I take issue with Mr. Sigmon’s argument that a history of failed checkrides doesn’t necessarily indicate a substandard airman (Unicom, June 2023). As a pilot of nearly 63 years (and still flying), 37 of which were with airlines, 34 with a major U.S. carrier, plus eight transport category type ratings and nine years as a check airman and flight manager, I can attest that there are just some people who aren’t mentally or physically equipped to fly professionally. These folks are definitely in the minority, but they do exist. A litany of failed checkrides and marginal performance definitely raises a red flag, as well it should!
A pilot’s training background isn’t necessarily a smoking gun either. I’ve seen military pilots who were just as lacking as their civilian counterparts. In my opinion, a pilot is a pilot; you either have it or you don’t.
