Pilatus801

Yea it seems like the aftermath and 1,500 rule after Colgan was some desire to impose new regulations as if that would have made a difference in the crash. I suppose the victims' families were looking for blood and some federal changes and the government delivered. It was iMO a very knee-jerk reaction and another foolish move by our government that has a ripple affect that continues to hurt aspiring pilots.

The Colgan CA had over 3,000TT and the FO had over 2,200TT. I guess the CA had several failed check rides and perhaps was not a very good aviator as he stalled the plane all the way to the ground even while the stick shaker and pusher were working to save lives. Kind of a weird situation but now those of us working to move ahead in this career find yet another barrier to entry. I suppose in some regards the rule is good, but i believe individual pilots should be judged and graded on their individual capabilities and performance and we shouldn't have a blanket total hours rule for all pilots.

who knows, maybe the rule will be modified at some point depending on how bad airlines are hurting in the next few years.

Firefighterpilo

Trust me you don’t want them relaxing the requirements. You must be new to aviation. The 1500 hour rule is single handily the reason regional pay has gone up to a semi livable wage. You can’t grade a pilots capabilities without experience and a sub 1500 hour pilot has no real experience to grade upon. Don’t look at it as an arbitrary number but more of an experience requirement to fly paying passengers around the country.

Pilatus801

I think it measures the wrong thing. Imagine a pilot with 1,500 hours and virtually all of that time is in a C-152 and within 50 miles of his/her home airport. Light aircraft flying like that only gets you so far and has limited benefits and experience. Now compare that to someone with 850 hours who has 100s of hours in multi engine, complex non-typed aircraft. Which pilot would you prefer to fly a bunch of Pax around the country?

4V14T0R

Everyone always focuses on the hour requirement when they should be focused on the certification/PIC type requirement. The law was for everyone who flies an airliner to have the same qualifications (ATP). The hours for the ATP have not changed except to help those that have a more thorough training background. Yes a barrier to entry was created, but it is my firm belief that everyone on the flight deck should have the same qualifications. Honestly, if one can’t get the hours for an ATP or restricted ATP it shows a lack of dedication, perseverance, and they probably shouldn’t be on the flight deck. 1500 hours is a small ask for potentially a 40+ year career.


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PRS Guitars

I was going to reply until I read post # 10 by JohnBurke...he nailed it. OP, you need to read that reply again, as well as others. It’s unbelievable to me how some folks want everything instantly.

Oh and to answer your original question, about pilots who’ve given up because of the struggle to get to 1500 hours...fine by me, they probably weren’t cut out for this line of work. Much like a med student or law school student that quits.

Pilatus801

I never asked for everything instantly nor is that my expectation. Its a discussion and you and others can all present their position and opinions. I know the rule is there and it has to be complied with. Just having a conversation here.

JohnBurke

There isn't a shortage; there never has been.

Regionals have long paid sub-poverty wages to those willing to prostitute themselves for the hours. Typically those were wet-behind-ears kids who'd do whatever the needed to to get into a jet, which included very low pay. With a change to slightly higher requirements, a lull in those at the 250 hour mark vs. those with ATP minimums has lead to fewer available pilots as they work toward their ATP minimums outside the regional veil.

The issue of a degree is irrelevant at the early entry-level stages of aviation; regional airlines have always been an entry-level job.

Pilatus801

Why must i be new to aviation as you allege?? I'm not.

Firefighterpilo

Well, if you were flying in the late 90s and were around when 2001 hit you would understand the importance of the 1500 hour rule, and how that creates a needed barrier to entry or we will go back to the pay to play type regionals. When did you start flying? <10 years in my eyes is new to flying. I only have just over 20 and I still feel like a newbie somedays

galaxy flyer

Amazing! Everyone wants to a professional pilot, paid like a doctor; but aren’t willing to put in what amounts to 9 months of full-time work.

GF