Well according to my local paper as a result of colgan 3407 necesary flight hours will most likely increase from 250 hours to 1500!  What costs $100k will now cost nearly $300k to be a commercial pilot.  Some of my local friends are already planning to protest this bill.

skoker wrote on Oct 2^nd, 2009 at 3:58pm:


I would question that source to find out the truth.  If that is the NTSB recommendation, that doesn't mean the FAA will do it.  Plus I highly doubt the hours just to get a commercial license will increase that much.  Maybe an ATP, but not a simple commercial.

DaveSims wrote on Oct 2^nd, 2009 at 5:40pm:

This is to get into the airlines.  Not just a simple single engine, commercial, I-can-fly-my-friend licence.  Its for minimum regional licence

Embry was mentioned in the article.

"Mica has been under preassure from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - a widly respected aviation school in his district - to ease the 1,500 hour requirement."

I should add, even now you have to have at least 500 hours total and usually 100 hours multi to interview with a regional and have a shot at getting hired.

Layne. wrote on Oct 3^rd, 2009 at 5:32am:


US, probably wouldn't affect you.

skoker wrote on Oct 3^rd, 2009 at 6:05pm:


No worky.

Leigh wrote on Oct 3^rd, 2009 at 11:42pm:


Pilot for RAAF, one of my goals to! But need to get a least a 75 on finals to get into ADFA (Australian Defence Force Academy) Or If I don't get THAT far I'm looking at Armament Tech 

Mazza wrote on Oct 3^rd, 2009 at 11:49pm:


well i didnt know that

our guy wasnt to helpful

but well it should be fairley easy to get above that well doing
Methods
English
Woodwork (bludge)
History
Physics

that should keep me busy for a while next year

if your school is anything like my school in year 11 you do stuff all its fun but hard because you need to remember that you might need it for next year

also the marks dont get givn to the gov. unlike in year 12 

These 'lawmakers' don't seem to be familiar with the process required to become an airline pilot.

250 hours is just the minimum requirement to apply for the Commercial rating. How often do the airlines hire pilots with less than 300 hours?

ive got sources in the airforce ATM so yer

The 'Buffalo News' article seems to indicate that the increased hours requirement would be for pilots in a Part 121 operation whereas the Part 135 minimum would remain 250 hours.  In other words, if you want to fly for Regionals or Majors - at least 1500 hours but for instructing or hauling checks, 250 hours - about ten months flying at 150 hrs per month for aspiring four-stripers.

you wont be paid much.

the job... any job... has to be worth the compensation.

unfortunately, many aviation jobs are not.

you end up putting WAY more in than you get out in return.

This bill being passed can only be a good thing

The Ruptured Duck wrote on Oct 16^th, 2009 at 9:44am:


In mid to late 2008, American Eagle Airlines hired a pilot applicant who had approximately 280 hours of total flight time. FACT - i was there.

in fact the average experience level of a majority of the new hires at Colgan Air, American Eagle Airlines, Mesa, and Chitaqua when i was working in the regional airline business -  was about 400-500 hours total flight experience.

trust me man. it happens, these "kids" get hired fresh out of riddle with no coast to coast experience, no hard IFR experience and no experience in the ice... wet behind the ears as they can be... i have watched it happen with my own eyes.

its a dangerous precedent which must be stopped.