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

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

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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) flight hour minimums from 1,500 to 750 for pilots completing its LIFT program, arguing its training is comparable to military aviator standards.
This request faces strong opposition from the flight school and airline communities, including ALPA and FSANA, who contend that reducing minimums would compromise safety and negatively impact the quality of pilot training.
Opponents emphasize that the 1,500-hour rule was implemented following the 2009 Colgan Air crash to enhance aviation safety and that Republic's program does not match the rigorous selection and training of military pilots.
Concerns are also raised that lowered minimums could lead to increased turnover among flight instructors (CFIs), potentially degrading the overall quality of pilot instruction at flight schools.

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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.