maybe this would be helped if the company was required to positive space you in at some point and put you up.... I know that will never happen...just a thought.
The company I fly for now buys us airline tickets and puts us in a hotel so that we have 12 hours rest before our trip starts.
Meanwhile, Pinnacle Airlines hire's pilots with 250 hours total time with no discretion to hiring more qualified pilots with a little things called ----> "Experience"
I'm sure they have hired guys with a commercial and under 250 hours.
Other regionals have hired guys under 200 hours, and without a commercial, back in early 2008.
...and there is no 1500 hour requirement. It is a requirement to have an ATP, with other specific requirements to obtain the ATP. The FAA will make the rules to set the final requirements for the ATP. And, if Congress doesn't like it (as they didn't like the FAA's decisions on Age 65), Congress can change the final rule to whatever they want.
cliff
GRB