Ed Dartford
Well-Known Member
Much is being made of the fact that the FO in the Etheopian crash had something like 200 hours. (The Captain had 8000.) I am wondering what makes sense. Not too long ago we had 250, then 500. now 1500. (if I remember correctly)
If you have 200 hours, and want to become an airline pilot, what will you learn by bumping around in a C150 for at least 1300 additional hours? . (Except that you don't want to be a cfi). I suggest that type rating training and some number of hours in an airliner full motion simulator are worth much more than 1300 hours of who knows what. In practice airlines have requirements beyond the mandated 1500 hours.
PIC hours, turbine time and such seem reasonable. Having to have a college degree, which in most cases is a preference rather than an absolute requirement lacks justification.
In summary, Total flight hours is a poor indicator of piloting skill. It is just an easy thing for the media to talk about.
If you have 200 hours, and want to become an airline pilot, what will you learn by bumping around in a C150 for at least 1300 additional hours? . (Except that you don't want to be a cfi). I suggest that type rating training and some number of hours in an airliner full motion simulator are worth much more than 1300 hours of who knows what. In practice airlines have requirements beyond the mandated 1500 hours.
PIC hours, turbine time and such seem reasonable. Having to have a college degree, which in most cases is a preference rather than an absolute requirement lacks justification.
In summary, Total flight hours is a poor indicator of piloting skill. It is just an easy thing for the media to talk about.
