Mon, Feb 27, 2012
Would Require ATP, 1,500 Hours For First Officers
The FAA on Monday proposed to substantially raise the
qualification requirements for first officers who fly for U.S.
passenger and cargo airlines. Consistent with a mandate in the
Airline Safety and Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of
2010, the proposed rule would require first officers to hold
an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, requiring 1,500 hours
of pilot flight time. Currently, first officers are required to
have only a commercial pilot certificate, which requires 250 hours
of flight time. The proposal also would require first officers to
have an aircraft type rating, which involves additional training
and testing specific to the airplanes they fly.
(L-R) LaHood, Huerta
“Safety in all modes of transportation is our number-one
priority,” said Secretary LaHood. “This proposed rule
reflects our commitment to the safety of the traveling public by
making sure our pilots are the most qualified and best trained in
the world.”
“Our pilots need to have the right training and the right
qualifications so they can be prepared to handle any situation they
encounter in the cockpit,” said FAA Acting Administrator
Michael Huerta. “I believe this proposed rule will ensure our
nation’s pilots have the necessary skills and
experience.”
Other highlights of the proposed rule include:
- A requirement for a pilot to have a minimum of 1,000 flight
hours as a pilot in air carrier operations that require an ATP
prior to serving as a captain for a U.S. airline.
- Enhanced training requirements for an ATP certificate,
including 50 hours of multi-engine flight experience and completion
of a new FAA-approved training program.
- An allowance for pilots with fewer than 1,500 hours of flight
time, but who have an aviation degree or military pilot experience,
to obtain a “restricted privileges” ATP certificate.
These pilots could serve only as a first officer, not as a captain.
Former military pilots with 750 hours of flight time would be able
to apply for an ATP certificate with restricted privileges.
Graduates of a four-year baccalaureate aviation degree program
would be able to obtain an ATP with 1,000 hours of flight time,
only if they also obtained a commercial pilot certificate and
instrument rating from a pilot school affiliated with the
university or college.
The proposal addresses recommendations from an Aviation
Rulemaking Committee, the National Transportation Safety Board, and
the FAA’s Call to Action to improve airline safety. The
public may comment on the proposal for 60 days after publication on
February 29.
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