Originally Posted by
TNDeltaFlyboy
What rock have you been living under? Before the 1500 hour rule, it was not uncommon for people to get hired with 250 hours. It was the 1500 hour rule that did away with that low time hiring. I had many hired before me at my former regional that were 250 hour "wonders." I certainly didn't have any animosity towards them. I think you are talking about the early 2000s and earlier. Back then, yes, you had to have several thousands of hours. Not long after 9/11 is when the mins for the regionals lowered drastically.
It's quite eye-opening how quickly we got used to the idea of 1500 hours minimum when most of us were dying to get hired on at 250. I never say never, but I just don't see the 1500 hour getting repealed any time soon. If that happened, it would only be a bandaid on a gushing wound.
There came a time from 2005-ish until the 1500 hour rule where this is correct.
In 2003, I couldn't get a call from anyone until I had 1700 hours AND 350 multi-engine.