that photo won't fly a 737 for $15,000/year. I'm not saying this is what's happening, but if management can pay somebody $12/hr to fly a 777, they will do so - and these kids are more than willing.

I am sure ALPA wants to flood the market with a bunch of pilots. That makes for a great bargaining position and the compromised safety aspect would be an added bonus to them. Vanbyriver please think before you post.

And what happens when the only guy on the "crew" who has actually flown an airplane has the fish instead of the chicken?

Whoever thinks this is a good idea is missing the main point. These kids are not even trained to be pilots. They can not go down to the local FBO and rent a C-152 because they don't have a pilots license, they can't actually fly, and they have NO business in the front end of any airplane much less a transport category jet.

Joe Bag O' Doughnuts in the right seat will be the death of many an unsuspecting passenger in foreign countries that approve of this policy. Having instructed many years in the Air Force with guys that have actually met a standard level of training, yet still face challenges, I think these guys will be totally clueless.

Now come on, what's the source (with a link) to say any one of these 6 pilots will fly a 777 for $12/hr?

Because they paid $112,000 for their training. Flybe kicked in $32,000. And they're starting salary is $45,000.

So how much is Embry Riddle? Or All ATP? Do we have a regional that pays FO's over $45,000 on min guarantee pay at any longevity?

Now for the record for $12/hr I might fly a 777, depends on what the deal is for next month , right now for $148/hr I'm not interested in the 777 over my current $94 on the 88 due to QOL. So it'd have to be a real good deal.

After their first trip with Captain Jughead...

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f98opUNuVX...s400/Drunk.jpg

:D:D

Did I ever mention I LOVE this forum!

Could not agree with you more Airhoss...

Simulators are great training aids - arguably have enhanced safety as much as any other single entity in aviation. But, they are not experience builders. Pitching machines are great for batting practice, target ranges are good for honing rifle skills, and it's fun to be king of the driving range. But, none of that is, in and of itself, sufficient to make a good batter, hunter, or golfer. It's one thing to learn a new airplane in the sim - after you have already been tested in the real world. But, we all know that we get paid for what's between the ears and not our stick and rudder skills. The business of flying the paying public through the sky should only be conducted by those who have first demonstrated that they can keep themselves, cargo, and other crew from the perils of the REAL flying environment. And, demonstrating this at least as many times as would occurr in 1500 flight hours is a good starting point.

It's disheartening to see so many sell themselves short, discount the value of their experience, and be ready to accept this type of program

Excellent post!!