Originally Posted by dietcoke

I know that I use regional express carriers quite often in my threads but I do so for a reason. Regional crewmembers operate under the exact FAA guidelines that I do at JetBlue. These are the same rules that all the Legacy carriers operate under as well. Magiciansampras, I believe that I am comparing apples to apples. Todays regional jets are as complex, and in many cases more complex,,as most if not all mainline equipement. Indeed the regional jets like the CRJ and ERJ 135/145 series are more challenging to operate on approaches as they do not have leading edge slats which allow for lower landing speeds. A CRJ 200 ( that is the 50 seat model ) has a max gross landing weight of 47000 Lbs. The average approach speed over the runway threshold on landing is approximately 150 Kts or about 10 - 15 kts faster than all the airbus family. With a flap failure and subsequent no flap approach this number increases to 181 kts or 208 MPH. There can be little doubt that regional jets are as capable as mainline equipment, however there is a definite difference in flight experience when it comes to getting hired at a regional as opposed to a mainline carrier. Most mainline carriers require 1000 + hours turbine PIC just to apply. Companies like Mesa, Republic and Pinnacle are hiring kids with 250 hours out of accredited flight schools who just want to rape these kids for their money.They get hired with absolutely zero real world experience and on a bad weather day in the Northeast Corridor this is just UNSAFE. Hell most newhire regional pilots are hired with zero actual instrument time, god forbid that something doesn't happen to the Captain. Whenever we operate under FAR part 121 rules we are all operating in the same airspace under the same defined rules so this is comparing apples to apples. As an airline pilot I think I have a good idea about this particular subject. Additionally, think about the subpar contracts at most regional carriers and how cutting corners, because you aren't getting paid for cancellations, unwillingly forces certain aircrews to operate otherwise unairworthy aircraft.