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Originally Posted by seagull B767,
Well, first off, I apologize if I come across that way, and thanks for that feedback. It's not my intent. I think that there are a couple of topics that tend to get my goat, I think because I've seen some real problems over the years in those areas, so I may be replying a bit shorter than I should (perhaps coupled with lack of time to think out the replies sometimes).
My carrier has a similar mix of civilian vs. military, and all I can say is that I have seen more problems with procedural, technical and attitude issues with the small % of civilian background. I'm not sure why that is, it shouldn't be that way. I should add that the vast majority are great, but of that "10%" in the whole group, about half are civilian, which is just way out of proportion. I come from that background, so I am not happy to admit it, but I call it as I see it.
The bottom line on all this has nothing to do with any sort of "competition" between military vs. civilian. I think that I am just pointing out a deficiency that needs to be corrected. There are actually two, you pointed one out, i.e., that weak pilots tend to be "kept on" in civi training schools, on average. It is unfortunate, but I don't see how to fix that as long as schools are in the business of making a profit.
The issue I am trying to address CAN be fixed, but it would take FAA to actually do several things:
1. Actually do some research and work to keep up with the the state of the industry in terms of technical knowledge and;
2. Create some method of having that filter down with some real quality control, right down to the local CFI, etc.;
3. Along with the first point, work to get all the different directorates on the same page, i.e., don't have ATC coming up with things that violate TERPs, etc.
My experience is that most people in FAA are good, sharp people that want to do a good job. However, the organization is disfunctional (as they, themselves are usually quick to point out). As a result, I have been amazed at some of the things that have been said by actual FAA inspectors (let alone DPEs). IOW, those that are supposed to have leadership roles in aviation are spreading things that are just plain wrong too often. Not only does it put bad info out there, but it exposes the poor pilots that listen to them to certificate action or worse! Now, THAT really irritates the heck out of me, and that might be what makes me sound short!
I don't know how to fix it, but I would note that the FAA AEG group seems to have their act together pretty well, and their flight test folks are sharp also. So, I know they can do it, although that whole world is controlled a lot more due to fewer manufacturers or those applying for STCs, etc.
Again, apologies if the tone came across condescending, as that was not my intent. |