Well, it certainly looks like I'm loosing this one.
As to the CMA comment - I've got some good friends there who I've crossed paths with around say Peace River etc. So picture this. Two pilots, both brought up through the right seat 250 hr route, Capt with 4000+hrs, f/o with 3000+hrs, hardcore IFR day in Peace River, some getting in, some not - everyone holding. NO CAHRTS ON BOARD - nice. They get told to hold at a fix they have no idea where it is, mangae to bullshit enough to avoid being violated.
Why did this happen? A combined 7000hrs+ of flying the same routes with the same clearences and no requirement to THINK or be prepared.
As many of you are stating, the airline seems to be the end goal here. Again I ask, "how many of us actually see big iron?" To tailor your career for the airlines seems a bit narrow minded. So when you have 5000hrs and of flying the same routes day after day, your capacity for adaptation is dulled. How does that apply? Well maybe WJ and AC don't call, but an outfit that flies corperate or internationally does, then what? It's been so long since you flew a route you didn't have memorized that you don't even know where to start. I've seen it happen.
You say you see a pilot walking those halls happy he's not digging barrells out of snowdrift. I see a pilot who because company SOP doesn't use reverse regularly, doesn't know what operating in deep snow is like, doesn't know how to solve his/her own problems when they arise on that one off charter into nowheresville. And never will. I see an arguement about setting a parking brake in 10inches of fresh, I see a pilot who's ability to adapt to new situations is limited. Now I agree that IF this pilot makes the big stuff, it's no big deal, because he/she will never have to deal with any of this. But I go back to my old point of "how many will get there."
If the people doing airline hiring are looking for people who know nothing but the rules, regualtions and SOP's, fine. But those companies that operate the smaller stuff shouldn't be IMHO looking for the same qualities as the job is different.
"What do i need skill for anyway? Luck is my best skill. Wouldn't you all rather fly with a lucky pilot than a good one?"
ahramin
I hope you all find this as frightening as I do.
Again, I am not suggesting we throw people into situations that they can't handle. But I am suggesting that putting people in environments where they can "push the boundries" is very important. Very. The things you learn by making flying's little Ooop's are enormously important. To shun that is plain ignorant. Whether those lessons are learned SP IFR, on floats, skiis or otherwise is here nor there. They are important. That guy walking thorugh the YYC terminal at 500hrs will never KNOW how he reactes when the shit hits the fan. I think that is very important, it breeds conifdence and humillity - very important qualities in a good pilot of any any a/c.
And I never said Bush Flying was the be all and end all. But it is a GREAT palce to start - no question. CP, I'd love to chat with you more in depth about this, you have some very good perspective. Thanks.
RP
hahahahaha
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