Originally Posted by Deez340

So just to clarify, you abandoned your surgical career to fly an RJ?....... riiiiiiiiiiiiiight.

Originally Posted by skull

Deez340,

I came here through an exchange program and the intent was to complete residency and to take the board examination at the end. Then a private medical device company offered me a full-time research position and a path to permanent residency. I then started to work only 50 hours per-week (huge improvement in QOL believe me) and did all my initial flight training part-time over several years.
Now, back to the initial topic. European commuters generally hire pilots fresh out of flight school with an average total time of 300 hours. They usually fly with 1500-2000 hrs captains. Interestingly, european pilot students exposure to IMC, congested ATC area is significantly less than here in the US, yet PTS are exactly the same. So far, their safety record is almost unremarkable. Additionally, airline training at the commuter level is almost identical to ours. Overall, just looking at the most recent accidents involving commuter airlines, I do not see a clear pattern of inexperience as being the primary factor in these accidents. Your take on this.

Skull

Originally Posted by ExperimentalAB

You'll never convince these guys on here of that...they are far too bitter that they had to sit right seat in a C172 for two years

I completely agree with all of what you said. Now my $.02...I think that the incredible need of Pilots state-side, coupled with the relative ease in obtaining flight instruction, has allowed many who probably should not have ever gotten into Aviation the opportunity to do so. Years ago, only the best and most-determined made it through. Now they could train a monkey to proficiency in a CRJ. And only exacerbating the problem is the epidemic of Automation, which continually brings the "weakest link" lower and lower down the chain, further masking the deficiency in skill and proficiency.

Originally Posted by Deez340

Yes, yes, they got all the mins wrong. The point of the story is valid and accurate. Cockpit experience in the regional sector on average is much lower than it used to be and it's a problem. The Northwest ALPA guy is trying to make a very valid point, namely you get what you pay for.

Originally Posted by PilotfsERJ

Uh didnt a Continental 757 land on a taxiway in EWR two years ago. Man you think with experience = better aviators, this contradicts your argument. It amazes me how the media attacks regionals, when it happens at ALL levels of aviation or did you forget that.