That's true no matter what the job is and makes perfect sense.

The problem now is they are hiring more guys that are almost semitards. I knew day one who was going to fail out of the class. Now he is at GoJet.

The washout rate should be higher if they are hiring more substandard pilots.

Interesting thread. I've been offered a FO position in a metro flying cargo and a job flying pipeline in a cessna. The catch is that the cargo gig while it is better experience is with a company with a less than stellar reputation and a significant training contract (length and money). The pipeline gig will allow me to get to a regional significantly quicker (like 130ish hrs/month vs 70ish) but I am concerned that the experience won't adequately prepare me for a 121 environment. What I've gathered from this thread is that if you're an average pilot who is motivated and has a strong work ethic you should be ok. I'd like to tap into some of the collective wisdom of this group so any input is appreciated.

It actually comes down to personality and attitude. The best pilots in my opinion are the ones who are humble, willing to learn, have a great attitude and don't think they are god's greatest gift to aviation. If you're a guy who takes offense when a Captain or an instructor calls you on a mistake made and get on the defensive side and always make up an excuse....well, you're going to have a hard time getting through a 121 training program, let alone survive on the line. People alway slip through the cracks but, you get the point.

Thanks for the quick reply. That's encouraging because I definitely don't fit that profile.

Yeah man, you don't have to be the best pilot in the world. There's a ton of people that go from flight instructor to the CRJ or the ERJ without an issue. Having something in between besides CFI'ing always helps but not necessary. Just have a good attitude and you'll be fine.

You'll be fine. It's 70% attitude and 30% aptitude. Even here at Blue we have folks who don't pass training (but they are few and far between). Always try your hardest, be humble and study as much as you can. Also, chair fly with your sim partner prior to sims. It doesn't matter if you are flying a CRJ or an Aibus or a 747. Do this for every new airplane type.

Yah, But can you teach them to actually fly the aircraft ?

I know I've said this before, but don't sign a training contract to fly for any 135 freight company, they're all hurting for pilots and most won't give you any training worth a damn. An SIC type in a metro is about the most useless type you can get in the real world. If you really want the job tell them your interested, but will not sign a training contract, if they won't hire you it's probably for the best anyways.

Not that 135 cargo isn't a bad way to get some initial experience, just be smart about it, and be careful. People do die doing this job no car part is worth your life.

Thanks a lot for the feedback guys. I finally got the specifics on the pipeline job and the pay is almost 30% better without a training contract. So I'm guess I'm headed that route.