Agency Oversight Is Not Keeping Pace With The Changes Occurring in That Segment Of The Industry
Regional air carriers operate over 40 percent of the nation’s commercial flights, making over 10,000 trips a day. These carriers began operating in the 1970s, primarily to provide flights to cities unable to support major airline service. While it has not suffered a major accident since 2009, the industry has recently undergone significant changes—including consolidations—and changes in requirements for pilots.