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killbilly · October 13th, 2006, 11:16

Curious as to everyone's input - I know this scenario is less than likely to happen with ONE slot, but I'm looking for opinions anyway:

121 Airline (for this discussion, we'll say a regional, although I don't think it will matter) is reviewing a pair of candidates for an F/O position.

Both candidates have 4-year bachelor degrees, equal amounts of flight time in the logbook, no issues with the FAA, medical, or anything else.

The only difference between the candidates is that one is in his early 20's, fresh out of school, and this is going to be his first "real" job.

The other candidate is in his mid-30's to early 40's, has a fairly extensive resume' prior to flight training, and would be considered a career changer.

If there was only one slot to fill, which candidate would be viewed as more attractive by the airline? The older, more 'experienced' or 'mature' pilot, or the younger, 'fresher' one?

Let us also assume that both interviewed well. I'm just trying to gauge whether, all other things being equal, the airline values a certain degree of seasoning in the older pilot - I've gamed this out in my head and have found compelling arguments in both directions. What do you think?

October 13th, 2006, 11:16	#1
killbilly Old Skool Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 3,309	Hypothetical Hiring Situation: Curious as to everyone's input - I know this scenario is less than likely to happen with ONE slot, but I'm looking for opinions anyway: 121 Airline (for this discussion, we'll say a regional, although I don't think it will matter) is reviewing a pair of candidates for an F/O position. Both candidates have 4-year bachelor degrees, equal amounts of flight time in the logbook, no issues with the FAA, medical, or anything else. The only difference between the candidates is that one is in his early 20's, fresh out of school, and this is going to be his first "real" job. The other candidate is in his mid-30's to early 40's, has a fairly extensive resume' prior to flight training, and would be considered a career changer. If there was only one slot to fill, which candidate would be viewed as more attractive by the airline? The older, more 'experienced' or 'mature' pilot, or the younger, 'fresher' one? Let us also assume that both interviewed well. I'm just trying to gauge whether, all other things being equal, the airline values a certain degree of seasoning in the older pilot - I've gamed this out in my head and have found compelling arguments in both directions. What do you think?