Originally Posted by
Who stole my meds
Quote: "I have the feeling if you have experience you would end up where they need relief FOs, there are not nearly enough, failure rate to become one is very high and the senior RQs are getting their commands."
What's the reason for the failures? What is the process of becoming a relief FO?
Generally the cadet pilots can recite the manuals but struggle to apply this knowledge to the real world.
Some others failed the RQ sim check because on a diversion in procedural airspace they flew into the side of a hill.
The ex-Dragon pilots are experienced in Asia but haven't spent much time in the remoter areas of the network.
Experience levels are in free fall. Some C&T still set a reasonable standard, but there is immense pressure on them to pass candidates. The vast majority of Relief Commanders are adequate. There are a few I have flown with who should not be left unsupervised.