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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.
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R-ATP Regulation to Reality
The newly-promulgated FAR 61.160 went into effect last week. Already, I am seeing positive changes in the aviation industry. Hiring is on a rapid up-swing, and rumors are starting to circulate about a liberal interpretation of the new first officer qualifications and certification rules. While discussing the potential for a pilot shortage last year, I…
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First Officer Qualification Rule in Detail
The new first officer qualifications are a hot topic. On July 10, the FAA released its Final Rule, which should appear in the Federal Register next week. Everyone has something to say about this. But opinions aside, all I can I find on the web is the text of the new rule and several paraphrased…
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First Officer Epoch Next August
Pilot employment qualifications are changing. For the potential first officer at a regional or major airline, this change will be huge. Currently, the requirements for acting as a first officer or second in command (SIC) of an airliner are simple. All it takes is a commercial pilot license. The captain is required to have an…