In August 2013, pilots seeking to fly in air carrier operations in the United States will see a sharp increase in flight time and certification requirements. The Pilot Certification and Qualification Requirements rule, expected to be published in the Federal Register on May 17, 2013, amends pilot eligibility and qualification requirements and modifies the requirements for an airline transport pilot (ATP) certificate. The rulemaking, a result of the Airline Safety and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Extension Act of 2010, aims to ensure that pilots have more experience, especially in difficult operational conditions, before they are hired by U.S. passenger and cargo airlines.
The rule is now in executive clearance following closure of the public comment period on April 30, 2012. If published on schedule, it will go into effect Aug. 1.
Known colloquially as the “1,500-hour rule,” the proposal primarily affects first officers (FOs), who will be required to hold an…
