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) hour requirement for its LIFT program graduates to 750 hours, claiming its training is comparable to military aviators.
The petition faces widespread opposition from the aviation community, including pilot unions and flight school associations, who argue that lowering minimums would compromise safety and undermine the 1,500-hour rule established after the 2009 Colgan Air crash.
Critics also contend that this exemption would negatively impact flight schools by increasing flight instructor turnover, potentially decreasing the overall quality of pilot training.
Concerns are raised about the validity of comparing civilian airline training to the military's rigorous selection and training processes, with some suggesting low regional airline pilot pay is the root cause of perceived pilot shortages.

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.