Why the double-standard for pilots and engineers?
Why can a copilot not fly without a license on type, regardless of previous hours and experience, with the captain alongside, watching everything, ready to intervene?
Yet unlicensed engineers carry out maintenance, but how often is the licensed engineer standing alongside, watching everything, ready to intervene? (More likely, they're at a different aircraft or in an office with paperwork).
Why is this acceptable?
Would it be useful if copilots were allowed some experience on type before having to sit a licensing exam, just like engineers or should engineers have to get their license before working on an aircraft? Any thoughts?