Thanks Kent, for a great post. Although line checks and recurrent training can be an an annoyance for some, they are an important part of the the important job. Those evaluations and periodic simulator training are darn near the only effective way to assure that ALL line pilots have and maintain the necessary skills. While your line may be different, I think most airlines now follow a "Train to Success," policy, one that does not threaten jobs unless a very serious problem is discovered. I hope that your airline has caught on to this smart move. With experience from another profession, I know that the refreshers can appear to be threatening at the outset, but they should not be. The smart folks consider them an opportunity to demonstrate their well-practiced skills and to prove their worth to t heir employer. Unions aside, why don't more pilots see it this way? We do not need big egos and overloaded pride bags oin the flightdeck. In the 2011 environment and beyond, I thought that most of you boys (and girls) were beyond that. Line check and recurrent training should not be feared, but enjoyed. I've often heard folks ask if they prefer a low total-hours pilot, think regional pilot who flies 5-6 links per day, to a higher hours pilot, flying as FO on long-haul interenational flights - and may personally fly (take-off and landing) one or two links per month. I don't know the answer, but that recurrent training and line observation is part of the package. What do you think?
On a different, far more interesting subject... How is life in Germany going. Having lived there myself, if some years ago, I'd love to repeat the experience. It is not possible, so I'll enjoy the experience by reading about your adventures. Whoops - there are no adventures, at least that I've been able to find. And of course, how is the commuting thing working. I;ve seen but one short hint. A lot more on both subjects would make for very fine reading, sir. How's that for a quiet, polite hint ? Best wishes, sir. P.S. Many pilots often say something to the effect that a junior left seat is always better than the alternatives. In your case, that may not be true. Staying senior in the right seat may give you the base and ability to hold schedule lines that suit your family needs for more than a year. You (and your family) may wish to remain 'over there' for well more than your experimental year. As friends tell me, 'A very senior guy, sorry - 'Pilot' in the right seat is not a bad thing...' I sure hope to see more and more frequent posts. Those commuting flights give you plenty of time . Best wishes, -Craig (Cedarglen)

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