DOT Secretary Elaine Chao last week said the administration might be reconsidering one of the most controversial elements of the 2010 Airline Safety and FAA Extension Act, the provision that requires Part 121 first officers on scheduled air carriers to possess an ATP rating before setting foot in the cockpit during regular revenue service. The bill also dramatically improved pilot training, improved duty and rest provisions and added a pilot record database for airlines to understand more about potential new hires.
Is a Change to the 1,500-Hour Pilot Rule in the Offing?
Key Takeaways:
- DOT Secretary Elaine Chao is considering re-evaluating the controversial 2010 rule requiring 1,500 flight hours for Part 121 airline first officers, linking it to a nationwide pilot shortage.
- Supporters of the 1,500-hour rule credit it with improved safety, but critics argue there's no direct evidence, and the Flight Safety Foundation suggests focusing on overall qualifications rather than just hours.
- The rule has inadvertently increased starting wages for first officers but has also created challenges for regional airlines in finding enough qualified pilots, particularly for captain positions.
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