Well you get the hours, and the training, and the test....
For example for the instrument rating I'm finishing up, you need the
obvious training, a written test, and various kinds of flights. If you
just got your private and go immediately on to your instrument, the
harder part is really getting all the time you need for
PIC (Pilot in command) cross country time - xcountry defined as
taking off and flying somewhere and touching down 50 nautical miles
away. You don't need an instrument rating to get a T-6, its another
checkout / certificate if you will, actually entry in the log book!
essentially - training time - no formal FAA test required.
The big thing is if you're a newly minted pilot is building your time - since
getting insured is the hardest part - and they're looking at ratings you
have, training, type of aircraft you're flying and time in type.
I have to admit, the tailwheel certificate made me a much better pilot
after getting my private, particularly sharpening up my landings, slips,
and aircraft handling, but the instrument really makes you get the feel
of your aircraft and what it takes to make it fly at particular speeds, turns, and awareness that get you to that point of the final act of touching
touching down. It too really really does make you a better more aware
pilot than I had originally thought it would.
And yes, I kinda hope they would take it down from 1000 to 500, as
it would be years to build that kind of time. Considering unless you're
lucky and happen to be particularly fortunate, you won't often be owning a
T6 until your late 30's or 40's, and then you'd probably want to have
started flying in your 20's.... If you figure an average pilot with a full
day job (and did I say family?) may be lucky to get up once or twice a week say for an hour or two, that often builds up to less than
100 hrs /year. At my rate they'll insure me with a T6 when I'm almost
50, unless I hit the lottery and can quit the day job. Not to mention
getting the kids college funds topped off beforehand.
henning