Every once in a while when there is an accident, you hear arguments about regional airline training versus major airlines. I know a lot of people with anxiety are very apprehensive about flying on a regional airline. Let me try to explain some facts, & myths. First, there are three categories of airlines. One is a Major Airline such as Delta, American, & United, The next one is National Airlines which are airlines less known, but still big carriers. On example, is Midwest Express, Air Tran, Allegiant Air, & Spirit Airlines. Then you have Regional Airlines,or commuters like American Eagle, United Express, ASA ,Sky west, Piedmont, & Colgan. Regionals are like contractors contracted out by major carriers as feeders to fly into small cities that otherwise would not have air service. Regional's are a vital link to air travel around the world. When you purchase a ticket on Continental Airlines, it can be difficult to tell if you are flying on a mainline/major carrier, or a regional. You will have to ask specific questions, or pay attention when you buy your ticket which would tell you the airplane you will be on. What separate these air carriers are money. In other words, in order to be called a major air carrier that company must make over 1 billion in revenue a year. For national carrier status that airline must make from 100 million up to 1billion in revenue. So regional air carriers take in less then 100 million in revenue. But, major, national, & regional air carriers all have one thing in common. They are 121 schedule service. 121 air carrier operators have the highest standards,  regulations, & training. It wasn't always that case. Back in the mid-90's, the regional air carriers were under 135 regulations which were more lax compare to 121 operators. After a lot of regional/commuter accidents in the 90's, Congress, & the FAA mandated a change so there would be one level of safety,& training. The results were immediate. There was a huge reduction in small regional crashes for a while. The most recent two were the Continental Connection in Buffalo, NY in Februrary 09, & the one in Kentucky by Com Air in 2006. Yes, its true that the regionals have a lot less experience pilots. But, over all I think they do a wonderful job & a lot more work then what they are credited for. Regional pilots make more takeoffs, & landings then major pilots. They also fly into more bad weather on average compare to major airlines. They fly into more challenging airports. One minute they are flying out of an airport with sophisticated navigation like JFK then the next leg could be in the boone docks such as an airport with the worst navigation aides like Rutland, Vermont surrounded with mountains. The regional pilots do all of this for little pay. They average between 14,000 to 70,000. Most major airline pilots hone in their skills from either the military or Regionals. Both have good quality pilots. The major airlines hire pilots from both groups. But, the major airlines like to hire only regional pilots with demonstrated captain experience. You should not worry on your next flight. Flying still remains the safest mode of transportation.