Colgan Air Accident-Driven Changes to Part 121 Flight Operations: It is Time for Phase Two (Editorial)

Abstract

It has been just one year since the FAA mandated a minimum of 1500 total flight hours for all part 121 pilots and the implementation of the corresponding 3-tier restricted ATP program based on reduced flight hours. It is time to consider alternatives that meet both the concerns of congress and the concerns of the Colgan Air mishap families, while simultaneously being sensitive to the industry pilot shortage. How did we get here and are there any off-the-shelf alternatives to the three tiers to help get pilots into the left seat sooner?