Well put, the problem with this industry is too much emphasis is placed on TT. It is just a number. A person with basic decision making skills, a safety first period attitude ( or lack there of ) is built into their personality. You can not fix a lack of decision making or leadership skills with 10000 hrs of experience. Mabye we (as an industry) should spend some time testing candidates on Physch, and decision making, and leadership skills rather than how much TT do you have. Many jobs require this kind of testing, mabye its a direction we should be looking....JMO

 

I believe that some airlines attempted this, if memory serves it was called cognative interviewing. The problem lies in that it opens the airlines up to litigation because of claims of discrimination. I would much rather see it go to this method personally.

 

I'm pretty sure that was common practice years ago, back when the In-Flight department had some hiring standards as well. None of that can last long in this Jess Jackson/Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Litigious society.

 

I didn't see what the big deal was about the Mesa dormroom flyer?

They company didn't want any beer, sex, or damage to their property.

 

Reference my other post, post #36 in "It might be time to come to terms...", I think we agree...

"There were several exceptional low time pilots who I would gladly fly with. My point experience is good, but it isn't everything."

WJI

 

And customer service skills...

 

We're adults, aren't we? I for one don't appreciate being treated as a child. After all, they are trusting those guys with multi-million dollar equipment...and then found it necessary to post a flyer like that? Silly...

 

Thanks for the link. Interesting read.

 

Holly sh*t, that's insane......................No wonder aviation will no longer be the safest form of travel.
Don't take it personally.........
You could be the best "stick" within a 500 mile radius, but with 1600 hours that is plain scarey. I will take experience over skill any day. Pilots skills are set early on. That said.....if you suck at 300 hrs you will most likely suck at 10,300 hours. At least the higher time guy will have enough experience to know his/her limitations.
I think it is safe to say we all have flown with lousy regional pilots and lousy Mainline guys. The only difference is the chances of two Lousy Mainline guys paired together is very slim. More hoops to jump through.The chances of two lousy Regional guys paired together is alot higher.
Yes, I have flown at the regional level. The minimum qualifications at that time were much higher. Heck I couldn't get an interview at 1589 TT. I guess things have changed............for the better?? I doubt it. I agree with many that the regional's are a place to gain experience. They are not a place to "learn to fly".
In response to the 60's the majors hired many with low time. It showed look at the past accident rates in the 70's-80's. The saving grace at the major's is most likely you will sit 5+ years in the right seat prior to upgrading.
We don't always have that luxury at the regional level.

My statements should fire up a few of you........Sorry!

 

I would have taken the left-seat at 1500 hours without hesitating at Trans States. The system was small enough that I was very comfortable in just a few months. Fast forward a couple of years to SkyWest and I still find myself learning too many new things every day (everything from non-radar in the mountains to SFO, LAX, ORD, and DEN in a single trip) to say I'd be completely comfortable (capable, howver, I am sure) to do the same.