Originally Posted by
Floy
If the ATP rule were to be changed and its a big IF, I'd say it matters more the type of hours. I wouldn't be worried about reducing the requirements for a restricted ATP to even 750 hours if those hours were achieved in a way that gives the pilot real world experience. 500 hours of jet SIC beats 1500 hours of GA flying any day IMO. I think that would enhance, not degrade safety. Again just one guy's opinion who's been working to train these pilots for a long time.
The rule already allows 750 hours for military trained pilots. There are several entry points for the ATP and all vary by education, training and experience. the catch all 1500 hours is only for those with no formal aviation education combined with formal training. In other words, the existing rule already recognizes the differences.
Is a 1000 SIC in 135 better than 1000 CFI preventing newbies from killing you, and knowing aviation well enough to explain and teach it to others? Certainly a topic for a good debate. All they're saying is by 1500 hours, even in a C150 going in circles you've learned enough to move on. Have others learned more, and will they be better prepared, absolutely. It's just the minimum experience required without the formal education and training, not the maximum.