U.S. denies Republic Airways bid to reduce co-pilot training hours

WASHINGTON, Sept 19 (Reuters) – The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mentioned on Monday it had denied a request by regional airline Republic Airways to scale back the variety of hours wanted to coach a co-pilot.

The FAA mentioned it disagreed with the airline’s argument for permitting solely 750 hours of flight expertise as a substitute of 1,500 hours. The top of a pilots union hailed the choice as a “large win” for flying security whereas Republic’s CEO mentioned he was dissatisfied on the choice, saying Republic’s proposal would have enhanced security.

Indiana-based Republic had sought an exemption that may permit graduates from its pilot coaching program to use for a restricted airline transport pilot certificates with the identical diminished aeronautical expertise as navy or former navy pilots.

Republic flies practically 1,000 every day flights to 100 cities in 40 U.S. states and operates underneath main airline accomplice manufacturers of American Eagle (AAL.O), Delta Connection (DAL.N) and United Categorical (UAL.O).

The FAA mentioned the airline’s new coaching program doesn’t present an equal degree of security because the regulation requiring 1,500 hours of flight expertise earlier than a pilot may fit for an airline.

A number of unions had opposed Republic’s request, with some arguing {that a} discount in flight hours and leisure of requirements “would jeopardize security and lead to inexperienced pilots,” the FAA mentioned.

Some regional airways say they’re going through a pilot scarcity and are unable to seek out sufficient certified pilots to satisfy demand.

Republic Chief Government Bryan Bedford mentioned the airline was “dissatisfied – however not stunned – that our petition to the FAA was not met with the evaluate and engagement it deserves.”

He mentioned Republic’s proposal “would improve security by offering college students a extremely structured, mission-specific coaching method” and “open the door to a wealthy profession in aviation to any college students who can not in any other case afford to take part.”

Air Line Pilots Affiliation President Joe DePete mentioned the FAA choice “is a big win for aviation security and for the flying public.”

The rules to spice up flight hours for co-pilots stemmed partially from the February 2009 crash of Colgan Air Flight 3407 in upstate New York that killed 50 individuals. It was the final main U.S. deadly passenger airline crash.

In July, a bunch of Republicans in Congress proposed laws to lift the obligatory industrial pilot retirement age to 67 from 65, in a bid to handle airline staffing points. The proposal would require pilots over age 65 to cross a rigorous medical screening each six months. learn extra

Reporting by David Shepardson; modifying by Jonathan Oatis, Leslie Adler and David Gregorio

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