Buzz Patterson

The Toronto crash is going to reveal a lot to the American flying public. Especially, as it regards mainline carriers (Delta, United, American, etc) and their reliance on regional carriers (Endeavor, Skywest, etc) to carry their brand. For example, the Toronto crash was flown for Delta Air Lines by Endeavor Air. Regional carriers are, generally speaking, entry level positions for pilots and flight attendants. They are resume building. A pilot hired at 500 hours of flying experience, for example, won’t qualify for the major carriers until they have at least 1500 hours (and the average is actually much, much higher). The other option for training and experience is the military (which is the route I took). The training departments are different as well, as are the types of aircraft they fly. We’ll get into this more as we go forward. For now, just know that when you book a flight, it may be a combination of carriers, aircraft, and various pilot qualifications. Signed, Retired Delta Pilot