Originally Posted by
USMCFLYR
They insisted that Great Lakes configure their aircraft like any other P135 operator.
It was GL that tried to get around actually removing their seats. The FAA stood firm that if they wanted to act like a P135 carrier that they BECOME a P135 carrier (at least on those specificed routes)
Their aircraft still flying P121 lines fly under those the appropriate rules are they not?
Well I do not get much inside data from there, but what you say sounds correct from what people say here about it.
The three main problems I have with it are
(1) it's is none other than a workaround of FAA rules (the ATP Rule) which are specifically intended to increase regional airline safety.
(2) the paying passengers do not know what is going on and probably would not like this if they did know what it means for them, and
(3) if the CA goes kaput you have a 250 (500?) hour wonder in charge of a dozen paying passengers in a Beech 1900 going 250kts in potentially bad weather with no certified gps or even a working autopilot.
Is it legal? Apparently. Is it safe? There is reason to doubt and/or debate that.