Note: This is an article that was written before I went on vacation that my good friend Jon Heckman graciously offered to post for me. I will return to normal posting on June 29.
…at least they are according to Joe Brancatelli of Conde Nast Portfolio. His article was written recently after the Southwest safety issue, and he does make a few points that are worth arguing. But this last bit annoyed me:
One more thing to worry about: Pilot pay has been slashed so drastically that airlines can’t find qualified candidates to fly commuter aircraft, the entry-level flying job. With pay for commuter flights starting not far above minimum wage (some pilots have left to drive trucks), airlines are hiring pilots with as little as 500 hours of flight experience. That’s about half the old minimum requirement.
The claim that the pilots are commuter aircraft aren’t qualified is especially annoying. I know a few people studying at places like Embry Riddle. Recent college graduates often fly the smaller aircraft. These students are quite prepared by their instructors and are, if anything, over-qualified for their jobs in my opinion.
Also, the requirements have changed as technology has changed. GPS units have made navigation much more accurate. the introduction of TCAS units into more and more aircraft mean that pilots can more esaily monitor the air traffic around them. Also, simulators that can be customized for special situations are more common in training.
He is right that the pay at first is pretty horrible, though. But it does improve over time, especially when one makes the leap to mainline aircraft.
So I’d have to say that the pilots on the regional airlines, even if they’re young and fresh out of school, are qualified for their jobs and are perfectly safe pilots.
If you had to have major surgery (think open heart surgery), would you want that done by someone who recently graduated from an awesome medical school and residency program, but has done only a few months “on the job”, or would you want a surgeon who has done the same type of surgery many times?
In perfect flying conditions, those recent graduates with 500 hours of flying experience are probably completely safe. And even if things get hairy, they probably aren’t exactly bad. But I’d still prefer some 40-50 year old pilot who has “seen it all before”.
YMMV.
Oliver, you do have a very good point. Experience does count for sure. I just think the original article exaggerated a bit.
Either way, pilots have to start somewhere to get that experience. And one other point – the recent graduates start in the right seat with the regional airlines – it takes a little bit to move over to the left.
Thanks for commenting!
Agreed, just like physicians (or for that matter, newly licensed car drivers), young pilots have to start somewhere. And I do fly regional airliners on occasions and don’t exactly fear for my life every minute of the flight