The new transcripts released by the NTSB about Colgan 3407 got me thinking about how these regional airlines compare to their peers with respect to pilot selection, training and ongoing testing/certification.

CBS is reporting that "Experts Say Regional Airline Pilots Lack The Volume Of Hours In Cockpit Of Counterparts At Major Airlines", which I think we all know, but stories like that bring these issues to the forefront of mainstream media.

I don't often fly the junglejet, but I know many of you do. Do any of you know if ExpressJet and other CO Connection/Express operators have more stringent standards for their pilots?

Even if they are more stringent, do the recent developments with 3407 make you more likely to take mainline jets in the future?

Don't get me wrong. I think the Q and RJ are safe planes, it's the experience of the men and women behind the wheel that I'm concerned about.