Charles Thom II

Pilot initial qualification should NOT be determined by hours alone. Qualifiction should be determined by rigorous intake testing of POTENTIAL skills in Psychological, Physiological, Leadership, and other such skills that will point toward hiring of potential Captains. The old, abandoned STA-9 testing system is a good example of thorough intake testing of potential all-around solid, successful, and teamwork oriented pilots. New Human Resources advances can surely improve upon the screening out of doubtful candidates, and highlight the promotion of likely ones. Hours of experience should be one of the factors, but only one of many. A monitored program by each Airline, at their expense, should replace, or augment the 1500 hour (Or less for some applicants) rule. I am a 20,000 hour retired Airline, Navy Combat, and extensive GA Pilot, and currently a CFI.