I'm a pilot currently qualifying. I'm finding this very hard news to understand and worrying. How can airlines get away with this? I'm a modular student as it is far too expensive to go the intergrated route. I can't even afford a type rating and I know i'm not alone.
I think we need to go back to the way it use to be. Work your way to the top with hours. I know countries that won't allow low time pilots in big jets. For example to fly a Q400 with Porter Airlines you need min 3000hrs and so you need to build hours flying for small companies or instruct. It seems to me that airlines are exploiting low time pilots who dream to fly the airline route only.
Porter Airlines a Canadian run airline requires the following:
Porter Airlines
FIRST OFFICER Duties and Responsibilities: - Safe operation of the aircraft.
Qualifications: - Airline Transport Pilot Licence (Transport Canada)
- Category I Medical
- Current Instrument Rating
- Min. 3,000 Hours Total Time
- Min. 500 Hours Multi-Engine PIC
- Aviation College or University Degree is an asset;
- Pilots that do not meet the minimum requirements may be considered based on experience and other factors.
I think the intergrated route has contributed to this? To pay for a type rating is almost unheard of in Canada and is truly expensive.
Does a doctor need to pay to see patients?