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Boeing MAX Safety Report Widely Misunderstood
Headlines about the recent NTSB Safety Recommendation Report on the 737 MAX design are focusing all attention on the report’s cover page. But is the report really about pilots reacting to emergencies in unexpected ways? I found the most relevant part of the report on page 5. This is where the NTSB described Boeing’s use…
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R-ATP Denied at Eastern Michigan University
A search on federal websites revealed the FAA denied Eastern Michigan University’s exemption petition for R-ATP flight training last month. “The FAA has fully considered the petitioner’s supporting information and has determined the relief requested is not in the public interest and would adversely affect safety.” This decision is not surprising in light of the two-year…
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R-ATP Denied at Baylor University
Part 141 flight training graduates have been denied participation in the R-ATP program again, this time at Baylor University. In its recent denial letter, the FAA explained that even though Baylor’s students are enrolled in an aviation degree program with part 141 ground and flight training, the lack of a ground training certificate in the…
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Denial of R-ATP Exemption for MSU Denver
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) this week denied an exemption to the Metropolitan State University of Denver that would allow graduates of Part 61 flight training to become eligible for restricted ATP (R-ATP) certification. This is a complete reversal from the decision issued last week to Purdue University. In denying MSU Denver, the FAA writes, “the…
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R-ATP Part 61 Exemption for Purdue University
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) this week granted an exemption to Purdue University allowing graduates of Part 61 flight training to become eligible for restricted ATP (R-ATP) certification with reduced experience requirements. This exemption is retroactive. It is effective for all Purdue graduates from 2009 through 2016. The R-ATP check rides can be conducted through…
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Pilot Shortage Update
The release of December 2013 airmen statistics indicated another increase in the number of airline-qualified pilots in the United States. Labor statistics also showed an increase in pilot employment last year. As a country, we do not seem to be running out of pilots by any numerical measure. A deeper analysis is always more interesting, of…
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First R-ATP Authorizations Announced
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) this week issued the first Letters of Authorization for universities to make their graduates eligible for an airline pilot certificate under FAR 61.160. These three universities can now officially certify graduates as qualifying for a restricted privileges airline transport pilot (R-ATP) check ride.