Due to the devastating crash of Colgan
Air/Continental Express flight 3407 that took place in Buffalo, NY on February
12, 2009, it has truly led to some changes to requirements for obtaining an
airplane transport pilot license (ATP).
On August 1, 2010, President
Obama signed PL 111-216, The Airline Safety and Federal Aviation Administration
Extension Act of 2010, into law that includes many safety provisions. According to this Act, it list numerous of
requirements (key sections) for improving the safety of the American flying
public.
The Airline Safety and Federal Administration Extension
Act contains two titles and how they will be implemented in flying aviation. Title I explains safety improvement on Airport and
Airway Extension into seven different sections. Title II explains safety on
Airline Safety and Pilot Training Improvement into seventeen different sections. As you can see, Title II received a great
deal of attention due to the flight 3407 accident in 2009. The FAA proposes to allow pilots with an
aviation degree or military pilot experience to obtain an ATP certificate with
restricted privileges with fewer than 1,500 hours total time as a pilot. The
proposal also would require at least 1,000 flight hours in air carrier operations
in order to serve as a pilot in command in part 121 air carrier operations. The proposed requirements would most affect
any individual seeking an ATP certificate with an airplane category multiengine
class rating. The proposed requirements would also affect any person wanting to
serve as pilot in command (PIC) in part 121 air carrier operations as well as
an individual wishing to serve as PIC or second in command (SIC) (Federal Aviation
Administration, 2012). I can see this
affecting future pilots because of required flying time increased because of this
NPRM.
The way I see the proposed rules affecting my career
in Aviation Management is searching for pilots who meet these new requirements
to fulfill a pilot position that operates under part 121, 135, 141, 142 or 91 subpart
K. As I’m just listing one management
job duty, I’m not certain what management position may be in store for me in
the near future after graduation as entering into the aviation industry but I will
say that it may require managers extensive training in the aviation field of
safety or Systems Management Safety (SMS); section 215-requirements that needs
to be met for maximum safety for our flying public. I truly think that the curriculum for
aviation management programs will change if not done so already for learning leading to safety.
It will definitely benefit EMU aviation program and
other flight schools due to the increase in minimum of required flying time for
students. However, beneficial to all
flight schools, the demand of profit will increase and bring more income to
schools/certified flight instructors (CFI).
Students will have more familiarity and flight experience in the air due
to more flying time required, and more advanced airplanes maybe supplied to
flight schools. The only one flaw this
may have on flight schools is keeping young students in the air because of the
cost of flying. This was one reason why
I switched over to Aviation Management as my career because the cost of flying
is just shockingly high and was not able to manage the expenses to continue
flying at the time given.
I do feel that the changes are a good idea. The most important is to allow pilots to
experience more time flying passengers all over the world. Operating under Part 121, and with this
signed law taking place, pilots will be highly qualified to fly for any carrier
of their choice in aviation. However, these
requirements "might" reduce accidents in aviation, improper reaction (human factor)
will always play a role if not pertaining to aircraft malfunctions.
US Congress . (2010, August 1). Airline Safety and Federal Aviation Administration Expansion Act of 2010.
Retrieved January 25, 2013, from gpo.gov: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-111publ216/pdf/PLAW-111publ216.pdf
I agree with you, change is good. Pilots do need more experience to be able to accomplish tasks in difficult conditions. The safety of of this industry is based upon experience and preparation for the unexpected. If new solutions are made for students to finance flight hours, would you reconsider flight instead of management?
ReplyDeleteRyan, you have definitely identified many issues that will result from the passing of PL 111-216. The reality of managing the hiring and development of new pilots under the new restrictions could prove to be challenging. Clearly, it will be critical for aviation managers to develop new programs and partnerships with institutions in order to be successful at meeting airline pilot needs. The costs associated with the more demanding ATP certification requirements will definitely be a critical factor in determining the availability of new-hire pilot candidates. It will be interesting to see how different the available pilot training programs will look as more of these requirements have begun to be implemented. Maybe you will find that your future employer will be more than willing to help you get your flight hours, in interest of having more pilots on staff…
ReplyDeleteJay, I really do hope that the employer I work for as manager can pay for my flight training to start back flying again. I can honestly see that happening in the future; somewhat like a reinbursement program I should say...
DeleteI totally agree with you in that point( I truly think that the curriculum for aviation management programs will change if not done so already for learning leading to safety), and I think the most of aviation management program will concentrate on safety level and most of their training will be on safety.
ReplyDeleteRyan:
ReplyDeleteI agree that aviation managers may need some additional training. Other than filling pilot positions, how will this law affect you as a manager?
Do you feel that the 1,500-hour rule will really provide pilots with more experience?