Green lights has nailed it.
In past years progression within airlines could have typically been from something basic like the DC3 to something very complex like the L188. There is no more of a quantum leap going from, say, a Dash 8 to any of today's jets.
Training an experienced turboprop pilot on a jet would usually take less time than it would to teach a 200 hour cadet to the same level of competence.
If a pilot can fly any jet well, they can quickly adapt to either short haul or long haul. Each has its own challenges, but neither requires supernatural powers.
It is all about how Management see malleability. The experienced turboprop pilot may sometimes display independent thought. Any potential challenge to the 'Company' way is seen as a threat.
Occasionally 'attitude' does rear its ugly head during training. That can and should be dealt with decisively by the training department. The words "Company way or the highway" should get the required result. Should that occasionally fail, then a ritual sacking sends the message to any other potential challengers. With such a clear policy, only rarely will turboprop pilots not make the grade to jets.
Last edited by Mach E Avelli; 10th Apr 2015 at 21:23.