If FE hrs count for ATP, can Nav hrs count?
 

61.159 (c) (3) allows military FEs to count 3 for 1 hours towards their ATP 1500, i.e. if an FE had 1500 flight hrs, he/she can credit 500 of those toward their ATP mins. The FAR doesn't mention navs, so I'm just wondering if anyone has Don Quixote'd this windmill yet with a waiver request, legal finding request, etc. I know all the bomb-droppin' Navs have to maintain Instrument ratings (via IRC) and I think the AMC guys do as well. Saving 500 hours of CFI time would be a HUGE savings towards trying to get to the Regionals. Has anyone had success or failure on this issue yet?

This comes up every now and then.

The answer is No.

The question is, has anyone tried to challenge the rule?

No. WSOs do not have an Instrument Check Form 8.

OK, Instrument "Qual'd." IRC taken annually and for each checkride. All the approach plate reviews, etc. I don't think FEs on AMC jets do that stuff; nice that FEs get the ATP waiver, but why did the WSO community not get the same good deal as the FEs?
I just want to know if someone has tried to slay this dragon or not before I start my letter writin' campaign to the FAA and my local Congressman (who is a retired Nav btw).

S-3 NFO's have in the distant past logged some SIC and gotten away with it in the eyes of airline employers. But they had flight controls and even then it does not really standup to detailed regulatory scrutiny.

There's really nothing to challenge, the regs are written in a fairly clear manner. I think what you're talking about is a petition to change the regs, not challenge the existing ones. Call your congress-critter?

If you're airline bound, you'll probably get there quicker by building civilian flight time rather than titling at windmills in DC...

I had the privilege of getting some S-3 stick time back in 2001 off the TR. The cat shot was brutal, but awesome. I still have my purple holdback.
Guess I'll start the letter campaign...never up, never in.

Even if you get the FAA to help recognize it towards ATP mins, airlines may not recognize NFO/NAV time at all towards hiring mins etc.

Write all you want but don't put flying on the back burner for it. 500hours could be as little as 6-9 months working as a CFI...

I see your point...

Never trust a Nav that doesn't wear glasses.