Experience?
I haven't been Using this Forum for very long, but have noticed a trend that extends throughout the whole of the flying industry.
Everyone seems to think that they can describe their job, as the hardest, lowest paid, thankless existence in the world that no one else can do. I know everyone wants to be a hero, and have the rest of the world look at them in awe, but please; flying helicopters is not that difficult. We've all been in scary situations, and maybe even feared for our lives now and then. Talk to anyone who has worked in construction, on the oil rigs, down a coal mine, or in the steel industry. I can assure you, their jobs are much more difficult, thankless and dangerous.
The first question that I posted here, was to do with the required training for a specific job. Basically a requirement for twin engine experience for the UK police ops. I wanted to know why the requirement was there. Nearly all the responses were from people doing that particular job; trying to validate the requirement, and explain why; with no twin experience, a pilot wouldn't be suitable for that type of work. Learning to fly a twin, is not that difficult. I don't want to get into the same discussion, I'm merely using that as an example to make my point.
Everyone wants to think that they can't be replaced. The fact is; none of us are irreplacable. In the short term, yes; but long term no. All of us will, in time, be replaced by younger less experienced guys with newer, more efficient techniques and ideas. That's just the way things work. I'm sure that all the older pilots reading this topic, can remember thinking that their older colleagues (some, not all) were stuck in their old ways, and never bothered to keep up with new and better technology/ideas.
Helicopters are new; they are constantly and quickly changing. New technology and materials have allowed a huge amount of change over the last 10-20 years and I'm sure that will continue.
Please; lets try to change that harmful attitude. Just because you were taught a specific way, does not mean that it's the only way. Just because you have more experience, it does not mean that you are always right; instructors and teachers have always learned from their students. Passing on the benefit of experience can be accomplished without condescenion, and the less experienced guys will listen more closely.
Happy New Year