House Passes Bill to Toughen Pilot Training Rules - Political News - FOXNews.com

Accompanying tv news story said entry level hour requirement is now 1500 hours. Didn't specifically mention ATP but sure sounds like it.

Finally! Our unions work together to save our profession. Great job, CAPA.

HOUSE PASSES IMPORTANT AIRLINE SAFETY AND PILOT TRAINING BILL


Washington, DC - October 14, 2009. Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed important aviation safety legislation. H.R. 3371, the "Airline Safety and Pilot Training Improvement Act of 2009," is a bipartisan bill sponsored by Transportation Committee Chairman Jim Oberstar (D-MN), Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Jerry Costello (D-IL), and the ranking GOP members, John Mica (R-FL) and Tom Petri (R-WI). This legislation is strongly supported by the Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations (CAPA).

One of the key provisions in the bill would require that all pilots, Captains and First Officers alike, hold an FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license and have at least 1500 hours of flight time to fly FAA part 121commercial aircraft. A late change was made to the legislation allowing "credit" toward flight hours for specific academic training, which CAPA is opposed to, but overall HR 3371 goes a long way to address important safety issues. CAPA feels strongly that there is no substitute for actual experience in the cockpit and that "one level of safety" should be the standard for all ATP licensed pilots.

H.R. 3371 contains other important provisions that would require firm implementation dates for new Flight Time and Duty Time limitations, require the implementation of Fatigue Risk Management Systems to more adequately track pilot fatigue, and facilitate the establishment of Aviation Safety Action Programs (ASAP) and Flight Operational Quality Assurance (FOQA) programs by all commercial airlines and their Unions.

CAPA thanks Chairman Costello, Ranking Member Petri, the entire Aviation Subcommittee members and staff for this landmark achievement in aviation safety legislation. We fully support the effort to advance these critical safety provisions and stand ready to work with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Senate Commerce Committee to send a bill to President Obama this year that reflects the important principals laid out in H.R. 3371 which will improve safety for the American flying public.

Great, now can we work on fixing pay$$$?

did they say if 121 FOs already in the system who do not yet have their ATP would be grandfathered in? I was planning on waiting it out till I upgrade because I don't want to pay for it myself.

Great news. Maybe regional pay will come up in 10-15 years when they WONT be able to fill the seats.

The bill isnt final... but it currently says "ALL flightcrew members." Let's hope your regional doesn't cheap out....

Supply and demand. Regionals will have to pay more to keep their people rather than relying on it being a stepping stone.

Well three years is when the 65 y/o's will start to retire. I see a perfect storm brewing for us airline weenies.

Until the age 70 legislation...

1) CA's need it now so this was directed at FO's

2) If you work for an airline I would assume that it will be their responsibility to ATP you.