Originally Posted by Capn Notarious
But one recurring theme seems to be the quality or lack of it from some training organisations.
- Does the military produce a better pilot than a civilian training establishment?
- If you as a pilot were to be flown as passenger and had the choice of an ex-military with 2,000 hours and a civilian with the same Pilot in Charge time. Who would you want?
- Could you generalise as to which might be the safer pilot. I understand that civilians are not likely to get shot at, but if my memory serves me well [VH DIK 206 Jet Ranger took a round in the extended range fuel tank, while on circumnavigation. The film was shown on the BBC but where is it now.]
- I realise that in a time of peace there may be less urgency to produce Heli pilots.
- Likewise the training helicopter is a significant factor. Which may effect results and pilot profficiency.
Yours truly has attempted to stimulate an interesting thread.
Pprune, a centre for learning and not being rude.
1. I don't think the army produces better pilots per se. It just depends on the training organisation, and of course the person (the major factor) in question.
2. It again depends on the person, and in the case of the civil guy what kind of experience. 2000 hours doesn't say much.
3. I don't think the training helicopter is a significant factor. The training organisation is the factor to start with.