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) minimum hour requirement for its pilots from 1,500 to 750, claiming its internal training program is comparable to military standards.
The petition faces strong negative feedback from aviation groups like ALPA and the Flight School Association of North America (FSANA), who argue it would compromise safety and pilot quality.
Opponents emphasize that the 1,500-hour rule was a safety measure implemented after the Colgan Air Flight 3407 crash, and military pilot training involves significantly more rigorous selection and conditioning than Republic's program.
Concerns also include the potential for increased flight instructor (CFI) turnover at flight schools, which could reduce training quality, and the suggestion that low regional airline pay, not pilot experience, is the root cause of staffing issues.

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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.