Regional airlines are beginning to feel the strain of an emerging pilot shortage, brought on by increasing retirements at major carriers and the FAA’s recent rule change requiring new airline pilots to have more flying experience before landing their first job in the right seat.
The FAA in July 2013 implemented new rules that require airline pilots to hold an Airline Transport Pilot certificate instead of a Commercial pilot’s license, upping the required time to become a regional airline first officer to 1,500 hours from 250 hours.
