Originally Posted by
simmple
Not trying to defend grey charters but I think there are probably many highly experienced pilots who fly very safely but who have never needed a CPL because they don’t want to earn money from flying.
Agreed as long as they don’t peddle their wares as a professional pilot to an unsuspecting public
A comparison (not exhaustive) of a professional & private pilot:
A professional pilot will get airborne provided it is safe to do so in difficult conditions as invariably they are well versed in operating in such conditions. Six monthly simulator sessions (OPC/LPC) & yearly line check, plus days when the FOI decides to observe from the jump seat. Or occasionally an AAIB inspector observing the operation to gleam more information following an event which has taken their interest.
A PPL/IR although experienced and has demonstrated competency in IFR will probably not get airborne in a maximum crosswind on a horrible night, because (wisely) commercial pressure does not exist. A yearly IR renewal & bi-annual check with a FI.
The professional pilot has far greater scrutiny as to their competency than a PPL.