SKYDRIFTER,
You seem a little too anti-American to call yourself one. ;-)
I was just wondering why you view American pilots a being less skilled or knowledgable than Japanese or British pilots. Considering airline pilots, with all the automation, how would an ANA or BA crew pilot a 777 diffrently than an AA or UAL crew. In my opinion there would be no difference at all.
On the matter of professional knowledge, why do you discredit the aeronautical universities in the U.S.; especially schools like Embry-Riddle. These universities offer 4 year degrees for professional pilots that cover, in great depth, the subject of aviation. I admit, and this is strictly speaking from what I have heard, that the JAA ATPL written is difficult. However, most people on this site talk of completing the the 14 writtens in 6 months. It may be possible that people can cover 4 years of material in six months, but what is a persons retention of that material if it was covered in such a short period of time.
The FAA writtens are pretty pathetic, but in the U.S. you have absolutely no chance of being hired without a four year degree; whereas in Europe (again, this is from what I hear) airlines don't require college degrees. The trend in the U.S. nowadays is you either have an aviaton related degree or you're from the military. With all this, I really do not see how U.S. pilots are less skilled in anyway. I don't mean to start an argument, I'am just responding to all the anti-U.S. comments I see on this site. Any comments are welcome, especially from you SKYDRIFTER. :-)
[This message has been edited by AACapt (edited 23 March 2001).]
[This message has been edited by AACapt (edited 23 March 2001).]
[This message has been edited by AACapt (edited 23 March 2001).]
[This message has been edited by AACapt (edited 24 March 2001).]