SkyWest is an exceptional airline, flying regional jets. Many pilots fly for SkyWest their entire career, many pilots build flight hours at SkyWest, or airlines similar to SkyWest, and then move on to larger carriers. And yes, with pilot retirements and some airlines having record load factors, qualified airmen and airwomen are in demand. And there is no doubt that essential air service can be the lifeblood of smaller communities. The question is, are less hours of pilot logged flight time the answer? New hires, after successful training, become first officers, sitting in the right seat, second in command. They learn more and more from their experienced captains, and from flying the aircraft themselves. Should the bar be lowered to fill those right seats, (acknowledgingly with pilots who do successfully complete their training, which in itself is daunting)? Or should the current bar remain where it is? I do not know who all is in this conversation. I would suggest that in addition to our two senators, the F.A.A. and SkyWest's senior pilots also have a voice in this discussion, and eventual decision.
Thanks! I'll reach out and see if I can get comments from those and also the Montana aviation authority. I'll see if there is a passenger advocate group with thoughts as well.
SkyWest is an exceptional airline, flying regional jets. Many pilots fly for SkyWest their entire career, many pilots build flight hours at SkyWest, or airlines similar to SkyWest, and then move on to larger carriers. And yes, with pilot retirements and some airlines having record load factors, qualified airmen and airwomen are in demand. And there is no doubt that essential air service can be the lifeblood of smaller communities. The question is, are less hours of pilot logged flight time the answer? New hires, after successful training, become first officers, sitting in the right seat, second in command. They learn more and more from their experienced captains, and from flying the aircraft themselves. Should the bar be lowered to fill those right seats, (acknowledgingly with pilots who do successfully complete their training, which in itself is daunting)? Or should the current bar remain where it is? I do not know who all is in this conversation. I would suggest that in addition to our two senators, the F.A.A. and SkyWest's senior pilots also have a voice in this discussion, and eventual decision.
Thanks! I'll reach out and see if I can get comments from those and also the Montana aviation authority. I'll see if there is a passenger advocate group with thoughts as well.