Originally Posted by parnel
The emergency stuff they learn cannot be all that difficult if there are many more qualified pilots out there than there are jobs. After all it is repeat repeat and more repeat when in simulator and live training.
I also used to fly the jumpseat often in the 90's because I knew several pilots then and almost all they used to complain about was the fact that modern aircraft really left very little skills applications for them unlike the 707's, original DC 8's and 9's, L1011's and early on the smaller aircraft they started out flying. He also did say AC had very strict safety rules that were very easy to follow.....any light comes on you don't fly.
.
In a effort to bring closure to a thread that has gotten way off topic, I will agree in principle to the above, but say the following,
1)There are not many over qualified pilots in Canada. There are a number of pilots, but not with time and experience on transport aircraft. Evidence of this is Air Canada has started hiring again and their qualification minima is WAY down. They are taking people that 3 years ago Jazz wouldn't interview. Most available, experienced Canadian pilots are whoring themselves out overseas (myself included). Do you think your going to find a 30 year B747 Capt. in Canada? Not a chance. In the rest of the non union world, you are hired by experience and skill.
2) I fly a B747 200/300. It is old technology and takes 3 people to fly it. It is of the same era of as the B707 and L1011. It is work to make it go and do what you want it to. You have more experience in an Airbus than I do. I have never stepped foot even in a sim. (B747, B757, B767, but no airbus). However, a high speed abort in ANY type is dangerous.
3) Air Canada pays way below industry standard for their pilots. How can they be over paid if the rest of the world, both union and non union, pay more?