When hiring pilots why do airlines place so much emphasis on total flight hours?

Question

I am a low time pilot who just earned his CL-65 type rating. I passed the check ride so I obviously have the skills required to fly the jet so why is there such an emphasis on total flight hours. We had some high time guys fail the type check; I don’t see a big correlation between total flight time and pilot skill.

I wish people that dont know what they are talking about would stop answering questions!!!

I am not looking to jump right into the Captains seat I want to be an FO and learn from a seasoned Captain I will be the first to admit that I dont know everything hell I dont know half of everything. I am just trying to make the point that I think more emphasis should be placed on pilot skill rather than total flight time.

Answer 1

EXPERIENCE DOES MATTER!!!. I'm a Captain on the CRJ200/701. I've flown with many pilots that have varying experience levels. The bottom line is that nobody is perfect. That's why there are 2 pilots on the flight deck. I flew with an FO that was also typed in the airplane. He went and bought his type rating. He had minimal experience. He didn't know that ATC doesn't continue vectoring you when they have cleared you for a visual approach. A lot of pilots don't have experience flying in adverse weather conditions. I've seen people freak out while in icing conditions, or they don't know the preferable way to go around a thunderstorm. How about landing with winds gusting to 50 knots and a 25 knot crosswind component? How about flying into airports like Newark, LaGuardia, Philadephia, Chicago, Atlanta, LAX? Even if you have, when you do it every day you get used to the specifics of those airports and their ATC procedures.

With that said, it is just as important to have a good attitude. Don't be afraid to admit to not knowing something, or asking how something could be done better. I'd rather fly with someone who is an average pilot that has a good attitude and is willing to learn.

As for checkrides, type rides, etc...
EVERYONE has a bad day. It is true that some people are lacking in the skills and kowledge to pass. However, just because you do pass doesn't mean you know everything. Good attitude, judgement, and decision making are extremely important.

Anyways, congrats on your Type Rating and good luck with getting a job. You are well on your way. Happy flying!!!

Answer 2

There is an old saying in aviation. There are thoes who have had an incident and thoes who will. Experiance is everything. The guy that has 3000 hours has problably encountered a lot more scenarios and situations than the guy that has 300. As a commercial pilot myself, I learn something new and see something different every time I fly. Oh yeah, insurance plays a big part in hour requirements too. If you look at NTSB reports, a lot of incidents are a result of lower time pilots that get in over their head. If a pilot gets to the point where he think he knows it all and has seen it all, it is time for him to hang up his wings. My best advice is to spend some time in the right seat, and learn all you can from the guy in the left seat, it will make you a better pilot and when you get the hours to move into the left seat, you can pass the knowledge on to your new right seater. Good luck.

Answer 3

Gee... Do you think that maybe the people who hire pilots for commercial airlines would know a bit more about this kind of thing than you do? With your attitude, I doubt that ANY airline would hire you.

When I'm sitting in the back of the airplane, I want to know that the airline has hired the best, safest, most conservative drivers to sit in the front of the bus. I don't want to be cargo for some still wet behind the ears punk kid who thinks he's God with an airplane just because he could pass one check ride.

If you can't see a correlation between total flight time and pilot skill, then I don't want to be anywhere near an airplane that you drive. Go spend some time hauling boxes or checks or something else that doesn't care about your misplaced ego.

Answer 4

No pilot will gain or keep his licences/ratings unless he has the requisite skills. After that, experience HAS to be a vital factor, because it is only through experience that you get to face some of the challenging situations for real.

Someone once said "Passengers prefer old captains and young flight attendants".

Answer 5

Experience.

Answer 6

experience is all it is really about... you just have to build up your flight time and fly the smaller aircrafts before a large airline will hire you.

but i agree. i think that if you have all your ratings and pass the check ride they should hire you. the whole process of getting on with someone in a pain in my a**

Answer 7

Experience matters.

Answer 8

Would you go to a surgeon to do brain surgery because he passed his classes, or do you want the same type doctor with more experience?

Answer 9

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