Originally Posted by
crewdawg
Because they can. Do they need any other reason?
Yep, same reason a dog licks his balls. Because he can.
Originally Posted by
conquestdz
1500 hours is a firm number because you get a PIC type rating and ATP if you don't already have one.
Nope, you DON'T need 1500 hrs to be issued a PIC type rating. You can be a private pilot with way less than 1500 hours and issued a PIC type rating with a VFR restriction on it. YES they're out there. You can be a private pilot with an instrument rating with way less than 1500 hours, and STILL be issued an unrestricted PIC type rating.
The 1500 hours is for the ATP issuance ONLY, has noting to do with an unrestricted type.