Originally Posted by Nevrekar
Not sure if the FAR 121/135 PIC time is from the HR or the pilot side. Many have had this requirement for many years. Examples include SWA, Fedex.
It has made many applicants ineligble because they may have been a carrier for 10 years and not have upgraded because of seniority rather than ability.
Understandably that can be frustrating. Been there, done that.
As far as 121 PIC being "less than worthy." What are you considering more worthy in terms of PIC or experience? My guesss is that airlines use previous experience as a PIC as a predictor of future success in their training program.
That's just an opinion.
I think that PIC time gained flying piston twins and turbine twins both prop and jet under part 135 requires a great deal more effort on the part of the pilot as it is almost always single pilot or a sand bag building time in the right seat. Certainly evaluating weather and runway conditions and go no go decisions require a great deal more knowledge of the regulations and a greater understanding of a weather map as well the pressure placed on the pilot under 135 operations or even part 91 for that matter.. In the 121 world we have layer upon layer of assistance at every turn and we are well isolated from the "Boss" as well. I will always consider my time spent grinding my way through the 91 and 135 world as the most valuable experience I will ever have. I am confident that my abilities as a pilot and my knowledge of the rules and my ability to read the weather were far, far superior in those days then they are now......everything is interpreted and "dumbed down" at my airline so there is no longer a way to put that knowledge and ability to work anymore.......When airlines add superfluous requirements such as "121" time or Jet PIC time or "over 20000 lb 121 pic turbine time" they shut the door on a huge pool of talent thats all.........