Republic R-ATP Petition Draws Backlash From Airline, Flight School Groups

Monday, June 06, 2022 at 06:14 PM ET

Verified

Republic states that its R-ATP program will make airline career opportunities more accessible for qualified individuals from underrepresented groups. Others say the drop in requirements is too dangerous. [Courtesy: Republic Airways]

Key Takeaways:

Republic Airways has petitioned the FAA to lower the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate minimum hours for its pilots to 750, arguing its training program is equivalent to military aviation training.
This petition faces strong opposition from the aviation community, including pilot unions and flight school associations, who dispute Republic's claims and warn that lowering standards would compromise safety and harm the industry.
Opponents highlight that the 1,500-hour rule was implemented for enhanced safety following the Colgan Air Flight 3407 crash and fear reducing experience requirements would lead to less experienced instructors and lower overall training quality.
Critics also suggest that the perceived pilot shortage is primarily due to low regional airline pay, rather than a lack of qualified candidates, and that lowering experience minimums would not resolve this issue.

See a mistake? Contact us.

A petition by Republic Airways to the FAA asking for an exemption to the 1,500 total time rule for the airline transport pilot (ATP) certificate is generating a strong negative response from the flight school and airline community.

The request for exemption was sent to the FAA last month. The airline alleges that its Leadership in Flight Training program is comparable to the training required of military aviators, therefore the airline is asking that its applicants be granted the restricted ATP certification of 750 hours, the same as military trained aviators.