Original Message

Hey folks,

Diversity isn't a dirty word. This line of work should have room for everyone qualified for the job. Now retired, l flew mediums for my whole working life(nearly fifty years), and learned that employers aren't looking for the " ace of the base". They want steady, professional pilots who can work with and get along with customers and co workers. Long line skills can be mastered by nearly everyone given proper training and time to become proficient. It is not a black art.

Type one machines offer a less experienced pilot the opportunity to fly as second in command for a season or two, thus avoiding the "on the job training" most of us experienced in our early years. So..perhaps one should see the mentoring of newer pilots as a sign of progress in this industry.

The airlines have plenty of female captains, perhaps it's time for our industry to look there for inspiration.