P3 Rating

[spongebathbob]

Would anyone say a P3 rated driver is just as qualified as P2 or P1 and is totally capable of flying the aircraft and knowing the machine technically....

[I.R.PIRATE]

I would hazard a guess, NO, or else he would have been a P2 or even more flashy - a P1.

[spongebathbob]

Thanks....glad i'm not the only one that thinks the same....but on the other side of the coin there are some that will say otherwise...please lets hear your views

[boyracer]

A P3 rating is restricted to above FL200 only ie may only occupy a front seat above FL200, with a rated fella / fellaress in the other seat . The initial rating for a P3 is issued with less sim time than P1/P2 . However a P3 is a qualified pilot who is an integral part of the crew he must be able to perform the same cruise duties and emergencies that a P1/P2 would do , and in most cases is very adept at finding and anticipating any data ie MEL , SUPS, and info that is required by the P1/P2. A P3 rating ( P2 restricted )can only log 1/3 time towards a higher license.
I think the P3 (P2 restricted ) as shown in the SA CAA license is a SAA thing.
Personally I believe a good P3 is worth his/her weight in gold and some that I have flown with out shine the primary crew in system knowledge.
Many joined as P3 and it gets quite frustrating watching the P1/P2 having all the fun , but things change and we all have our time in the sun

[unstable load]

Personally I believe a good P3 is worth his/her weight in gold and some that I have flown with out shine the primary crew in system knowledge.

You probably would have been the same with the challenge of getting into the seat full time.
Personally I think it's great that the system is in place to let low time people into a cockpit and "serve their apprenticeship" so to say.
Then again, I am one of the "black hand brigade" who defers your snags..... so that opinion may not count for much.

[Wiele]

Hi guys! There are some P3's in SAA with 10000+ hours of flying experience. Depending on the need when you start at SAA you might go to the A340's as a P3 or straight to the B738's as a P2. Some P3's at SAA are Grade1 DE's.

Being a P3 is not as bad as some people might think. Yes, you miss the actual flying but it is a good learning experience and a fantastic oppertunity to see the world.

P3 does not mean you are inexperienced, it is just the way the system works and it works well!!

[Rusty Shagman]

Would anyone say a P3 rated driver is just as qualified as P2 or P1 and is totally capable of flying the aircraft and knowing the machine technically....

If you take into account that a certain SAA boy pilot—oops, you're not allowed to call them that anymore—uh ... P3, managed to get a direct entry B744 command at Atlas UK (or GSS, whatever they call themselves these days) a few years ago, with no more than a "P3" qualification, I'd say there's a case for for your P3 bloke being as good as old Kaptein (do they still have to call him that at SAA?), even!

[groundfloor]

The SAA P3 did not get a direct entry command but direct entry onto 747 classic as a co-jo. The company then got rid of the classics so he ended up on a 400 course. After maybe 18 months he was offered an upgrade and now a 400 Captain...But then he`s an ex chopperjock!!! and a very good operator!

[unstable load]

.

But then he`s an ex chopperjock!!! and a very good operator!

Nuff sed!!