In recent years, commands have been awarded to pilots with 2-3 years on jets---and guess what? The failure rate for these candidates is a whopping (and quantified) 40-50%! This data come from the LCCs here in Australia. This should be evidence to you that the current C&T system in this country maintains the requisite standard.
I have not seen this data, however to me 50% failure rate seems excessive!
I agree this demonstrates the current CHECK system is working well. But what about the TRAINING system?
Disregarding the fact at to whether it is a LCC or not. It would be a concern to any airline, Legacy or otherwise having failure rates this high.
What is happening prior to the final check?
One would have to ask, is the training insufficient? Do they train to a cost or a standard? Do the candidates have insufficient total experience prior to command upgrade?
I'm guessing here, but if the top 50% of FO's can't pass a command check. If the opportunity is past down the line to other FO's with lesser experience. Would the failure rate stay the same at 50% or would it be higher?
I do agree with the statement that commands may be awarded to FO's with 1, 2 or 3 years in a company. Each case should be determined by the merit of the individual concerned. So I don't have a problem with brand new FO's being upgraded to command.
If I was running an airline I'd be concerned where I'm going to get Captains from to cater for future expansion.