Remember flying regionals is Multi Crew.Multi crew allows operators to place a lesser houred pilot in the right seat.All the QL candidates have the aptitude to progress and grasp whats in front of them,they will do well.Don't worry about the passengers in regards of a 500hr TT or 1000hr TT pilot in the right seat because at the end of the day they are tasked and trained with a Captain by them and also "It is just an aircraft".Once a pilot has been drilled in the Sim and has Base and Line Checks periodically,they will be fine.....
With correct training and repetition, a human regardless of age will operate efficiently....
I had a friend once who used to say "It is just an aircraft". Him and I used to argue over that and I warned him one day it would come back to bite him. It did the day he died when his aircraft ran out of fuel during take off. He thought there had been enough in it for his flight and hadn't checked properly. As much as it hurt to see that happen, I couldn't help but remember him say all the time "Don't worry mate, it's just an aircraft".
You said "with correct training and
repetition". Flying IS made up of repetition with small mistakes along the way which hopefully, if not too big, end up with a rich tapestry of
experience. Whilst cyclics form a good basis for emergency situations, being told exactly what to expect in a cyclic and when to expect it don't really make for the real thing. I've experienced a few engine failures and similiar in my time now (both single pilot and multi crew) and I can assure you that I was glad that I had experience in conjunction with good training with which to deal with the situation when it arose.
Krusty - I don't know what will happen when the blind are leading the blind. By that time I hope to be well away from the regional arena but I do feel for the captains of the near future. Operating will become a lot more work and I know many are adding that to the reasons of leaving the company and some from aviation altogether.
I guess time will tell. Good luck to all those applying
