During the massive hiring and pilot shortages in the 60s, most MAJORS hired pilots with ZERO time. The airline hired the guy, said go get a commercial and instrument, when you are done you will start heavy metal class. Also, all the permanent F/Es on the props (former mechanics) were told the same, go get a commercial and instrument, and you will be upgraded, no longer being an F/E. This totaled 100s and 100s of guys with ZERO time suddenly flying 707s, 727s, DC-8s, etc.

While making a new 121 pilot have 1500 hours is not a bad thing, it is clearly a beaurocratic response to Buffalo!