OK, I get the idea that a regional airline will have newer pilots, which theoretically could be more dangerous (although it could be safer because they just finished training, and they will be working hard to prove themselves).
But what difference does it make how much they are paid? You think they would be better pilots if you just paid them twice as much?
But what difference does it make how much they are paid? You think they would be better pilots if you just paid them twice as much?
Absolutely, the lack of training and experience makes all the difference. Some of these commuters hire pilots with only 250 hours of TOTAL time. Those people that died in the Colgan Air crash would be alive today if it weren't for the lack of experience AND training by the two pilots (the Captain was the older of the two pilots but didn't start his career in flying until he was in his 30's).
The last six air disasters involving passengers were commuter airlines -- the kind we all fly on thanks to code-sharing.
Anyway the rules are about to change -- all airline pilots will require an ATP, which is the most rigorous rating, and requires 1500 hours total time.