Ever wonder why so much of modern endorsement training in things like airbus and even some of Seattle's product is done on autopilot? Because so many of todays younger pilots and even some not so young can't handfly for !!!!e!!!
Well, yes, that all sounds very macho and wonderful and is great for puffing up one's ego at the bar, but it's not actually correct. There is a focus on autopilot work as well as hand flying these days because of the complexity of modern systems and because in the past people were screwing up in an emergency because they didn't have the skills (through the wrong focus in training) to use the automatics properly - hence lots of people hand flying when the !!!! hit the fan instead of reducing the workload by engaging the autopilot. Or being caught out by the automatics when they did decide to use them.
What you don't learn before you fly a 737 you certainly won't learn in a 737
Again, a great soundbite but it doesn't actually make any sense. I've trained sponsored cadets who've gone straight onto a jet and never looked back - their selection and training equiping them with all they need to gain experience in this particular environment and go on to eventually become Captains of a high calibre. I've also trained pilots with the kind of experience you talk about, and some were good, but also some weren't very good at all. So I'm afraid in my experience your vague generalisations don't accurately reflect reality.
You also have to remember in the UK and Europe the kind of bush flying experience you're talking about is virtually non-existent, so it's a non-starter in that part of the world. Doesn't produce any less competent airline pilots though. Horses for courses.
