Multi-Crew Pilot License, Anybody?
09-30-2007, 04:51 PM
#31
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 40,107
Yea lets not equate some MPL lic program to that which US Military and many foreign military pilots go thru. And before I get flamed let me state that I in NO way infer that military training or civilian training is better...its simply different. I will say that I believe that military training gets pilots up and trained to a higher level earlier... but after years of flying and training I think the playing field is leveled. In my opinion the main difference is that mil guys are generally exposed to much more complex acft earlier and the training programs are extremely structured which helps later in 121 type training programs.
1) The quality of the trainee.
2) The quality of the training program.
3) The performance standards required of the trainee.
Due to the inherent complexity and hazards of many military missions, trainees are carefully screened. Also since applicants outnumber opportunities, the military can be especially picky (and they are). The only screening in the civilian world is a first class medical and a credit check.
Due to the complexity of the missions and aircraft, and the fact that uncle sam is the sponsor, military training programs have literally millions to spend on an individual pilot's training.
Even with screened trainees and quality training, a large percentage (probably near 50% historical average) wash out due to very high standards and very few opportunities to repeat unsat evolutions.
There is no reason a civilian cannot have a lot of potential, many do. But no civilian program (yes, including riddle) comes anywhere near the military's. Most civilians, regardless of individual potential, are somewhat limited by their lack of experience in high-performance flying...exceptions might be aerobatic, fire-bombers, etc.
However...after many years at an airline the ex-military pilot's performance skills may fade since they are not really used. At that point the flying is more a management and judgement game...so the civilian is probably equally capable. The very few ex-military pilots I know who have had difficulties at airlines all suffered from some sort of attitude problem...either too authoritarian or unable to relax and go with the flow on certain things.
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