IMO a professional airline training environment is not the place for old-skool military "fear, intimidation, and ridicule" training and checking.

Its one thing to tell somebody to get their sh!t together or that they're "sucking ass" today but beyond that starts getting into professionalism...and the distinction between the two isn't exactly a fine line.

Boiler,
I'm not saying getting wacked in the head is a positive learning experience, but seriously, the airline business has become kitten gentle. If some spoiled little brat is going to crap a toaster because somebody yells at him or says a 4 letter word, then I'd just as soon not have that person in my right seat.

But you're right, their is a line and getting wacked in the head crossed that line (more than once in my case!)

Stick

im no worse for the wear having my helmet bounced off the canopy a few times.....

Its not just about stick and rudder.. guys have to be able to operate and fly under stressful situations without melting down, and that is the point. My UPT class graduated less than 50% of its starting class.... did everyone that washed out have NO flying skill...no way.. but in THAT environment the idea was to weed out those who couldnt hack it... and sometimes that was more than just stick and rudder skills. Would I do it instructing...probably not and most Mil instructors dont or didnt either... but it did happen and it served its limited purpose. Military flight training ( at least 20 years ago when i did it ) is much different than even airline training..some things better ( in my opinion ) and some things worse... it is what is is.. or was in my case.

Agreed!

"The xxxxification of America continues."

Just so everyone knows, I don't have a problem with foul language. I play golf for God's sake. Foul language and golf go hand in hand. Still, I don't think foul language, used in an abusive and intimidating manner, promotes professionalism. Everyone swears, some more than others, but there's a time and place for it. I don't think a checkride conducted by a company official is one of those places and times. I can see the other side of the argument though.

Well...never had a Stan/Eval check pilot swear at me....but sure had plenty in flight school unload..LOL

Skywest
 

Anyone care to elaborate on the Skywest training department? Do they train to proficiency, or does the newbie get just get one chance to screw up and earn a bad reputation with the good old boy network over there?

Bump. How are the wash out rates these days at Eagle, Skywest, xpress jet, etc???

[mod note] thread revival- this thread is about 6 years old. Good job making use of the search function!

Casual research during the last 12 months tells me the washout rates at Great Lakes Airlines and Trans States Airlines are greater than 10%, they are probably in the neighborhood of 30-40% per class. They do not want to spend much money on training, it is cheaper to replace problem students than to bring them up to the standard.

Anecdotal reports on ExpressJet, ASA, and Skywest in the same time tell me they have less than 10% per class in washouts apiece, all 3 are fairly strong in their training efforts, and they tend to work with problem students.

Someone earlier in this thread made the point more than 10% washout rate indicates some sort of trouble or weakness in the hiring and/or training departments, while the lower figure for washouts cannot reasonably be less than about 5% per class due to unavoidable issues during training.

Anyone at Gulfstream or Jet U remembers the late Erwin. Stomping his feet. "This is a Suzie airplane!". "Who gave you your instrument rating? I oughta pull their ticket!".

LMAO!

Countless good times with that guy.