Originally Posted by sqwkvfr

No, it is not.

This ATP requirement is going to lead to a shortage of people with 1500 hours willing to work for regional airlines and a subsequent move toward a "frozen ATP" like the JAA/EASA countries (states?) of Europe.

....a system where only the rich get to play and any idiot with the money can find himself with a "frozen" ATPL, 200-some hours and a direct entry into the right seat of a mainline aircraft.

This 1500 hour ATP requirement is a bad thing....no matter how well intentioned, it will backfire and not work to our benefit.

Remember, you heard it here first.