I've been both...commuter and mainline. While the majority of commuter guys are just plain awesome...there is a contigent that still acts like high school drama class. I just don't see this type of behavior at the majors. There is a definite difference in behavior.
The commuter captain is 25 years old, single, wide eyed, with a new frontier to travel the world. The major captain is 52 with 2 kids in college, a seat on the local community college board and an established footprint in his community. There's something to be said for the maturation process and its impact on leadership and behavior. It may or may not be easily measurable...but it is definitely observable.
I'm not saying that the 25 year old commuter captain isn't good...he more than likely is outstanding. My point, and my opinion, is that the "newness" factor for the old guy is gone...and it leads to a broader perspective in the course of leadership. It also mitigates the "follow the cool crowd" attitude, as he doesn't care about leaving an impression...as much as he cares about unwittingly getting the job done in an understated, yet profesional manner.
There's an interesting dynamic...and a maturation process...for commuters guys going to the majors. Most were captains at their commuters. When they signed on with the major...they signed on for a long internship as a first officer. At this point they may not learn a whole lot more about flying...but will more than likely learn a whole lot about leadership and how to run a cockpit and manage a crew and 150 people.
