Reevaluating ATP Flight Experience Requirements for Future Pilots

Reassessing Flight Experience Requirements for the ATP Certificate Utah Valley University Duke Kubota Professor Troutt AVSC 410G 9 December 2023 Abstract This study looks at the current flight experience requirements for the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and makes the case for lowering them. The ATP certificate is the highest level of pilot certification in the United States. In order to qualify for the ATP certificate, pilots

must have a ton of flight experience. This requirement should be reevaluated in light of modifications to training programs, and the dynamic nature of the aviation industry. A more flexible approach to the ATP flight experience prerequisites is proposed, based on expert opinions and research studies. Introduction Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) is the highest certificate a pilot can get. In the past, the need for highly qualified and experienced pilots to guarantee the safety of commercial aviation travel justified the extensive flight experience requirements; however, in light of recent technological advancements in aviation, modifications to training programs, and changes in the aviation industry, these requirements have been reexamined. Origin of the rule The Airline Safety and Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2010 was enacted to increase the minimum flight hours required for ATP certification, with the goal of improving the overall competency and safety of airline pilots. The requirements for ATP flight experience originated in the wake of the 2009 Colgan Air Flight 3407 crash, which prompted regulatory bodies to reevaluate pilot training and certification standards. (Freeze, 2019) The disaster occurred as a result of pilot mistakes and reactions to the stick shaker, which alerted them of an undesirable aircraft state (stall) (James 2010). Furthermore, the company's regulations did not assist pilots who needed to commute before their flights. In truth, both pilots suffered from a long commute and a lack of rest before their duty time. Most crucially, there was evidence of a sterile cockpit violation, the captain's inability to properly supervise the operation, and Colgan Air's insufficient procedures for airspeed selection and control, all of which led to

the catastrophe. The crash killed all 45 passengers, two pilots, two flight attendants, and one person on the ground. Impact on industry This event and change in regulation have had a huge impact on the aviation industry, especially pilots. Not only did it create a shortage of pilots, but this created a huge challenge financially, and mentally for pilots in training because they know after training, they still have a long road ahead of them either trying to find a job or paying all that money renting airplanes. This issue will impact my life in the industry the most because it is the only thing that is preventing me from becoming an airline pilot and having my dream career. There are other issues in the aviation industry that impact my life and my journey but none so apparent in my life than the requirements to get my ATP certificate. If the FAA changed their mind and allowed commercial pilots to go to the airlines, I think the shortage of pilots may not have ever existed. What can I do to combat the issue? I know my one vote won't solve the problem, but there is something I can do to counter or express my concerns. I will first review the ATP certificate requirements to fully understand the requirements. I don't have an opinion on something I know nothing about. From there I can join Advocacy groups with a similar perspective or talk to industry stakeholders such as flight schools, pilot unions and aviation associations. In this way my argument carries a lot of weight because the airline industry needs flight schools and flight associations. If I feel strong, I can go as far as petitioning for a change, I can talk to some FAA authorities to express my concerns to people who agree. Ultimately, it's highly unlikely that anything will change anytime soon, and I

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don't feel very strongly about changing the law. I think this law is just too excessive and wasn’t the right response to the plane crash. What would I realistically change so the issue doesn’t exist? To ensure that these changes take effect, I must become knowledgeable about the FAA Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) procedures. Additionally, I should write a letter to the FAA outlining the principle of change and the methodology that an air carrier should follow for them to look into and consider it. Finally, it would be beneficial for me to set up a meeting with government officials, such as a state representative, in order to discuss the matter further and ensure that all opinions and ideas are shared and not influenced by a single individual. Really the thing that needs to be realistically changed would be the regulation. In order for that to happen, the minds of the lawmakers must change. For that to happen, more people need to be aware of the issue and the damage it may or may not be causing.

References AOPA. (2013). FAA Pilot Certification and Qualification Requirements for Air Carrier Operations - Final Rule. Retrieved October 22, 2020, from https://www.aopa.org/-/media/Files/AOPA/Home/Advocacy/faapilotcertificationandquali ficationrequirementsforaircarrieroperations.pdf FAA. Federal Aviation Administration Airline Transport Pilot and Type Rating for Airplane Applicants. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/pilots/training/atp NTSB. (2009, February 12). Loss of Control on Approach Colgan Air, Inc. Retrieved October 22, 2020, from https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/AAR1001.pd

Title Reassessing Flight Experience Requirements for the ATP

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